Fred Vlchek joined Pragmatics as Director of Proposal Operations in June 2021. Fred leads the company's day-to-day management of the proposals and associated pipelines that will drive new business. We recently sat down with Fred to discuss his career, his new role at Pragmatics, and his fondness for Road Cycling.
Fred, would you tell us about your career and what led you to Pragmatics?
Since my transition from an Airborne Sensor Program to Business Development in the mid-'90s, I have taken the opportunity to develop my skills and deliver exceptional performance as a Senior Proposal Manager for Federal Systems. During that time, I have always been 'part of the machine' and could not use true business development skills as a proponent for growth.
Upon hearing that Pragmatics had an opportunity as a Director for Proposal Development, I was introduced to the executives through networking. I believe that we both saw that I was a good fit for the position, and I saw this as a great chance to move into a position to help grow and expand the Pragmatics footprint in the Federal acquisition space.
You've been on board for two months; what are your observations about Pragmatics and our people?
Our partnership with the Technology Solution Group (TSG) and internal project managers will help foster this growth, and I am looking forward to being a proponent in moving our company forward.
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The Business Development team is top-notch!! From our executives down, we are all industry experts and leaders. There is a solid direction in place for our established verticals and substantial strategic growth that will define the next chapter for Pragmatics. Our partnership with the Technology Solution Group (TSG) and internal project managers will help foster this growth, and I am looking forward to being a proponent in moving our company forward.
As the Director of Proposal Operations, what would you like us to know about the future of Proposal Operations at Pragmatics?
Our partnership with the industry will continue to develop and grow, and Pragmatics will work side by side as a trusted and reliable asset.
I am actively working on understanding the company's vertical Business Development pipelines and assembling a team to support the Proposal Development activity. Concurrently, I am working with the Project Management team to standardize the proposal development activities and artifacts to bring consistency to the process for the company as a whole.
In the short time that I have been here, I have observed that our company is vital. We have a solid base of programmatic work that we can build upon. I am genuinely looking forward to the challenge of fostering our company through the Emerging Large Business gate to a fully vetted Large business in the Federal acquisition workspace. This will include the hardening of established customer verticals and the development of new ones. Our partnership with the industry will continue to develop and grow, and Pragmatics will work side by side as a trusted and reliable asset.
What is your favorite thing about your chosen profession?
I enjoy how dynamic the proposal process is overall. Proposal Development is not for the weak of heart and can bring stressful times to one's life. BUT, it is truly rewarding to lead a team and foster collaboration to bring about a product that produces a win for our company.
Outside of work, how do you describe yourself?
I have a wide range of hobbies, from Road Cycling, Scuba Diving, Sky Diving to Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing, and Traveling. Cycling is my favorite way to unwind from work. I typically try to ride 200 miles a week. Travel is another big part of my life outside of work. Most of my family live in Colorado, and I travel as often as possible to be with them.
Further, I am a senior leader with the LiveStrong Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting people affected by cancer. I am dedicated to raising funds for those that cannot afford chemotherapy.