Senior Prime Administrator

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the representative of the Lead State Licensing Agency (SLA) and Prime Contractor, the Senior Prime Contract Administrator provides executive-level leadership, governance, and oversight for the United States Marine Corps Garrison Food Service Contract (GFSC), a complex multi-state Randolph-Sheppard Act operation spanning seven states, multiple military installations, participating State Licensing Agencies, Blind Vendors, and contracted teaming partners. The position serves as the designated executive authority responsible for contract governance, strategic planning, performance oversight, compliance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and the risk management necessary to ensure successful contract execution and fulfillment of the State's responsibilities as the Prime Contractor. The incumbent establishes and implements the governance, accountability, performance management, and oversight framework required to coordinate activities among participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, military stakeholders, subcontractors, and corporate teaming partners. While contracted teaming partners are responsible for day-to-day food service operations and participating SLAs retain their statutory authority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, this position exercises substantial independent judgment and decision-making authority to ensure coordinated execution of contractual responsibilities, achievement of performance objectives, compliance with federal and state requirements, and meaningful Blind Vendor participation throughout the contract. The position is accountable for identifying, assessing, and mitigating contractual, operational, financial, compliance, and stakeholder risks that may impact contract performance, mission readiness, customer satisfaction, or the State's interests.

Requirements

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position to include one or more of the following: Contract administration or contract compliance monitoring. Government contracting. Program management of large, complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. Contract compliance, performance monitoring, and risk management. Working with federal agencies, military organizations, or government customers. Managing relationships with contractors, subcontractors, vendors, or partner organizations. Strategic planning, policy implementation, and organizational governance. Financial oversight, budgeting, or operational performance management.
A combination of related education (acceptable fields of study include: Business Administration, Public Administration, Government Administration, Contract Management, Finance, Legal Studies, Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Compliance, Organizational Leadership, or closely related field of study) and/or relevant work experience in an occupation related to the work assigned (following the criteria stated above) equal to seven (7) years
Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), contract clauses, and federal contract administration.
Comprehensive understanding of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, Blind Vendor business models, priority requirements, and State Licensing Agency (SLA) responsibilities.
Ability to resolve complex contractual disputes through contract interpretation, stakeholder collaboration, negotiation, and regulatory compliance.
Ability to oversee and manage large corporate subcontractors and ensure alignment with contractual and organizational objectives.
Ability to interpret and analyze data from complex management tools, including Task Order Trackers, APL Performance Dashboards, and Inventory/Procurement Logs.
Ability to make timely, sound decisions in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations.
Ability to evaluate contract performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
Ability to research, interpret, and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and contractual requirements.
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information to diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrates ethical conduct, accountability, and sound stewardship of organizational resources.
Exercises independent judgment and makes well-informed decisions.
Ensures accuracy, completeness, and compliance in all work products.
Builds and maintains effective relationships while delivering responsive, high-quality service.
Adjusts effectively to changing priorities, requirements, and business needs.
Proactively identifies issues, opportunities, and solutions with minimal supervision.
Maintains effectiveness and professionalism in challenging or high-pressure environments.
Demonstrates reliability, discretion, and respect in all interactions.
Effectively prioritizes and manages multiple assignments to meet deadlines.
Maintains organized records, manages competing priorities, and coordinates complex activities efficiently.
Must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with multiple stakeholders.
Experience interpreting laws, regulations, contracts, and policy.
Experience supporting Department of Defense, military installation, or defense-related contracts.
Experience using operational, financial, or quality metrics to evaluate program performance.
Randolph Sheppard experience.
Experience performing similar duties as a State of Colorado classified employee.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Lead State Licensing Agency's designated Staff Authority for overall contract oversight, administration, and performance oversight.
Ensure compliance with the contract Performance Work Statement (PWS), Randolph-Sheppard Act requirements, federal regulations, military directives, AbilityOne requirements, and applicable state policies.
Recommend, implement, and maintain the program governance structure, including oversight of the Prime Authority, Joint Program Management Office (PMO), participating State Licensing Agencies (SLAs), Blind Vendors, teaming partners, and subcontractors.
Monitor performance across all contract locations through operational, financial, staffing, quality assurance, and compliance metrics.
Lead implementation of contract requirements, strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and post-award performance enhancement activities.
Review corrective action plans and monitor resolution of contract deficiencies and performance issues, i.e. late/inaccurate invoicing, inaccurate material planning leading to food waste or running out of food, equipment neglect, headcount and cash collection discrepancies, labor law violations, lack of oversight/mentoring of Blind Vendors, improper inventory rotation leading to spoiled food, menu and recipe non-compliance, substandard sanitation and food handling.
Provide technical support of procurement activities, subcontractor performance, small business participation, and contractual compliance requirements.
Ensure contract objectives, customer expectations, and mission requirements are achieved while maintaining full regulatory and contractual compliance.
Serve as the Lead State Licensing Agency's official representative and primary contractual interface with military contracting officials, Contracting Officers (Os), Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), installation leadership, and other government officials.
Represent the SLA during executive meetings, contract reviews, performance evaluations, negotiations, and strategic planning discussions.
Maintain effective relationships with federal agencies, military customers, participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, Joint PMO personnel, teaming partner leadership, and subcontractors.
Coordinate responses to customer concerns, operational challenges, performance deficiencies, contract modifications, and service delivery issues.
Facilitate collaboration among military representatives, State Licensing Agencies, Blind Vendors, and teaming partners to resolve issues, mitigate risk, and ensure successful contract execution.
Provide technical guidance and oversight for Blind Vendor participation in accordance with Randolph-Sheppard Act requirements and Business Enterprise Program objectives.
Collaborate with participating SLAs to identify, onboard, support, and develop qualified Blind Vendors and State Set-Aside Business Arrangements (SSBAs).
Ensure meaningful participation of Blind Vendors through effective governance, accountability measures, and operational integration within the contract structure.
Oversee implementation and effectiveness of training, mentorship, and professional development activities designed to promote operational readiness, entrepreneurial growth, and long-term vendor success.
Monitor vendor participation, operational performance, and developmental outcomes using established program metrics.
Resolve participation issues, performance concerns, role-definition conflicts, and multi-state coordination challenges involving Blind Vendors, SLAs, military stakeholders, and teaming partners.
Review and approve corrective action plans issued to Blind Vendors.
Coordinate participation and collaboration among multiple State Licensing Agencies operating under the contract.
Facilitate governance meetings, executive reviews, and interstate coordination activities.
Develop and maintain communication structures, decision-making processes, and accountability measures among participating states and stakeholders.
Recommend standardized policies, procedures, and operating practices to ensure consistent contract execution across participating states.
Provide technical guidance to help resolve disputes, operational challenges, role-definition conflicts, and governance issues involving participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, teaming partners, and other stakeholders.
Ensure effective coordination between the Joint PMO, participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, military stakeholders, and subcontractors.

Benefits

Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
BenefitHub state employee discount program
MotivateMe employee wellness program
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
RTD EcoPass Commuter Program
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.