Contract Specialist - DIR-K - SOF AT&L

Applied Research Solutions•Tampa, FL

18d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Solutions is hiring a Contract Specialist to support Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) DIR-K at MacDill AFB, Florida. DIR-K provides enterprise-wide contracting services for SOF AT&L, using FAR and non-FAR acquisition pathways to award and administer contracts supporting areas including weapons, aviation, maritime platforms, digital infrastructure, data and AI-enabled systems, classified programs, and force readiness. This position is on-site and involves 10% travel. The Contract Specialist supports acquisition planning and contract actions throughout the procurement lifecycle, from pre-solicitation preparation through award and contract administration. The role independently reviews and prepares acquisition documentation, advises customers and Integrated Product Team members, conducts price and cost analysis, supports negotiations, and maintains quality contract files. The role requires U.S. citizenship, an active and maintainable Secret clearance, DAWIA Practitioner (formerly Level II) or equivalency in Contracting, a bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field, and 10 years of contract management experience. Applied Research Solutions describes itself as a provider of technically integrated solutions and mission support. The company emphasizes employee career development and work/life balance, and mentions competitive benefits, an awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from senior managers. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a background investigation, including criminal history and identity checks.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must have and be able to maintain a Secret clearance.
DAWIA Practitioner (formerly Level II) certification or equivalency in Contracting.
Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field.
10 years of contract management experience.
Familiarity with DoD acquisitions in a cleared space supporting SOF.
Five years of experience supporting DoD acquisition agencies.
Proficiency with Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) contract writing software.
Knowledge of price and cost analysis sufficient to review proposals and established rates to determine price reasonableness or develop a negotiation position.

Nice To Haves

DAWIA Advanced (formerly Level III) in Contracting or Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level 3.
Master’s degree in Business or Acquisition and 8 years of contract management experience supporting a DoD acquisition agency.
Weapon system support experience, including contracting with procurement and R&D funding.
Experience with Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), in addition to traditional FAR/DFARS contracting methods.
Experience providing contracting support to SOF organizations and operations.
Experience as a former Warranted Contracting Officer.
Experience as a Supervisory Contract Specialist.

Responsibilities

Independently review pre-solicitation documentation in procurement request packages, including sources sought notices, synopses, market research reports, Statements of Work, Justification and Approvals, Independent Government Cost Estimates, Acquisition Plans, and Source Selection Plans.
Participate in acquisition planning and business strategy activities, advising and assisting customers and Integrated Product Team members.
Research FAR and other regulatory guidance to provide informed guidance and applicable courses of action to customers.
Prepare pre-solicitation documentation, including Determinations and Findings and Small Business coordination (DD Form 2579).
Staff pre-solicitation documentation for review and approvals, and post applicable notices in Federal Business Opportunities as required.
Prepare solicitations and amendments in Procurement Desktop Defense or another relevant contract writing system for Procurement Contracting Officer review and approval; staff documentation and post required notices.
Conduct price and cost analysis using appropriate techniques, including coordination with DCAA and/or DCMA as necessary, to determine fair and reasonable prices.
Review evaluation input from sources such as technical program and DCAA personnel, provide feedback, and prepare contract negotiation positions such as PNM and BCM for PCO review and approval.
Prepare contract awards or agreements and amendments in PD2 or another relevant writing system for PCO review and approval; staff documentation and post required notices.
Prepare post-award documentation, including contract modifications and memoranda for the record.
Conduct contract administration functions retained by USSOCOM.
Establish and maintain quality contract files that are auditable, repeatable, and defensible.
Participate in IPTs and professionally guide and assist team members, technical program personnel, sales representatives, local suppliers, and contractors on acquisition and business-related issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.