Acquisition Specialist

KaiHonua; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 205,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

KaiHonua is looking for an Acquisition Specialist in Colorado Springs, CO. The role involves leading Department of Defense acquisition activities and developing strategies to meet mission objectives. Ideal candidates should have over 15 years of experience in DoD acquisitions, solid communication skills, and an active Top Secret clearance.

The position offers a dynamic work environment with a diverse team focused on mission-critical government programs. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are included.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of DoD acquisition experience required.
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance needed.
• Strong knowledge of Air Force and U.S. Space Force acquisition policies.
• Experience in market research and acquisition strategy development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support complex DoD acquisition activities.
• Develop acquisition strategies and conduct market research.
• Integrate cost, schedule, and performance into acquisition planning.
• Collaborate with teams to support mission success.

Skills

DoD acquisition experience

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

PPBE processes

acquisition risk management practices

Job description

Job Description

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an enthusiastic, well‑qualified individual to fill the Acquisition Specialist level four position. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside a diverse and talented team supporting mission‑critical government programs.

In this role, you will support government acquisition activities by conducting market research, assisting with acquisition strategy development, preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and supporting technical evaluations to ensure proposals align with mission objectives and program requirements.

The ideal candidate will provide acquisition support to the Space Systems Command System Delta (SYD) 81 Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Program Office in support of the SYD 81 Live and Physical Range System Program Manager (SPM). The Acquisition Specialist will provide direct support to daily program operations, procurement activities, and team coordination efforts while helping guide complex acquisitions in support of the government’s long‑term strategic objectives within a dynamic, mission‑focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support complex Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition activities across the full acquisition life cycle, including pre‑award, award, and post‑award phases.
• Develop and execute acquisition strategies, conduct market research, and establish evaluation criteria to support competitive procurements.
• Support Request for Proposal (RFP) development, source selection activities, and technical and cost evaluations to ensure alignment with mission and program objectives.
• Integrate cost, schedule, and performance considerations into acquisition planning and execution activities.
• Apply risk management principles to identify, assess, and mitigate acquisition and programmatic risks.
• Support Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities, including acquisition input for budget planning and execution.
• Provide acquisition and contracting support to program offices, product development initiatives, and science and technology (S&T) efforts.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, program leadership, and senior government stakeholders to support mission success.
• Prepare and present clear, concise briefings, reports, and acquisition documentation for senior and executive‑level leadership.

Requirements

The Acquisition Specialist Must Have

• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance.
• 15+ years of DoD acquisition experience, including contracts and subcontracts across the full acquisition life cycle.
• Strong knowledge of Air Force and U.S. Space Force acquisition policies, processes, and organizational structures.
• Demonstrated experience in acquisition strategy development, market research, source selection, and contract requirements development.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to operate in complex acquisition environments.
• Working knowledge of PPBE processes and acquisition risk management practices.Experience supporting program offices, product development activities, and science and technology (S&T) programs.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience supporting senior and executive‑level defense stakeholders.

Education and Certifications

Required

• Master’s degree in a related field and/or relevant work experience.

Preferred

• DAWIA certification in Program Management or a related acquisition functional area.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k).
• PTO.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid federal holidays.

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high‑level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.

Posted Salary Range

USD $205,000.00 - USD $225,000.00 /Yr.