Ms. Jennifer L. Desautel assumed the position of Assistant Director, Policy and Quality, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) in March 2022. Ms. Desautel serves as the principle advisor to the Director and is responsible for the formulation, development and issuance of contract audit policy and quality assurance for the Agency including procedures, standards, and guidelines for the conduct of the audits and oversight of its quality control system. She provides technical direction and guidance for the performance of audits Agency-wide, including decisions regarding application of Federal Acquisition Regulations or accounting/costing principles, which may result in disallowance of contractor claims involving millions of dollars.

Ms. Desautel has over 24 years of extensive experience in areas such as accounting, auditing, and management. Her DCAA accomplishments include strengthening coalitions with internal and external partners to accomplish the Agency’s priorities, such as business systems audits. She focuses on effective communications to transform processes and improve knowledge management and is continuously customer-focus to deliver superior results to all stakeholders. In addition, she serves as the Chairperson for DCAA’s Learning and Talent Advisory Council spearheading multiple strategic initiatives to continually enhance employee development.

Prior to joining DCAA, Ms. Desautel held roles of increasing responsibilities in various audit positions with the Air Force Audit Agency (AFAA). She began her federal government career as a Co-operative education student in 1997. In 2002, she was promoted to an Audit Manager and made several improvements in the Depot Maintenance Programs at the three major Air Logistics Centers. In addition, she verified the Air Force’s portion of the Distribution of Depot Maintenance Workload annual report to the U.S. Congress. In 2007, she was promoted to Team Chief and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. In Afghanistan, she led an Expeditionary Audit Team at multiple locations identifying over $40 million in savings. In 2011, she joined DCAA Headquarters in the Internal Review Directorate, now the Office of Inspector General, as an investigator. She has progressed through the ranks, having served in various auditor and management positions, advancing to Deputy Director of the Boeing Corporate Audit Directorate. In December 2018, she was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as the Corporate Audit Director, Boeing and in April 2021 she was reassigned to the Director, Field Detachment.

Ms. Desautel holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia College and State University. She is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program; Air Command and Staff College; and Air War College. Her certifications include Certified Public Accountant in the State of Ohio; Certified Internal Auditor; Certified Defense Financial Manager; and holds Level III - DoD Financial Management Certification. In 2016, Ms. Desautel was recognized and awarded the DCAA Meritorious Civilian Service Award, along with other numerous awards and recognition of excellence performance throughout her distinguished career with the Department of Defense.