Contract Specialist with Security Clearance

Galapagos Federal Systems; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 165,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k)

PTO

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Paid federal holidays

Job summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced Contract Specialist L3 to support the Contracting Officer throughout the acquisition life cycle, ensuring compliant, efficient contracting actions for DoD programs. The role emphasizes cradle-to-grave assistance, market research, cost analysis, and negotiation strategy development in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has TS/SCI eligibility, 10+ years of DoD contracting experience, and ability to travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain one.
• 10+ years of DoD contracting or acquisition experience.
• Experience supporting cradle-to-grave contracting in DoD.
• Experience with market research, pre/post-award documentation, and negotiation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide cradle-to-grave contracting support across the acquisition life cycle.
• Conduct market research and prepare pre-award and post-award documentation per regulations.
• Review contractor proposals for completeness and alignment with requirements.
• Perform cost and price analyses and prepare supporting documentation.
• Develop negotiation strategies and provide contracting recommendations.
• Coordinate with program managers, COs, technical teams, and stakeholders to determine contract types and methods.
• Maintain audit-ready contract files and ensure FAR/DFARS compliance.

Skills

DoD contracting

Acquisition life cycle

Market research

Cost/price analysis

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Program coordination

Audit readiness

Education

BS/BA or relevant experience

Job description

Overview Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Contract Specialist L3 to join our team of dedicated professionals. In this role, you will provide direct support to the Contracting Officer throughout the acquisition life cycle, including the planning, execution, and administration of contracts for a wide range of products and services. You will help ensure contracting activities are completed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with applicable federal acquisition regulations, policies, and procedures. The ideal candidate will bring extensive federal contracting and acquisition experience, with the ability to effectively support complex procurement actions in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment. Success in this position requires strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave contracting support throughout the acquisition life cycle, from acquisition planning and market research through award, administration, modification, and closeout
• Conduct market research and prepare pre-award and post-award acquisition and solicitation documentation in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures
• Review and evaluate contractor proposals for completeness, compliance, and alignment with acquisition requirements
• Perform cost and price analyses for DoD proposals and prepare supporting cost/price analysis documentation
• Support the development of negotiation strategies and provide contracting recommendations to facilitate successful acquisition outcomes
• Collaborate with program managers, Contracting Officers, technical teams, and other stakeholders to develop acquisition strategies and determine appropriate contract types and acquisition methods
• Administer contracts and subcontracts, including preparing contract modifications and supporting evolving program requirements
• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready contract files and documentation
• Apply Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements throughout the acquisition life cycle
• Coordinate with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), as required, to support contract administration and regulatory compliance
• Identify contracting and acquisition risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies
• Prepare and present contracting information, recommendations, and acquisition-related briefings to stakeholders and senior leadership

Requirements: Skills and Experience

The Contract Specialist must have:

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one
• 10+ years of relevant Department of Defense (DoD) contracting or acquisition experience
• Ability to travel up to 10%, as required
• Extensive hands-on experience managing contracts and subcontracts throughout the acquisition life cycle
• Demonstrated experience providing cradle-to-grave federal contracting support
• Experience conducting market research and preparing pre-award and post-award acquisition and solicitation documentation
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and evaluating contractor proposals
• Experience performing cost and price analyses and developing supporting documentation for DoD acquisitions
• Experience supporting contract negotiations and developing negotiation strategies
• Strong knowledge of the FAR and DFARS and their application to DoD contracting activities
• Experience coordinating with DCAA and DCMA in support of contract administration and regulatory compliance
• Experience maintaining accurate, complete, and audit-ready contract files

Education and Certifications

The Contract Specialist must meet the following: Required

• BS/BA and or relevant work experience and training may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Experience supporting or performing DoD contracting activities, preferably involving an Unlimited Contracting Officer's Warrant and complex acquisition/procurement actions

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Military Differential
• 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.

Company Summary

Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services. Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget." Galapagos Federal Systems LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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. The final salary offered within the posted range will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors.

Salary

Posted Salary Range USD $165,000.00 - USD $175,000.00 /Yr.