Project Analyst – DoD Programs & Travel Estimating

ISPA Technology•Panama City Beach, FL

About The Position

The Project Analyst supports the planning and financial management of Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and task orders. The role works with Program/Project Managers, finance, contracts, and technical teams to develop budgets and forecasts, track expenditures, and prepare project and travel cost estimates. A key responsibility is developing accurate, supportable travel estimates for proposals and ongoing project execution. The position supports project planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting; tracks labor, travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), funding, expenditures, and remaining budgets; and develops detailed travel estimates for proposals, task orders, project plans, and forecasts. Travel estimates include airfare, lodging, meals and incidental expenses (M&IE), rental vehicles, mileage, ground transportation, and related costs. The analyst researches and applies applicable GSA, DoD, and Department of State per diem rates, documents travel assumptions, compares estimated and actual travel expenditures, and uses historical data in future forecasts. The analyst also reviews SOW/PWS requirements, coordinates with program and technical personnel to validate assumptions, maintains Excel-based estimating models and financial trackers, reports, and dashboards, and supports proposal pricing, contract modifications, and new task-order estimating. The role coordinates with finance, accounting, contracts, procurement, and program management to maintain accurate project information.

Requirements

Experience in project analysis, financial analysis, budgeting, cost estimating, or contract support.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, lookups, pivot tables, and financial modeling.
Strong analytical, organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting DoD or federal government contracts.
Familiarity with FFP, T&M, and Cost-Plus contract environments.
Familiarity with GSA/DoD travel requirements, per diem rates, and FAR/DFARS concepts.
Experience with government-contracting accounting, ERP, or project management systems.

Responsibilities

Support project planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for DoD programs.
Track labor, travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), funding, expenditures, and remaining project budgets.
Develop detailed travel estimates for proposals, task orders, project plans, and forecasts.
Estimate airfare, lodging, meals and incidental expenses (M&IE), rental vehicles, mileage, ground transportation, and related travel costs.
Research and apply applicable GSA, DoD, and Department of State per diem rates.
Develop and document travel assumptions based on destination, number of travelers, trip duration, frequency, and transportation requirements.
Compare estimated versus actual travel expenditures and incorporate historical data into future forecasts.
Review SOW/PWS requirements and coordinate with program and technical personnel to validate travel and project assumptions.
Develop and maintain Excel-based estimating models, financial trackers, reports, and dashboards.
Support proposal pricing, contract modifications, and new task-order estimating activities.
Coordinate with finance, accounting, contracts, procurement, and program management to maintain accurate project information.