Government Contracting Counselor

Colorado APEX Accelerator (Formerly PTAC); Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado APEX Accelerator seeks a Government Contract Counselor to provide technical assistance and training to small businesses aiming to enter or expand in federal, state, and local government contracting. The role supports DoD OSBP initiatives and collaborates across DoD and state agencies.

The position offers both part‑time and full‑time options with a flexible schedule and a hybrid in‑office/remote work model.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of government procurement processes.
• Ability to explain complex acquisition topics clearly.
• Strong ethics, confidentiality, and public‑service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Provide one‑on‑one counseling to small businesses on readiness for federal, state, county, and municipal contracting.
• Assist with SAM.gov registrations, renewals, and compliance.
• Guide development of capability statements tailored to federal agencies and state/local buyers.
• Advise on NAICS codes, PSCs, and applicable state or local commodity/service codes.
• Counsel businesses on small-business certifications at the federal and state levels.
• Translate FAR requirements into practical business guidance.
• Explain solicitation types (RFI, RFQ, RFP, IFB) used across government levels.
• Advise on federal set‑asides and subcontracting strategies.
• Help clients identify opportunities using SAM.gov and procurement portals.
• Support or deliver workshops and outreach events on public‑sector contracting.

Skills

Government procurement knowledge

Ability to explain complex topics

Ethics and public service mindset

Job description

APEX Accelerator | Public-Sector Contracting Advisor | GS-Equivalent

Position Type: Part-Time and Full Time available/ Consultant

Work Model: Flexible schedule; hybrid -in office and remote

Ideal Candidate: Retired Federal Contracting Officer, Contract Specialist, or Acquisition Professional

Position Summary

The Government Contract Counselor provides technical assistance, counseling, and training to small businesses seeking to enter or expand within the federal, state, and local government contracting marketplace.

This role supports the mission of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) through the APEX Accelerator Program Cooperative Agreement by increasing small-business participation in public-sector supply chains.

Counselors leverage real-world acquisition experience to guide clients through federal procurement processes while also supporting businesses pursuing opportunities with State of Colorado agencies, counties, municipalities, and other local government entities.

The goal is to strengthen long-term small-business capacity and competitiveness across all levels of government.

Scope of Government Contract Counseling

• State of Colorado procurement
• City and municipal purchasing
• Prime contractor and subcontractor supply chains

Core Responsibilities

Small Business Counseling (APEX Required)

• Provide one-on-one counseling to small businesses on readiness for federal, state, county, and municipal contracting
• Assist with SAM.gov registrations, renewals, and compliance
• Guide development of capability statements tailored to federal agencies and state/local buyers
• Advise on NAICS codes, PSCs, and applicable state or local commodity/service codes
• Counsel businesses on small-business certifications at the federal and state levels

Government Acquisition & Procurement Guidance

• Translate Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements into practical business guidance
• Explain solicitation types (RFI, RFQ, RFP, IFB) used across federal, state, and local government levels
• Advise on federal set-asides, state/local programs, subcontracting strategies, and prime vs subcontractor pathways
• Help clients identify opportunities using SAM.gov, state procurement portals, and local purchasing platforms
• Support or deliver workshops, webinars, and outreach events on public-sector contracting
• Participate in engagements with DoD, civilian agencies, state procurement officials, and economic development partners
• Represent the APEX Accelerator as a subject‑matter expert

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Document counseling activity in required systems
• Track performance metrics including contract awards, dollar value, and readiness milestones
• Ensure compliance with DoD OSBP and APEX reporting standards

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of government procurement processes
• Ability to explain complex acquisition topics clearly
• Strong ethics, confidentiality, and public‑service mindset

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• Former Federal Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist
• Experience working under the FAR
• Prior GS-1102 or acquisition workforce background
• Familiarity with State of Colorado procurement systems
• Experience with APEX, PTAC, SBDC, or economic‑development programs
• Remote counseling with periodic in‑person outreach