Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Manuel Alfonso Santana-Rivera

Dorado

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Project Manager with extensive expertise in disaster recovery, federal fund management, and large-scale project supervision. Known for exceptional attention to detail and the ability to lead and motivate teams of 18+ employees, I bring a strong track record of managing complex projects and serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in disaster recovery. Leveraging in-depth consulting experience, I have successfully assisted recipients and applicants in obligating over $400 million in federal funds through FEMA and spearheaded task force efforts that led to critical proposal approvals. Additionally, I validated over $700 million across multiple projects, driving significant recovery and development initiatives for Puerto Rico.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER

DCMC Partners
Guaynabo
03.2024 - 10.2024
  • Managed complex projects across 25 municipalities, 27 state agencies, and 130 private non-profit organizations, ensuring seamless coordination among diverse stakeholders
  • Led a team of 18+ employees, promoting collaboration and achieving milestones aligned with project timelines and budgets
  • Spearheaded high-profile projects, including the $260M cemetery project in Lares and $29M municipality of Arroyo project, ensuring adherence to federal guidelines
  • Developed and implemented mitigation measures to manage risks effectively while meeting client needs
  • Developed comprehensive project management timeline schedules for entire projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to federal funding guidelines
  • Successfully coordinated with cross-functional teams to align project milestones, deliverables, and deadlines, resulting in timely and compliant project execution
  • Devised repair methods that facilitated the efficient allocation of over $300M in federal funds
  • Collaborated with project managers and stakeholders to ensure alignment of project objectives and deliverables, achieving a 100% improvement in client satisfaction ratings
  • Prepared Monthly Operating Reports (MORs) to track project progress, budgets, and timelines
  • Conducted employee evaluations to assess performance, foster development, and align efforts with organizational objectives
  • Developed Comprehensive Corrective Action Plans to implement adequate internal controls and best practices for effective management of state and federal funds
  • Provided support on the preparation of Requests for Quotes or Qualifications (RFQ) and Requests for Proposals (RFP) in accordance with client needs and federal funding guidelines
  • Collaborated with FEMA task force teams to assist clients in obligating over $200M in federal funding
  • Revised and aligned detailed scopes of work in accordance with federal funding guidelines
  • Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Disaster Recovery with significant consulting and federal fund management experience
  • Validated projects worth $600M to ensure compliance and funding eligibility
  • Supervisor: Naitzabes Martinez | Contact: (787) 415-1088

PA Public Assistance/Program Delivery Manager and Mentor

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Guaynabo
06.2019 - 03.2024
  • Mentor, manage, supervise, and implement work for Puerto Rico Department Education (PRDE) FEMA Accelerated Award Strategy (FAASt) Grand obligation of $2.29 billion, as well as subsequent repair/recovery projects
  • Develop professional support through reviews of applicant data to provide eligibility recommendations and prioritize assignments, including the Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) process
  • Lead and act as a liaison for applicants, ensuring smooth communication by facilitating meetings, tracking requests, and following up on key project actions
  • Managed and developed over 42 complex worksheets resulting in the obligation of over $229M in Public Assistance funds
  • Coordinate document transmittals through Consolidated Resource Centers, schedule site inspections with applicants and task force leaders, and determine when technical expertise is required
  • Evaluate situational criteria to provide programmatic determinations based on laws, policies, and regulations within the Public Assistance Program
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews of grants to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adequate supporting documentation
  • Lead and train PA team members on the 428 PR Alternative Procedure Policy, Grants Manager System, site inspection techniques, and proper documentation methods
  • Oversee claims processes, review and validate damage details and scopes of work, and provide consulting on eligibility determinations
  • Provide professional support and guidance to recipients and subrecipients on Improved and Alternate Projects
  • Assist with the development of Determination Memos and communicate final decisions to applicants during the closeout phase
  • Conduct exit briefings with recipients, subrecipients, and FEMA personnel to summarize outcomes and address any outstanding issues
  • Provide technical assistance and act as Acting PDTFL by offering staff guidance and ensuring delivery of programs and services
  • Assess applicants for permanent work (Categories E-G) under Program 428 and Bipartisan Budget Act standards
  • Monitor project progress, ensure quality control, and adjust strategies as needed throughout the process
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to differentiate duplicated damages between disasters (DRs 4439 and 4473)
  • Verify and approve Damage Inventories (DI), Work Orders (WO), and Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD) in the Grants Manager system
  • Act as a mentor to coworkers on policy implementation and procedural improvements
  • Collaborate closely with FEMA management to resolve complex Project Worksheets (PWs), obtain necessary approvals, and respond to inquiries
  • Formulate and process project amendments and small project completion certifications in alignment with Public Assistance Phases
  • Implement the Stafford Act and identify eligible disaster-related damage based on applicable policies, laws, and regulations
  • Provide guidance to regional activities to ensure continuity of essential functions and oversee disaster response operations
  • Supervisor: Ana Vidal | Contact: (407) 758-1433

PA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CREW LEADER (PACL)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Guaynabo
10.2018 - 06.2019
  • Grants and Project Management: Utilized FEMA's Grants Manager Program to document and manage Public Assistance (PA) projects within the web-based Emergency Management Mission Integrated Environment (EMMIE)
  • Contributed to the execution of action plans to complete 1,109 school site inspections within 60 days, resulting in $127 million in emergency work awards (Categories A and B)
  • Federal Grants Administration: Managed and implemented federal grants and cooperative agreements by analyzing complex data, identifying issues, and recommending solutions
  • Ensured compliance through on-site and desk reviews, processing amendments, extensions, funding adjustments, and de-obligations
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison: Served as a primary contact for grant recipients, offering clarification and solutions to complex issues
  • Maintained effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, customers, and project teams, ensuring alignment with agency objectives
  • Emergency Preparedness and Coordination: Coordinated and provided technical leadership in federal emergency preparedness activities, including communications interoperability and occupant emergency programs
  • Acted as a subject matter expert on project and program development related to technical assistance, alert notifications, response, and situational awareness
  • Hazard Mitigation and Technical Proficiency: Developed and coordinated hazard mitigation project worksheets by accurately measuring and calculating quantities
  • Familiarity with the Hazard Mitigation Grants Program enabled effective integration of mitigation strategies into broader project goals
  • Change Management and Process Improvement: Created change management strategies for Finance System Modernization program initiatives, focusing on communication, readiness assessments, realignment, and training/performance metrics
  • Engaged consistently with project teams to integrate key change initiatives
  • Reporting and Assessments: Conducted and prepared detailed site visit reports and assessments, providing insights and supporting continuous improvement of project initiatives
  • Supervisor: Danna Planas | Contact: 202-704-4582

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE / PROJECT SPECIALIST

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Guaynabo
01.2017 - 10.2018
  • Grants and Project Documentation: Utilized FEMA's Grants Manager Program and EMMIE to formulate, document, and manage Public Assistance (PA) projects
  • Played a key role in executing a high-impact action plan, which facilitated 1,109 school site inspections within a 60-day period, awarding $127 million in emergency work (Categories A and B) to applicants
  • Federal Grant Management: Engaged in the comprehensive management of federal grants and cooperative agreements, including data analysis, problem-solving, and issue resolution
  • Conducted thorough on-site and desk reviews to ensure grant compliance with federal regulations, processed amendments, extensions, and managed funding adjustments
  • Customer Relations and Stakeholder Communication: Acted as a liaison to grant recipients and external customers, providing expert clarification and solutions for complex grant issues
  • Communicated effectively with internal and external stakeholders, utilizing bilingual skills (English and Spanish) to support Finance System Modernization program updates and foster clear communication
  • Emergency Preparedness and Program Coordination: Coordinated and led emergency preparedness initiatives, including communications interoperability and occupant emergency programs
  • Developed programs related to response, situational awareness, alert notifications, and technical assistance, providing robust support for federal emergency preparedness efforts
  • Technical Proficiency in Hazard Mitigation: Demonstrated strong knowledge of the Hazard Mitigation Grants Program, developing project worksheets that utilized precise measurements and quantities for accurate mitigation planning
  • Change Management: Created change management strategies for program initiatives, focusing on communication, readiness assessments, organizational realignment, and performance metrics
  • Collaborated closely with key project teams to ensure successful integration of change management initiatives within agency plans
  • Field Reporting and Compliance Assessments: Conducted and documented detailed field site visits, providing assessments to support continuous program improvement and ensure adherence to federal compliance standards
  • Supervisor: Sharon King | Contact: 202-286-8147

Owner

GMAS INVESTMENTS LLC
Cypress Gardens
09.2016 - 11.2017
  • Data Management and Financial Analysis: Created and implemented data collection and management techniques for tracking expenses and revenue per project to accurately assess profitability
  • Conducted data analysis to improve corporate guidelines while maintaining profitability, including validation and quality control to ensure consistent data accuracy
  • Budgeting and Cost Estimation: Developed detailed project cost estimates and managed budgetary controls to ensure timely, on-budget project completion
  • Used tools like RS Means to validate cost data and developed comprehensive financial management processes to identify potential budget surpluses or deficits
  • Construction Project Management: Supervised residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, overseeing subcontractors, performing site inspections, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards
  • Coordinated design/build projects and organized project meetings, bids, and schedules to optimize project timelines and resource allocation
  • Operational Planning and Supervision: Created short- and long-term project plans, setting milestones and deadlines while ensuring team synergy across multiple units
  • Provided leadership as the point of contact for project teams, maintaining alignment with company goals, and adjusting schedules and targets based on project needs and financing
  • Stakeholder Communication and Reporting: Maintained open communication with executives and the board, aligning projects with organizational objectives
  • Produced and analyzed operational data to meet company goals and performed quality control to uphold expected standards
  • Led briefings and meetings to advise management, contributing to acquisition plans and investment strategies
  • Tenant and Property Management: Handled tenant communications, processed applications, verified eligibility, and maintained compliance with rural development guidelines
  • Collected rent, scheduled service calls, and conducted unit inspections
  • Managed databases, forms, and tenant files, ensuring efficient data entry and retrieval
  • Investment Portfolio Management: Formulated capital planning policies, analyzed investment portfolios, and reconciled the structure with business processes
  • Reviewed financial policies and regulations to maintain fiscal responsibility, identifying potential budget surpluses and deficits and recommending resolution strategies
  • Contracting and Acquisition Support: Analyzed fiscal guidelines, participated in acquisition planning, and provided insights used by Contracting Activity components
  • Conducted financial analysis and prepared reports on property status, coordinating insurance, workers' compensation, and payroll

Owner

GMAS CONTRACTORS, INC.
Rio Piedras
08.2010 - 08.2016
  • Business Operations and Compliance: Managed and compiled essential business documentation, including licenses, surety bonds, and insurance policies, to ensure compliance and secure client assurance
  • Prepared and presented technical data for government contract bids and led client negotiations, contract agreements, and deal closures
  • Construction Project Leadership: Directed residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects from initiation through completion, including project scheduling, cost estimation, and site inspections
  • Supervised subcontractors conducted project coordination meetings, and managed design/build projects, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and regulatory standards
  • Technical and Contractual Expertise: Developed and reviewed contracts, specifications, cost estimates, and progress schedules
  • Led weekly project progress meetings, reviewed submittals and shop drawings, and ensured all activities aligned with funding, scope, and schedule requirements
  • Managed all client progress meetings, invoicing, cost controls, variation claims, and payment resolution
  • Project and Resource Planning: Prepared comprehensive resource plans and budget allocations to achieve investment objectives
  • Determined equipment and material requirements, monitored procurement processes, predicted project changes, and implemented risk mitigation strategies
  • Regulatory Compliance and Permitting: Facilitated construction permitting processes, coordinating with various government agencies to secure necessary permits and endorsements
  • Developed emergency management, safety, and security plans in alignment with DHS, FEMA, EPA, OSHA, and other federal and local regulations
  • IT Acquisition and Process Improvement: Conducted studies on IT acquisition management to recommend and implement efficiency improvements within related operations
  • Analyzed data to enhance productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency across the organization's IT and acquisition programs
  • Financial Oversight and Client Relations: Established budget controls and tracked project finances, ensuring on-time, accurate client invoicing and prompt collection of payments
  • Actively managed client relationships, resolving past-due payments and maintaining ongoing communication throughout the project lifecycle
  • Construction Site and Resource Management: Led on-site management of construction materials and tools, coordinated project workflows, and optimized the use of on-site resources, including earthwork analysis and soil management to minimize off-site disposal
  • Organizational Development and Workforce Training: Conducted research and needs assessments for workforce development, including course development and professional skills training
  • Designed and implemented team-building, technical improvement, and soft-skills enhancement programs
  • Emergency Preparedness and Continuity Planning: Developed continuity of operations and emergency management plans, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulatory guidance for critical infrastructure and public safety

Vice President

DANA CONTRACTORS, INC.
Gurabo
09.2009 - 07.2010
  • Leadership in Construction Management: Directed residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, overseeing project scope from initiation through completion
  • Supervised construction teams, coordinated project workflows, and ensured alignment with quality, safety, and regulatory standards
  • Strategic Planning and Budget Management: Actively participated in strategic planning meetings, providing expert recommendations on project estimates, budgets, and cost validation using RS Means
  • Reviewed departmental training budgets and suggested adjustments to optimize resources and meet organizational objectives
  • Restoration and Asbestos Abatement Expertise: Specialized in restoration initiatives and asbestos abatement in government and public buildings, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations
  • Construction Processes and Materials Knowledge: Leveraged extensive knowledge of construction materials, site preparation, concrete foundations, and general carpentry to complete projects on time and within scope
  • Skilled in utilizing hand and power tools, including air compressors, core drills, and carpenter levels, to enhance project efficiency
  • Policy and Program Development: Developed and analyzed a variety of directives, policies, and criteria for training operations, ensuring their effective impact across various programs
  • Supported the creation of detailed plans, directives, and procedures, contributing to the optimization of training and operational outcomes
  • Communication and Technical Skills: Demonstrated strong trade-related math skills and communication abilities, promoting a safe, organized, and productive job site environment

Education

MBA - Human Resources Management

• Interamerican University
San German Campus
06-2001

MBA - Marketing Management

• Interamerican University
San German Campus
01-2000

BBA - Business Administration And Management

• University of Puerto Rico
Aguadilla Campus
05-1998

Certificate - Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Polytechnical University
San Juan Campus

Skills

SKILLS

Project Management: Budgeting, Planning, Risk Mitigation, and Team Leadership

Disaster Recovery Expertise: Federal Fund Management, FEMA Consulting, and Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with Municipalities, State Agencies, and Private Organizations

Communication Skills: Proposal Development, Client Relations, and Team Coordination

Financial Oversight: Corrective Action Plans, Internal Controls, and Compliance with Federal Regulations

Communication Skills: Proposal Development, Client Relations, and Team Coordination Scope Management

Timeline

DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER

DCMC Partners
03.2024 - 10.2024

PA Public Assistance/Program Delivery Manager and Mentor

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
06.2019 - 03.2024

PA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CREW LEADER (PACL)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
10.2018 - 06.2019

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE / PROJECT SPECIALIST

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
01.2017 - 10.2018

Owner

GMAS INVESTMENTS LLC
09.2016 - 11.2017

Owner

GMAS CONTRACTORS, INC.
08.2010 - 08.2016

Vice President

DANA CONTRACTORS, INC.
09.2009 - 07.2010

MBA - Human Resources Management

• Interamerican University

MBA - Marketing Management

• Interamerican University

BBA - Business Administration And Management

• University of Puerto Rico

Certificate - Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Polytechnical University

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Manuel Alfonso Santana-Rivera