Contract Specialist - DIR-K - SOF AT&L

Applied Research Solutions; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a Contract Specialist to support SOF AT&L DIR-K at MacDill AFB, FL. This on-site role focuses on pre-solicitation feedback, planning, and contract documentation in a dynamic defense environment.

The ideal candidate has 10 years of contract management, DAWIA Practitioner certification (or equivalent), and a strong background in price analysis and PD2-based contracting. A US citizenship and active Secret clearance are required.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• DAWIA Practitioner certification (or equivalent).
• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field.
• 10 years of contract management experience.

Responsibilities

• Review pre-solicitation documentation and provide feedback to the procurement team.
• Participate in acquisition planning and advise IPT members on strategy.
• Conduct price and cost analysis using DoD methods and engage DCAA/DCMA as needed.
• Prepare solicitations and amendments in PD2 for PCO review and approval.
• Post notices in the Federal Business Opportunities and staff related documentation.
• Guide teams on contracting issues with professionalism and accuracy.

Skills

DoD acquisitions

PD2 contract writing

Price/cost analysis

Contract administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Master's degree in Business or Acquisition (preferred)

Tools

Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2)

Job description

Applied Research Solutions has an exciting new opportunity for a Contract Specialist to support Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) DIR-K.

DIR-K delivers enterprise-wide contracting capability for SOF AT&L, executing timely, mission-focused acquisition actions that strengthen readiness, sustain operations, and accelerate modernization across the SOF enterprise. Operating through a global network of contracting offices, DIR-K leverages both FAR and non-FAR pathways to award and administer contracts supporting weapons, aviation, maritime platforms, digital infrastructure, data/AI-enabled systems, classified programs, and force readiness initiatives. Through rapid, responsive procurement and strong industry partnerships, DIR-K enables innovation, interoperability with allies, and continuous delivery of SOF-peculiar capabilities at scale.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently reviews and provides relevant feedback on pre-solicitation documentation received as part of the procurement request package, including, but not limited to: sources sought notices, synopsis, market research/intelligence reports, Statements of Work, Justification and Approvals, Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Acquisition Plans, and Source Selection Plans.
• Actively participates in acquisition planning and business strategy activities and provides relevant business advice and assistance to customers and Integrated Product Team (IPT) members.
• Independently and proficiently conducts appropriate research using the plethora of resources available to the acquisition community (e.g., FAR, other regulatory guidance) to provide informed guidance and applicable courses of action (COAs) to a wide range of customers.
• Independently prepares pre-solicitation documentation to include, but not limited to: Determination and Findings (D&F) and Small Business coordination (DD Form 2579).
• Staff pre-solicitation documentation for appropriate review and approvals, and posts applicable notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required.
• Independently prepares solicitations and amendments in Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) (or relevant contract writing system) for Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) review and approval. Staff all solicitation/amendment documentation for appropriate review and approvals, and posts notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required.
• Conducts price and cost analysis. Proficiently use a variety of techniques, including but not limited to working with DCAA and/or DCMA as necessary, to determine fair and reasonable prices.
• Independently reviews evaluation input from a variety of sources (e.g., technical program and DCAA personnel), provides necessary feedback, and prepares contract negotiation positions (such as PNM and BCM) for PCO review and approval.
• Independently prepares contract award (or agreements) and amendments in PD2 (or relevant writing system) for PCO review and approval. Staff all award/amendment documentation for appropriate review and approvals, and posts notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required.
• Independently prepares post-award documentation to include, but not limited to: contract modifications and memoranda for the record.
• Independently and proficiently conducts all contract administration functions retained by USSOCOM.
• Establishes and maintains quality contract files that are auditable, repeatable, and defendable.
• Actively participates in IPTs and guides and assists team members, technical program personnel, sales representatives, local suppliers, and/or contractors on acquisition and business-related issues in a professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Technical Experience Requirements:

Citizenship:Must be a US citizen

Clearance:Must have and be able to maintain a Secret clearance

Certifications:DAWIA Practitioner (formerly Level II), Equivalency in Contracting

Education:Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field

Years of Experience:10 years of contract management experience

• Familiarity with DoD acquisitions in a cleared space supporting SOF
• Experience working for 5 years supporting DoD acquisition agencies
• Proficient 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 to determine a negotiation position

Preferred Experience:

Certifications:DAWIA Advanced (formerly Level III) in Contracting or a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level 3

Education and Experience: Master's degree in Business or Acquisition, and 8 years of contracts management experience in support of a DoD acquisition agency

• Weapon system support experience (i.e., contracting with PROC and R&D funding)
• Experience with OTAs, in addition to traditional (FAR/DFARS) contracting methods.
• Experience with contracting support to SOF organizations and operations
• Experience as a former Warranted Contracting Officer
• Experience as a Supervisory Contract Specialist

Additional Information

Location:MacDill AFB, FL
On-site/Hybrid/Remote: On-Site
Travel:10%

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.