Contracts Specialist

Cherokee Federal; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Contract Specialist to provide advisory and document support across the acquisition requirements phase. The role involves preparing SOWs/SOO/PWS, performing market research, and assisting in both pre- and post-award activities to ensure compliant, efficient contracting processes.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, 5+ years of government contracting, SAP and MS Office proficiency, and the ability to obtain a CBP Public Trust clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.

Responsibilities

• Provide acquisition support services not inherently governmental, including technical support to evaluation and development of pre‑award documentation.
• Advise on procurement approaches, conduct market research, and ensure CBP policies and required documentation are followed.
• Assist in market research to identify sources and contract vehicles, prepare market surveys and announcements, and verify funding prior to solicitation release.
• Prepare and develop pre‑award documents (SSP, SSEB instructions, D&F, J&A) and support post‑award administration and performance monitoring.

Skills

Contracting experience

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Contract Specialist

This position requires an active CBP Public Trust clearance or the ability to obtain a CBP Public Trust clearance to be considered.

The Contract Specialist shall provide advice, recommendations, and document support in all areas of the acquisition requirements phase. The Contractor shall assist in the development and review of contract requirements documentation to include Statements of Work (SOW), Statements of Objectives (SOO), and Performance Work Statements (PWS).

Compensation & Benefits:

• Estimated Starting Salary Range for Contract Specialist: $125K to $135K
• Pay commensurate with experience.
• Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Contract Specialist Responsibilities Include:

• Provide acquisition support services that are not inherently Governmental to include technical support to the evaluation process, and assistance to the Government in developing documentation in all areas of the pre-award acquisition phase.
• Advise the Government on the best procurement approach and assist in Market Research analysis and documentation. The Contractor shall be aware of all CBP Procurement policies and what documentation is required for each acquisition
• Assist the program office in conducting market research to identify potential sources and contract vehicles, preparing market surveys and developing written announcements. Potential sources include socio- economic program participants (i.e., small businesses, small and disadvantaged businesses, Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone businesses), and potential contract vehicles may include General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule vendors, Government-wide Agency Contracts, and other agency contracts.
• Assist in the preparation and development of all pre-award documentation including: Source Selection Plans (SSP), instructions for Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) members on roles and responsibilities, Determinations and Findings (D&F), Justifications and Approvals (J&A) and other necessary contract file documents.

Work with evaluators and the Contracting Officer (CO) to assist in identifying pre-negotiation objectives and assist the CO with discussions with Offerors. The Contractor shall thoroughly review proposals, identity issues with respect to the proposals, provide input for developing a negotiating position, and provide cost or price analysis of the proposal when required. Prepare negotiation memorandum supporting each contract action. These documents will fully address all salient issues associated with the procurement, the key decision items, and all pre-award reviews performed to comply with policy and regulation. The Contractor shall also ensure that the files prepared for the pre-award decisions are thorough and address all applicable regulatory, policy and internal operating requirements; filed consistent with DHS and CBP policy; and are properly organized to facilitate various post- award reviews and administration. Assist in developing draft Request for Quotes (RFQ), Request for Proposals (RFP), and/or Combined Synopsis/Solicitations for Government approval. The Contractor shall assure the solicitation includes all appropriate terms and conditions and recommend and prepare unique terms and conditions as required. Prior to the release of the solicitation, the Contractor shall assist in verifying that funds are available, obtaining legal concurrence, and releasing the solicitation by electronic posting, email, fax or mail upon approval by the CO. Assist in preparing final contract award documents for task and delivery orders, stand‑alone contracts, and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) designation letters, obtaining legal concurrence, and distributing the contract to the appropriate parties. The Contractor shall prepare draft award announcements for electronic posting and draft Congressional Notifications in accordance with FAR requirements and DHS/CBP guidance. Provide advice, recommendations, and document support in all areas of the post‑award acquisition phase. The Contractor shall assist in preparing appropriate documentation for negotiated contract modifications and in monitoring performance and compliance with terms of all assigned contracts, including site visits, periodic program reviews, labor interviews, support to award fee evaluations, and initiation of Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting Systems documentation.

Contract Specialist Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 5 or more years of Government Contract Specialist experience required.
• Experience with construction contracting highly desired.
• Contract Specialist 1102 certification is required.
• Experience with SAP is required.
• Utilizing and applying computer software including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to obtain a CBP Public Trust Clearance.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Strategic Program (CNSP) provides support, services, and solutions to federal and commercial customers. The company takes a personalized approach to solving our clients' toughest challenges, helping you make the most of your skills. CNSP is part of Cherokee Federal – a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies. For more information, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal

Legal Disclaimer:

Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affi