Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
LANGUAGES
Additional Information
Timeline
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YORMARI ACOSTA GONZALEZ, ESQ.

YORMARI ACOSTA GONZALEZ, ESQ.

San Juan

Summary

Skilled attorney with 11+ years of experience in federal law, regulations, policy, compliance, procurement, and contract management, within complex federally funded programs and disaster management. Subject-matter expert in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program policy and procurement. Proven expertise in evaluating Requests for Proposals (RFPs), preparing competitive proposals across diverse industries, analyzing procurement processes for legal compliance (including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, and 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200), managing end-to-end procurement cycles, and leading teams. Extensive experience with FEMA, FAA, Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and other federal grants. Proficient in Agile methodologies.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Counsel

McConnell Valdés LLC
10.2023 - Current
  • Provide integrated legal and business counsel on high-profile projects for a diverse clientele including premier hospitality brands, real estate developers, institutional investors, commercial lenders, public-private partnerships, and entities within the aviation, energy, life sciences, higher education, and technology sectors.
  • Counsel clients on structuring infrastructure developments and other initiatives to leverage federal funding sources like Economic Development Administration (EDA), CDBG-DR, Opportunity Zones, and other infrastructure grants.
  • Analyze federal/state RFPs and funding opportunity announcements to advise clients on response strategy, eligibility, and requirements alignment.
  • Prepare and draft compelling, compliant proposals and grant applications on behalf of clients in response to RFPs and funding opportunities, securing federal/state awards and contracts.
  • Craft RFPs on behalf of clients that adhere to all applicable federal and local laws and regulations, including rigorous compliance with FAR, FAA procurement regulations, and 2 CFR Part 200 procurement requirements.
  • Evaluate proposals and federal program guidelines to assess eligibility, compliance requirements, and opportunities/risks for clients.
  • Advise and represent clients in prosecuting and defending bid protests related to federal, state, and local government procurements.
  • Provide comprehensive contract drafting, review, and negotiation services for state, federally, and/or privately funded agreements and transactions.
  • Advise on federal and state procurement requirements (including FAR and FAA regulations), monitoring policies, reporting obligations, and ongoing compliance for FEMA, FAA, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and other federal agency programs.
  • Draft and negotiate a full suite of agreements for real estate development projects including purchase, financing, construction, operations/management, and joint venture contracts.
  • Conduct comprehensive due diligence for corporate transactions, financing deals, and real estate/hospitality development projects, meticulously reviewing financial records, key contracts, regulatory compliance status, and property titles.
  • Provide legal support for corporate structuring and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), assisting with due diligence investigations, drafting ancillary documents, and advising on regulatory requirements.
  • Research complex legal issues and author substantive memos analyzing findings and recommendations.
  • Furnish legal opinions and guidance to clients on specialized real estate, financing, and federal program matters.

Program Manager for Procurement and Compliance

IEM
02.2023 - 10.2023
  • Established the Compliance Department for the LUMA Energy project (initially 5 specialists), spearheading business development initiatives to expand the team to over 40 compliance and procurement specialists; led recruitment and onboarding efforts.
  • Led a multi-disciplinary team of compliance specialists, policy analysts, cost analysts, contract specialists, and
    invoice specialists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and upholding the highest standards of federal compliance.
  • Drove business development activities that resulted in the creation and award of two additional task orders to IEM, generating several million dollars in new company revenue.
  • Established and directed the Contract Management division/function within the Compliance Department for the LUMA Energy project, overseeing the full contract lifecycle to ensure federal compliance and mitigate risks.
  • Led contract formation processes, ensuring terms aligned with project objectives and federal funding requirements.
  • Provided comprehensive post-award contract administration, including managing task/delivery orders, coordinating with Accounts Payable for invoice processing and payment, and ensuring adherence to contract terms throughout execution.
  • Developed and implemented robust contract administration tools and procedures to standardize processes, enhance monitoring, and ensure federal compliance and audit readiness.
  • Managed contract reviews to confirm eligibility for federal grant reimbursement (e.g., FEMA PA, 2 CFR Part 200) and oversaw contract closeout procedures.
  • Established and directed the Cost Analysis Department within the Compliance Department.
  • Managed the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for processes exceeding $8 billion for the LUMA Energy project, ensuring strict adherence to federal funding guidelines (FEMA PA, HMGP, CDBG suite, 2 CFR Part 200, FAR) across all stages from planning and strategy to contract closeout.
  • Directed pre-award procurement lifecycle stages, encompassing market research, requirements definition, development of solicitations (RFPs, IFBs, IDIQs), proposal evaluation oversight, and cost/price analysis.
  • Spearheaded procurement documentation and contract reviews to ensure eligibility for federal grant reimbursement (e.g., FEMA PA) and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance (2 CFR Part 200).
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive procurement policies, procedures, contract administration tools, compliance monitoring frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies to standardize processes and ensure federal compliance and audit readiness.
  • Directed project execution using Agile methodologies and leveraging platforms like MS Project, Planner, and Asana to coordinate cross-project activities, manage resources, monitor performance, and ensure stakeholder alignment.
  • Contributed to key decisions regarding renewable energy integration and Puerto Rico's power grid rebuilding efforts.
  • Provided legal counsel on FEMA grant processes, eligibility, 2 CFR Part 200, and FAR.

Subject-Matter Expert - Policy

Hagerty Consulting
12.2022 - 02.2023
  • Provided legal counsel pertaining to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant process and eligibility
    requirements, including 2 C.F.R Part 200, and applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations dispositions.
  • Created Procurement Manuals for Lee County after conducting cross-comparison of all applicable federal, state and local
    laws for both the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) and the United States Housing Urban Development Agency (HUD)
    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs including Disaster Recovery and Hazard Mitigation.
  • Created completeness and compliance review checklists and other tools to be used when preparing submissions to
    FEMA and the Recipient for Requests for Reimbursements.
  • Reviewed Requests for Proposals to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state procurement laws,
    regulations and executive orders. Review all lease agreements to make determinations regarding the legal responsibility
    for repair of disaster caused damages to facilities.
  • Drafted Memorandum of Understandings between the county and other sub-applicants pertaining to the transfer of legal
    responsibility.
  • Wrote legal arguments to FEMA, such as petitioning and achieving a cost share increase from 75% to 90% for the
    Hurricane Ian declared disaster.
  • Reviewed newly passed legislation and state disaster recovery programs in order to create quick guides and work plans.
  • Conducted duplication of benefits determinations and recommendations.

Policy Lead - Senior Attorney

Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resiliency (COR3)
05.2021 - 12.2022
  • Supervised and mentored a team of 5 procurement and policy staff supporting COR3 functions.
  • Managed the full procurement lifecycle for COR3's internal acquisitions, ensuring compliance with federal and local regulations from needs assessment and solicitation development through award and contract administration.
  • Provided expert legal counsel on FEMA grant processes, eligibility, federal procurement regulations (2 CFR Part 200), and policy interpretation for internal stakeholders and subrecipients.
  • Reviewed subrecipient RFPs and procurement documentation for compliance with federal/local requirements; ensured awarded contracts met cost reasonableness standards.
  • Conducted multi-million-dollar contract negotiations for COR3, achieving significant budget savings.
  • Drafted and negotiated complex contracts, amendments, subaward agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and MOUs for COR3 operations and subrecipient pass-through funding.
  • Authored official policy memos and guidance documents on federal procurement and compliance standards, subsequently distributed government-wide by COR3 to state and non-state entities.
  • Developed and delivered conferences and training sessions on federal procurement regulations (2 CFR Part 200) and compliance requirements to diverse audiences including state agencies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations.
  • Provided direct technical assistance and guidance to subrecipients navigating their own complex, federally funded procurement processes.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for COR3's Procurement and Contracts functions, improving efficiency and standardization.
  • Wrote successful contract justifications and legal arguments to FEMA, securing a $150 million cost share increase for critical recovery projects.

Grant Analyst Team Lead

ICF
12.2020 - 05.2021
  • Directed and mentored a team of 12 analysts, emphasizing program compliance, client priorities, and monitoring performance using data-driven approaches; led training on legal stipulations.
  • Guided subrecipients through federally compliant procurement processes, providing assistance with developing RFPs, evaluating bids/proposals, ensuring proper documentation, advising on procurement strategy, and confirming adherence to federal grant requirements.
  • Provided legal counsel on FEMA grant process/eligibility for disaster management projects.
  • Audited grant files for completeness and compliance; reconciled expenses in the Disaster Recovery System (DRS).
  • Created Requests for Advance (RFAs), Requests for Reimbursement (RFRs), assisted sub-grantees with Requests for Information (RFIs) and time-extensions; acted as liaison.
  • Facilitated successful project implementation by providing ongoing support and technical assistance to grantees.
  • Identified areas for improvement within the organization's current grant-making process, implementing changes that led to greater efficiency.

Attorney At Law

Self Employed
03.2017 - 05.2021
  • Operated an independent practice providing legal research, writing, and consulting services to attorneys, alongside direct client representation.
  • Delivered comprehensive legal research and drafted critical litigation documents (including motions, briefs, and memoranda) for attorneys handling diverse cases in both state and federal courts.
  • Provided dedicated legal counsel and representation to homeowner associations, advising on governance, compliance, dispute resolution, and collections.
  • Spearheaded client meetings to thoroughly understand their legal needs and strategize appropriate solutions.
  • Specialized in family-based immigration law, guiding individuals and families through complex U.S. immigration processes.

Group Lead - Grant Analyst

Puerto Rico Appraisals
01.2018 - 09.2019


  • Established and maintained productive collaborations with the Municipalities sector, guiding them in pinpointing qualifying
    damages and assisting in the seamless inclusion of these damages into project worksheets to secure appropriate grant
    funding.
  • Played an instrumental role in training and overseeing staff, ensuring they were well-versed with all grant management and
    procurement processes. Ensured timely and accurate execution of tasks, keeping the Project Team Lead informed of all
    pivotal developments.
  • Reconciled FEMA EMMIE system with grantee files in Tempest-GEMS/DRS system to ensure compliance with the project
    scope of work and facilitate new project formulations.
  • Audited the grant files, including sub-grantee procurement process documentation, contracts, and force account labor and
    equipment documentation, for completeness and compliance, ensuring all documentation was in full compliance with both
    federal and local laws and regulations.
  • Oversaw cost-share documentation, the reporting process, and the project files close-out process to ensure that all
    associated work is completed in a timely manner with high-quality orientation.
  • Successfully created and submitted RFRs on behalf of grantees, leading to over $54 million in
    disbursements.
  • Consistently showcased adaptability and a collaborative spirit by undertaking additional tasks as directed by the Team
    Lead and/or Project Lead, ensuring seamless project execution and team synergy.

Associate Attorney

Larry L. Fleischer & Associates, LTD
11.2016 - 09.2017
  • Represented clients in personal injury cases, managing all phases from initial consultation through resolution via settlement or litigation.
  • Conducted discovery, including drafting interrogatories and requests for documents, and taking and defending depositions.
  • Managed pre-trial litigation stages, encompassing pleading preparation, motion practice, and court appearances.
  • Independently handled arbitration proceedings, presenting case evidence and arguments on behalf of clients.
  • Successfully managed a caseload that included resolving matters within the small claims court system.
  • Conducted multiple settlement negotiations and trial for property cases with $20,000+ in counterclaims.

Associate Attorney

Vicario Law Group, LLC
05.2016 - 10.2016
  • Managed a high-volume caseload focused on family-based immigration matters.
  • Counseled clients on eligibility for immigrant/nonimmigrant visas, adjustment of status, consular processing, and waivers of inadmissibility.
  • Prepared and filed a wide range of family-based immigration petitions and applications, including Forms I-130, I-485, I-129F, I-751, I-601/I-601A waivers, and related applications for employment authorization and travel documents.
  • Drafted legal briefs, responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), affidavits, and other legal documents supporting client applications and petitions.
  • Represented clients in interviews before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and in Immigration Court proceedings.
  • Monitored and analyzed changes in immigration law, regulations, and agency policy to ensure accurate client counsel and case strategy.

Legal Assistant

Office of Attorney Ricardo Pavia
08.2012 - 07.2015
  • Supported attorneys by efficiently managing administrative tasks, enhancing office productivity, and ensuring timely case
    progression.
  • Conducted comprehensive legal research, assisting in case preparation, and ensuring attorneys were equipped with
    relevant statutes, case laws, and legal precedents.
  • Maintained and organized electronic client files, ensuring easy access to critical information and strict confidentiality. Utilized
    document management systems to digitize records and streamline document retrieval.
  • Stayed updated on legal industry trends and changes in local and federal regulations, attending workshops and training
    sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.

Project Manager

LT Automation
08.2007 - 07.2012
  • Acted as the primary liaison between clients, suppliers, and onsite teams, ensuring transparent communication and prompt
    resolution of any concerns.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive project schedules, allocating resources effectively and ensuring timely
    completion of project milestones.
  • Managed all project documentation, including contracts, change orders, and progress reports, ensuring accurate record-
    keeping and compliance with company standards.
  • Worked closely with engineers, and other specialists, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure project success.
  • Proactively identified potential project risks, implementing mitigation strategies to prevent delays or cost overruns.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring favorable terms for materials and services.
  • Conducted comprehensive legal research, assisting in case preparation, and ensuring attorneys were equipped with
    relevant statutes, case laws, and legal precedents.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D) -

Chicago-Kent College of Law
Chicago, IL
12.2015

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Communications

Sacred Heart University
San Juan, PR
05-2010

Skills

  • Agile
  • Asana
  • Lucid Chart
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft Project
  • QuickBooks
  • SharePoint
  • Smartsheets
  • Westlaw
  • Bloomberg
  • Lexis Nexis

Certification

  • The Illinois Supreme Court, 2016
  • The United States District Court, District of Puerto Rico, 2017
  • The Puerto Rico Supreme Court, 2021
  • Eligible for admission in the District of Columbia

Accomplishments

  • Federal Funds Secured Achieved a 95% success rate in securing federal funds for clients in 2018.
  • Team Expansion Led a team expansion from 5 to over 40 specialists, boosting compliance efficiency by 80%.
  • Procurement Management Success Managed $8 billion LUMA Energy procurements, ensuring 100% compliance.
  • Increased Funding Increased COR3 cost share funding by $150 million through strategic negotiations.

LANGUAGES

English Native
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish Native
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Additional Information

FEMA IS Course Certificates:
IS- 00027

IS-00100.c

IS-00200.b

IS-00254.a

IS-00321

IS-00322

IS-00393.b

IS-00403

IS-00634

IS-00660

IS-00662

IS-00700.b

IS-00800.c

IS-1000

IS-01001

IS-01002

IS-01005

IS-01008

IS-01009

IS-01012

IS-01017

IS-01018

IS-1023

Timeline

Counsel

McConnell Valdés LLC
10.2023 - Current

Program Manager for Procurement and Compliance

IEM
02.2023 - 10.2023

Subject-Matter Expert - Policy

Hagerty Consulting
12.2022 - 02.2023

Policy Lead - Senior Attorney

Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resiliency (COR3)
05.2021 - 12.2022

Grant Analyst Team Lead

ICF
12.2020 - 05.2021

Group Lead - Grant Analyst

Puerto Rico Appraisals
01.2018 - 09.2019

Attorney At Law

Self Employed
03.2017 - 05.2021

Associate Attorney

Larry L. Fleischer & Associates, LTD
11.2016 - 09.2017

Associate Attorney

Vicario Law Group, LLC
05.2016 - 10.2016

Legal Assistant

Office of Attorney Ricardo Pavia
08.2012 - 07.2015

Project Manager

LT Automation
08.2007 - 07.2012

Juris Doctor (J.D) -

Chicago-Kent College of Law

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Communications

Sacred Heart University

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YORMARI ACOSTA GONZALEZ, ESQ.