DOD Contracts Specialist

Aston Carter•Arlington, VA

1d•$53 - $58•Hybrid

About The Position

The DOD Contracts Specialist will provide expert advice to business units and project teams on contract management, policy compliance, and federal contracting requirements. This role involves responding to complex inquiries regarding contract obligations, revisions, and interpretations, identifying risks and issues, and recommending practical alternatives and solutions. The specialist will review and manage contractual obligations of all parties, ensuring all terms and conditions are met throughout the contract lifecycle. They will prepare and distribute information on proposals, contract status, compliance issues, modifications, and related contract documentation. The role requires day-to-day contract management, advising on strategic direction, contract interpretation, and the consequences of actions or inaction. A key responsibility is to proactively identify and resolve contract issues and disputes, minimizing the potential for litigation and safeguarding the organization’s reputation. The specialist will act as a liaison between internal clients, project teams, business units, and the Legal function, as well as between the organization and external clients and vendors. They will inform project teams of contract requirements, obligations, and key terms, and monitor compliance. The role also involves implementing and overseeing contract management (CM) processes, developing and refining contract management tools, templates, methods, and processes, and supporting cradle-to-grave contract management activities, including risk management. The specialist will present contract-related information, risks, and recommendations to executives and contracting officers (COs).

Requirements

At least 5 years of contract management experience, including hands-on negotiations experience.
At least 5 years of experience working in a government contracting environment.
Bachelor's Degree is required.
Demonstrated experience with federal government contracting (beyond acquisition administration or GS employee roles).
A minimum of 5 years of experience with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
Strong cradle-to-grave contracts experience, including risk management throughout the contract lifecycle.
Proven ability to present to executives and contracting officers (COs) with clarity and confidence.
Proficiency in contracts administration, including preparation, review, and management of federal contracts.
Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and DFARS.
Demonstrated ability to manage a fast-paced workload and handle multiple priorities effectively.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify contract risks and propose practical solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting documentation and interacting with stakeholders at all levels.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting system integration and/or outsourcing engagements, or the ability to quickly learn these business areas.
Experience developing or improving contract management tools, templates, and processes.
Experience providing training or mentoring to contract management or program personnel.
Comfort working cross-functionally with legal, project, and business stakeholders to resolve contract issues.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in maintaining contract records and documentation.

Responsibilities

Provide expert advice to business units and project teams on contract management, policy compliance, and federal contracting requirements in a hybrid (in-person/remote) setting.
Respond to complex inquiries regarding contract obligations, revisions, and interpretations, identifying risks and issues and recommending practical alternatives and solutions.
Review and manage contractual obligations of all parties, conducting continual review to ensure that all terms and conditions are met throughout the contract lifecycle.
Prepare and distribute information on proposals, contract status, compliance issues, modifications, and related contract documentation to stakeholders.
Manage contracts on a day-to-day basis by advising on strategic direction, contract interpretation, and the consequences of actions or inaction.
Proactively identify and resolve contract issues and disputes, minimizing the potential for litigation and safeguarding the organization’s reputation.
Act as a liaison between internal clients, project teams, business units, and the Legal function to ensure all legal and contractual matters are addressed efficiently and promptly.
Serve as the primary point of contact between the project team or business unit and Legal, coordinating responses and ensuring timely handling of contract-related matters.
Act as a liaison between the organization and external clients and vendors to support effective communication and contract execution.
Inform project teams of contract requirements, obligations, and key terms, and monitor compliance with those requirements throughout the engagement.
Implement and oversee contract management (CM) processes, ensuring consistent application of policies, procedures, and best practices.
Develop, refine, and integrate contract management tools, templates, methods, and processes to support effective contract administration for the engagement.
Achieve a solid understanding of the organization’s major business areas, including system integration and outsourcing, to communicate effectively with executives and provide relevant, business-focused advice.
Provide training and guidance to contract management or program personnel on contract requirements, processes, and best practices as needed.
Support cradle-to-grave contract management activities, including risk management, from initial proposal through contract closeout.
Present contract-related information, risks, and recommendations to executives and contracting officers (COs) in a clear and professional manner.