A Career Dedicated to Excellence in Acquisition and Leadership
By Robert Stewart Jr – CEO, Businessman, Advocate – Virginia
With more than 15 years of expertise across defense, intelligence, and private-sector procurement, Robert Stewart Jr. of Alexandria, Virginia has built an outstanding career as a senior acquisition leader and strategic business professional. From transforming government programs to leading multi-billion dollar acquisition portfolios, Robert’s impact on the defense procurement landscape has been both profound and enduring.
Currently serving as an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, Robert Stewart Jr. supports the Defense Acquisition Portfolio, bringing unmatched expertise in acquisition operations, procurement reform, and organizational transformation.
Professional and Educational Background
Robert Stewart Jr. holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on global market solutions. His education provided the foundation for a career built around strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to public service. His ability to develop organizational missions, set strategic goals, and deliver year-over-year success has made him a trusted leader in acquisition and procurement sectors.
Before entering the private sector, Robert served as a military officer and senior government civilian, repeatedly called upon to lead change initiatives in complex, high-pressure environments. His experience spans leadership roles within the Department of Defense (DoD), where he became a subject matter expert in procurement policy, acquisition reform, and contracting processes.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Robert S. Stewart from Alexandria VA has amassed an impressive record of transformational leadership and operational achievements:
Revitalizing the DoD’s Mentor-Protégé Program
When the U.S. Department of Defense’s Mentor-Protégé Program was on the brink of cancellation by Congress, Robert Stewart Jr. stepped in. By calming a chaotic environment and implementing a strategic plan with clear accountability metrics, he quadrupled the number of participating firms and restored congressional confidence in the program. His leadership led to a three-year reauthorization and collaboration with the Small Business Administration to further expand outreach to small businesses nationwide.
Driving Procurement Reform Across the Defense Acquisition Workforce
Robert led a sweeping reform effort that impacted more than 150,000 defense acquisition professionals. By engaging with over 50 heads of contracting activities and 40 major defense acquisition program executive officers, he drove efficiencies across $20 billion in service contract obligations annually. His reforms prioritized socio-economic initiatives, setting aside $19 billion in FY2015 for disadvantaged small business concerns.
Turning Around Underperforming Units Through Leadership and Accountability
Known for his results-driven leadership, Robert Stewart Jr. successfully revitalized a diverse unit that was struggling with poor morale and reputation. Through the application of mentorship programs, measurable goals, and accountability structures, he significantly improved both morale and production. His leadership style earned him high praise, including recognition for “building leaders of moral character.”
Hand-Selected to Strengthen Internal Management Controls for the Navy
Recognized for his keen eye for organizational transformation, Robert was hand-picked by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition. In this role, he supported the DASN AP office by developing and implementing audit inspection mechanisms to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in multi-award, multi-billion dollar contracts.
Modernizing Procurement Through Rapid Acquisition Policy Development
To streamline defense procurement processes, Robert led the development of a Rapid Acquisition Policy Framework for the Department of Defense. This initiative equipped contracting officers (KOs) with a best-in-class (BIC) contracting guide, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and modernization across service and product acquisitions.
Leadership That Drives Results
Today, Robert Stewart Jr. continues to influence defense acquisition policy and operations, bringing an unmatched combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise, and a commitment to service excellence. His career is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, accountable leadership can have on organizations of any size and complexity.
As Robert S. Stewart from Alexandria VA advances in his career, his dedication to integrity, efficiency, and the empowerment of others remains a hallmark of his professional journey.