ESD DOD SkillBridge Program
Empire State Development (“ESD”) is implementing a new program (the “Program”) that creates a partnership with the Department of Defense (“DOD”) SkillBridge Program. The Program provides ESD a unique opportunity to tap into the expertise of our nation’s veterans and gives transitioning service members an opportunity to continue a life of public service. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. ESD’s Contract Administration Department leads the organization’s execution of procurement contracts and purchase orders; grant and loan audits; contract administration; corporate-wide risk management and insurance strategies; and oversight of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) to ensure compliance with New York State Executive Law Articles 15-A and 17-B. During the course of the Program, participants will complete three two-month rotation assignments across the functional areas of Contract Administration. The rotation assignments are designed to give participants an opportunity to experience cradle to grave contracting and compliance at a New York State Public Authority, in full compliance of state finance and public authorities’ law. ESD Contract Administration leadership will evaluate, train and mentor participants throughout the term so that each participant is given a fair opportunity to learn and grow in the Program. Participants will also be given a chance to express concerns and ideas, with both their direct supervisor and the Vice President of Contract Administration. It is ESD’s goal to find meaningful and long-term employment for our veterans. If at the end of a successful completion of the Program, a vacancy or need is available, ESD would extend an opportunity for permanent employment to the service member. If a position is not available at the time, the service member would have developed the knowledge, skills, and experience to compete for future opportunities at ESD, and/or other state agencies and authorities, and private sector opportunities. The Program is administered by Robert Jones, VP of Contract Administration, and Ralph Volcy, Senior Director, Procurement, Policy & Training, and in coordination will ESD Human Resources.