Ed Rinkavage

Ed Rinkavage has extensive expertise spanning the entire acquisition life cycle, from pre-award to post-award operations, including requirements analysis, risk management, program oversight, and performance-based and incentive contracting. He counseled senior federal officials on acquisition reform endeavors and the implementation of performance-based contracting strategies.

Currently, Ed Rinkavage‘s time is spent working as an Instructor for Management Concepts. He has been with the company since 2014. Ed delivered over 200 formal training courses to empower individuals, teams, and organizations through robust learning and development initiatives during that time. Ed offers expertise in leadership, management, acquisition, IT, program management, and financial management. His instructional approach, tailored for public and private sector audiences, emphasizes interactive engagement while honing in on learning objectives and outcomes. Ed’s sessions are dynamic and participatory, featuring large and small group discussions, hands-on exercises, and insightful lectures. Having partnered with esteemed federal acquisition universities such as DAU, HSAI, DOI, and Treasury, Ed uniquely bridges Federal and Corporate realms, offering a holistic perspective enriched by business insight and practical experience.

From 2015 to 2021, Ed Rinkavage was the President of Sehlke Consulting, LLC. As president, Ed was responsible for strategic operations, financial performance, business development, client acquisition, and more. This experience led to Ed authoring several articles on the subject. 

Before these roles, Ed Rinkavage led a rich and fascinating professional life. He was the Vice President (Defense and Security Programs) for Catapult Consultants, LLC, the Director of YRCI, and the VP of QinetiQ North America. These roles continued Ed’s relationship with several organizations, including the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Alumni Association, Industry Advisory Council (IAC), Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), and Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). 

However, Ed Rinkavage‘s history doesn’t end there. Before ending his management roles, Ed Rinkavage was in the United States Air Force. He started as the Chief (Supply and Systems Branch), working through several roles during his twenty years in the Air Force. Other roles included Acquisition Contracting Officer, IG Contracting Inspector, Flight Commander, Director of Contracting (Deployed), Chief of Contract Administration Office, Chief of Construction Contracting Flight, Chief of Base Maintenance Contracts (BMC) Branch, and finally, Chief Regional Contracting Office (RCO) Zetra. In his final role, Ed was responsible for all contracting actions connected to the Allied Command Europe (ACE) Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) Engineering Branch. This included managing facility repairs, acquiring critically needed materials, and more. Notably, Ed Rinkavage Enhanced procurement efforts for life-sustaining supplies and services within the Northeast Sector of Bosnia and Serbia for the First Armored Division, Second Brigade.

Outside of work, Ed Rinkavage enjoys spending time outdoors. This includes enjoying the beauty of the beach and taking long hikes. Often, he is accompanied by his Australian cattle dog. Ed also enjoys target shooting, staying on the lake in his RV, and riding ATVs. 

To learn more about Ed Rinkavage, follow him on social media.