At Barrios, progress isn’t just something we pursue – it’s something we build. Every quarter, the Silver BEAR Awards give us the chance to recognize team members who take on the hard challenges, improve processes, and deliver meaningful results for our customers and our company. From launching new systems to engineering solutions and breaking new ground in AI and spaceflight support, the recipients of the Q1 2025 Silver BEAR Award embody what it means to deliver extraordinary value.

Amy Eskridge, Contracts Manager & Brian McRae, Project Manager – Corporate
Amy and Brian exemplify cross-functional collaboration as they tackled one of the most time-sensitive and critical needs facing Barrios – defining and implementing a new Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) process to support the Mission Technical Integration Contract (MTIC) proposal effort. Under intense pressure and tight deadlines, they reduced 71 open OCI assessments to 12 valid ones, while also building a more efficient, compliant, and future-focused framework. Their leadership in launching new training, streamlining reviews, and ensuring proposal readiness made a direct impact on Barrios’ ability to compete. Their efforts represent not only a project success, but a lasting improvement in how we manage risk and compliance.

Laura McAfoos, Budget Analyst – Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract (HSFTIC)
With a calm demeanor and an eye for numbers, Laura has become an indispensable asset to the OZ/Research Integration Office. Stepping up during a season of transition, she assumed additional responsibilities, earning praise from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer OCFO International Space Station/Commercial Crew Program (ISS/CCP) Resources Management Team. Laura’s adaptability, initiative, and drive to expand her knowledge make her not only a skilled analyst but also a team player who uplifts those around her.

Christina Meaders, Aerospace Engineer – Commercial Spaceflight
Joining Barrios and immediately becoming a key contributor? That’s exactly what Christina did. Within weeks of onboarding, she was helping to drive progress on NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (LTVS) Program through our commercial partnership with Intuitive Machines. Christina brings technical depth, professionalism, and innovative thinking to every challenge. Her ability to integrate quickly, contribute meaningfully, and embody Barrios’ values makes her a standout engineer in every sense.

Brooke Oetken, Project Coordinator – Consolidated Program Support Services (CPSS) Project Coordination (PC) contract for the NASA HQ Partnerships Office
Brooke took a spreadsheet with over 3,000 lines and turned it into a smarter, leaner, more powerful tool. Working with developers, she helped build a Power Apps-based abstract review system that is revolutionizing how the NASA Headquarters Partnerships Office (PO) manages high-risk agreements. Her innovative, proactive actions have resulted in much-needed process improvements and advanced planning skills, setting the PO up for greater success and allowing for more organized management processes.

Lauri Phelps, Export Control Analyst – HSFTIC
Shifting the culture of export control in a program as large as ISS is no small task, but Lauri led the charge with confidence and clarity. She introduced a new export control tool, helped revamp international travel processes, led program training, and ultimately redefined how export control is viewed across the program. By taking on additional responsibilities, Lauri has proven herself to be a trusted and transformative force in a critical area.

David Samano, ROBO Flight Controller – Integrated Mission Operations Contract (IMOC II)
Using creative and innovative approaches when problem solving, David identified an inefficiency in ISS robotics maneuver design and knew there was a better way, so he developed a custom plug-in to the Robotics Planning Software that reduces design time by two hours per procedure. His hands-on solution improves team performance and demonstrates the kind of forward thinking that defines a Silver BEAR. His initiative has directly improved mission efficiency and team capability.

Kevin Williams, Systems Engineer – HSFTIC
AI in spaceflight systems is no longer future talk. Kevin has played a leading role in integrating AI into NASA’s Software Engineering Handbook and influencing updates to software engineering standards. By fostering collaboration across key industry stakeholders, Kevin has positioned Barrios and Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Development Program (CLDP) at the forefront of AI innovation in human spaceflight. His leadership is shaping how AI will support NASA for years to come.

iCAMMP Team (Andres Lopez, Systems Engineer (Barrios) with Thomas Burns (ARES), Vivian Luu (BAH), and Ami Halbur (BAH)) – HSFTIC
This lean team delivered 5x the average volume of internal-ISS hardware configuration studies in a single quarter – a massive feat. Andres and the iCAMMP team brought discipline, speed, and precision to the job, handling both legacy systems and new payloads. Their results? Numerous completed analyses, significant cost savings, and a very satisfied customer. This team proves that smart processes and strong teamwork can meet even the most demanding challenges.

The BEAR Awards Program honors superior performance and outstanding contributions toward customer and company goals. Each quarter, employees are nominated and their achievements independently scored by employees for the Silver BEAR Award. Silver Award recipients automatically become candidates for the prestigious annual Gold BEAR Award.