Government Contracting Consultant for SBDC - State Director's Office

Florida Economic Development Council; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A state economic development organization in Gainesville, Florida is seeking a Government Contracting Consultant. The role involves strengthening the Department of War industrial base by providing guidance to small businesses looking to enter government markets. Applicants should have a master's degree with six years of experience, strong knowledge of government contracting processes, and excellent communication skills. The position offers an annual salary ranging from $53,000 to $63,000.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of government contracting processes and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive readiness assessments for client businesses to ensure compliance.
• Develop and deliver workshops and webinars on government contracting.
• Guide innovators toward SBIR/STTR opportunities.

Skills

Knowledge of government contracting processes

Strong teaching and presentation skills

Financial analysis skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to develop and track KPIs

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Overview

Position Number: 113720 | Classification Title: Coordinator II | Working Title: Government Contracting Consultant | Department: SBDC‑State Director's Office | FLSA Status: Exempt | Salary Range: $53,000 - $63,000 | Pay Basis: Annually

Employment based visa sponsorship will NOT be considered for this position.

The Government Contracting Consultant works directly to strengthen the Department of War (DOW) industrial base and small business ecosystem, advancing innovation nationwide. The role provides expert guidance to businesses seeking to enter or expand within the federal, state, and local government marketplace. The consultant focuses on preparing companies to become Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Government Industrial Base (GIB) ready, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, and operational best practices. The consultant also guides innovators toward non‑dilutive grant funding and industry partnership opportunities, including SBIR/STTR programs, potential industry collaborative partners, and emerging technology opportunities, supporting proposal development and commercialization strategies. Ability to develop strong and mutually beneficial relationships within the North Central Florida ecosystem and with the host organization will be essential for the co‑location of the North Central FL office for the consultant – UF Innovate|Accelerate.

Minimum Qualifications

Masters degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelors degree in a proper area of specialization and eight years of pertinent experience.

• Knowledge of government contracting processes, procurement regulations, and compliance frameworks.

Position Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local government procurement processes, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with trends in innovation, emerging technologies, and their application in government contracting and small business development.
• Knowledge of principles and requirements for starting and operating a successful small business.
• Awareness of business conditions and economic trends within the assigned geographical service area.
• Proficiency in the business counseling and consulting process, including assessing client needs and developing actionable strategies.
• Willingness to work with and refer to regional entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and become a valued resource for the community to drive higher levels of government sales in the North Central Florida region.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with co‑workers and supervisors, and effectively engage with stakeholders in private business, public education, and government sectors.
• Strong teaching, training, and presentation skills for workshops, seminars, and client engagements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including drafting high‑quality business plans, proposals, and reports.
• Financial analysis skills to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners, knowledge of business financing alternatives, and ability to build and maintain a professional network within banking and financial communities.
• Significant personal computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher) and data management applications.
• Ability to develop and track relevant KPIs and engage in continuous improvement activities.
• Must be able to travel daily throughout the county and possess a valid driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel for conferences and workshops, both in‑state and out‑of‑state, may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with DIB/GIB readiness requirements, including cyber‑security standards (NIST SP 800‑171, CMMC).
• Understanding of FAR/DFARS regulations.
• Experience with SAM.gov registration and small business certifications (HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB).
• Knowledge of SBIR/STTR programs and supply chain risk management.
• Experience working with small businesses and/or prime contractors.

Essential Functions / Job Duties

• Compliance & Readiness Support (60%) – Conduct comprehensive readiness assessments for client businesses to determine compliance with DIB/GIB standards. Assist clients with SAM.gov registration, vendor portals, and socioeconomic certifications. Guide businesses through CMMC readiness and alignment with NIST SP 800‑171 cyber‑security requirements. Provide tailored action plans to close compliance gaps and strengthen operational controls. Meet directly with individuals forming and established businesses to provide one‑on‑one guidance and consulting, ensuring they understand the requirements and best practices for government contracting. (Essential)
• Outreach & Education (20%) – Develop and deliver workshops and webinars on government contracting, compliance, and innovation programs. Partner with local government agencies, entrepreneurial support organizations (UF Innovate/Accelerate, Santa Fe CIED program), economic development organizations, and industry groups to promote APEX Accelerator services. Represent the program at public events and speak on procurement and industrial base readiness. Build relationships with stakeholders to expand program visibility and impact. Required frequent travel within the North Central Florida region and occasional overnight travel for statewide conferences and training. (Essential)
• Innovation & Emerging Technology Support (20%) – Work with the State Office Technology Transfer and Commercialization Specialist to develop regional strategy and initiatives. Guide innovators toward SBIR/STTR opportunities, including eligibility assessment, proposal preparation, and commercialization planning. Connect businesses with federal research agencies and emerging technology initiatives. Advise on strategies for integrating advanced technologies into supply chains to enhance resilience and competitiveness. Support clients in leveraging innovation programs to strengthen their position in the government marketplace. (Essential)

Physical Demands

• No unusual physical requirement. Requires no heavy lifting and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Impact of deadlines: externally imposed deadlines set and revised beyond one’s control. Interruptions influence priorities.
• Daily standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms.
• Occasional climbing or balancing; stooping occasionally.
• Lifting: up to 10 lbs frequently, up to 25 lbs occasionally, never over 25 lbs.
• Daily talking, hearing, and vision (color & depth).

Special Requirements or Considerations of the Job

• This position requires a criminal background screen.
• This position requires fingerprinting.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license.

The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting UWF Human Resources at 850.474.2694 (voice) or 850.857.6158 (TTY). E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at the University are subject to Florida public records law.