Senior Contract Specialist Level II

Acquisition Professionals LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Acquisition Professionals LLC seeks a senior Federal contracting professional to guide acquisition strategies, evaluate proposals, and ensure FAR-compliant administration of long-term contracts. The role includes mentoring staff, coordinating multi-contract actions, and delivering high-value procurement solutions for government projects.

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in pre- and post-award contracting, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work with diverse

Qualifications

• Eight+ years of direct federal contracting experience.
• Strong mastery of FAR and pre-/post-award processes.
• Experience with complex, long-term contracts and negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Advise on acquisition strategies and compliance with procurement laws.
• Develop statements of work, evaluation plans, and procurement strategies.
• Prepare solicitations, contracts, and closeouts in accordance with FAR.
• Monitor performance, approve payments, and address scheduling/changes.

Skills

Acquisition strategy

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Budget analysis

Program management

Mentoring

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (any field)

24 semester hours in business-related fields

Job description

Corporate Profile:

Acquisition Professionals (AP) LLC is a trusted strategic partner and solutions-based company that combines years of deep knowledge-based expertise, agile program management, and customized learning solutions, AP provides cradle-to-grave acquisition services and acquisition training; administrative support services; Information Technology Support Services and program and financial management. We leverage technology, tools, and industry best practices through our experienced personnel to create cross-functional results and navigate the complex and high-risk areas for our clients' projects and programs.

Responsibilities:

• Advises program officials on acquisition strategies, administrative matters, and compliance with Federal procurement regulations.
• Assists in the development of statements of work, evaluation plans, pricing methodologies, and procurement strategies.
• Prepares solicitations, supporting documents, and contract awards in accordance with applicable laws and FAR requirements, including complex competitive procurements under FAR Part 15.
• Performs contract administration, including monitoring contractor performance, approving progress payments, verifying deliveries, and supporting contract modifications and closeouts.
• Applies acquisition innovation techniques to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Conducts price/cost analyses, evaluates proposals, and supports budget development for planned procurements.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Serves as a point of contact for major procurement actions and provides authoritative recommendations to improve procurement operations and customer service.
• Coordinates administration of long-term, high-value technical service contracts across multiple contract types (e.g., Firm-Fixed-Price, Incentive, Award-Fee, Time & Materials). Monitors contractor performance, approves payments, verifies deliveries, and resolves issues related to scheduling, change orders, and compliance.
• Leads negotiations for complex contract modifications and cost/price proposals. Applies advanced price/cost analysis techniques to develop solicitation documents, evaluate proposals, and determine negotiation positions.
• Supports budget development for planned procurements and evaluates contractor financial stability through detailed analysis of financial statements and operational policies.
• Ensures adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies to safeguard Government interests. Prepares responses to protests and manages contract closeouts, extensions, and cancellations.
• Provides high-level technical guidance to managers and staff on complex acquisition issues, source selection, and contract administration. Mentors less experienced team members and recommends improvements to procurement operations.
• Administers grants, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements, including eligibility determinations, solicitation of applications, negotiation of terms, compliance monitoring and resolution of audit findings.
• Serves as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, responding to inquiries and ensuring effective communication across procurement activities.

Education/Certifications:

A bachelor's degree with a major in any field and 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organizations and management.

Desired Qualifications:

FAC-C(Professional) or DAWIA in Contracting (Professional) certification, DAWIA , or other non-Federal certifications/qualifications, such as NCMA CFCM and CPCM. The current requirements for FAC-C(P) are identified at: www.fai.gov.

Required Qualifications:

• Eight or more years of direct experience in Federal contracting. At least one of these years must be specialized experience equivalent to the Federal Government GS-14 grade level that has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.
• Demonstrated mastery of contracting laws, statutes, Executive Orders, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and related procedures applicable to both pre-award and post-award actions. Ability to procure and administer contracts for diverse requirements, including supplies, equipment, services, and construction. Skilled in conducting studies of complex problem areas and developing standardized methods and operating procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of Federal contracting methods and contract types, including complex competitive processes under FAR Part 15. Expertise in contract administration policies, evaluation techniques, and performance monitoring for prime and subcontractors on long-term, high-value contracts.
• Proven experience applying acquisition innovation techniques as outlined in the Periodic Table of Acquisition Innovation, driving efficiency and modernization in procurement processes.
• Strong capability in overseeing and monitoring contracting processes for supplies, services, equipment, and construction projects, ensuring compliance and performance standards.
• Comprehensive understanding of business practices and market conditions relevant to program and technical requirements, enabling accurate evaluation and informed decision-making.
• Pre- and Post-Award Contract Administration
• Proficiency in planning, executing, and administering contracts and modifications in alignment with Federal policies and procedures.
• Ability to assess program strategies and technical requirements, evaluate contractor capabilities and performance, and provide expert guidance to program offices and stakeholders.
• Advanced negotiation techniques to secure best-value awards and protect Government interests. Exceptional written and oral communication skills for presenting analyses, findings, and recommendations.
• Skilled in collaborating with private sector representatives and Government officials to facilitate procurement activities and resolve complex issues.
• Ability to analyze challenging acquisition issues, identify alternative solutions, and adapt standard procedures to streamline processes and resolve contractual problems.
• Capacity to anticipate uncertainties, research regulatory changes, and apply updated contracting principles and procedures effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines under short lead times.

Corporate Summary:

Acquisition Professionals (AP) LLC is an Economically Disadvantaged, Woman-Owned, HUBZone small business. Acquisition Professionals LLC was founded in 2014 by President/CEO Luwanna K. Clark. We are located at Quantico Corporate Center in Stafford, Virginia. We offer a competitive salary and compensation benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, matching 401k, tax free transit subsidy, paid federal government holidays and paid time off. AP is an Equal Opportunity and Assertive Action Employer and are committed to creating an all-inclusive environment for all employees. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.