IT Program Specialist (COR)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 122,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, VA seeks an IT Program Specialist (COR) to oversee agency IT service contracts and provide contract oversight at the highest level. The role reports directly to the Director of ITD and focuses on governance across the IT procurement lifecycle.

The position requires acting as COR for agency-wide portfolios, guiding acquisition strategies, and performing financial oversight for contracts, including those over $30M, with telework

Qualifications

• Experience as COR on IT service contracts.
• Knowledge of the procurement lifecycle and agency processes.
• Ability to analyze contract obligations and expenditures.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the principal COR governing agency-wide, highly complex IT service portfolios.
• Directs the strategic surveillance of IT service contracts.
• Provides authoritative IT acquisition expertise to agency leadership across the lifecycle.
• Performs advanced financial oversight for contracts including those exceeding $30M.
• Tracks and analyzes contract obligations, expenditures, and ULOs.
• Collaborates to design long-term acquisition strategies for the IT Directorate procurement portfolio.
• Directs reviews and coordination with vendor program managers.

Skills

COR role expertise

IT contract oversight

Acquisition strategy

Job description

• Hiring Agency: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
• Department: Department of Defense
• Number of Openings: 1
• Security Clearance: Sensitive Compartmented Information

The primary purpose of the position is to serve as an IT Program Specialist and duly appointed Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), reporting directly to the Director of ITD. The position focuses on the strategic, administrative, and programmatic oversight of highly complex Information Technology (IT) service contracts supporting DARPA's advanced research and enterprise mission network.

Key Responsibilities

As an IT Program Specialist (COR) at the GS-1101-13/14 some of your typical work assignments may include: Serves as the principal Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) governing agency-wide, highly complex Information Technology (IT) service portfolios. Directs the strategic surveillance of complex IT service contracts. Provides authoritative IT acquisition expertise to agency leadership throughout the entire acquisition lifestyle.

Performs advanced financial oversight for all contracts including those exceeding $30M. Tracks and analyzes contract obligations, expenditures, and Unliquidated Obligations (ULOs). Collaborates with agency leadership to design, document, and execute long-term acquisition strategies for the entire IT Directorate (ITD) procurement portfolio Directs regular reviews and conflict resolution meetings with vendor program managers.

Requirements & Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of Defense.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $121785 – $187093/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-16.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Mspouse' hiring path.