Senior Contracting Subject Matter Expert

PM2 Strategies; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

PM2 Strategies is a specialized firm serving federal government clients involved in manufacturing technologies. The Senior Contracting SME will support the OSW ManTech Program Office, providing expert acquisition and contracting support across the full life cycle of R&D initiatives that advance manufacturing technologies for national security.

You will advise senior leadership on acquisition strategies, PPBE integration, and OTA/FAR compliance while collaborating with government stakeholders to

Qualifications

• Active SECRET security clearance, at minimum.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy or Government Administration; Engineering or Technical field; or Business.
• At least 12 years’ of work experience in federal acquisition, contracting, program management, or related experience.
• Proven experience supporting complex DoD source selections and R&D procurements.
• OTA, Cooperative Agreements, and FAR procedures knowledge and implementation.
• Experience with contract administration throughout the life cycle, including closeout.
• Strong government program management experience and process improvement capability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Windows.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted contracting advisor to OSW ManTech leadership.
• Guide acquisition activities integration with PPBE processes.
• Identify contracting risks, opportunities, and acquisition strategies.
• Interpret and apply OTA, Cooperative Agreements, FAR procedures.
• Support development of solicitation packages, acquisition docs, and source selection.
• Assist with contract modifications and post‑award actions.

Skills

Security clearance

Federal acquisition

Contract management

OTA/FAR knowledge

Program management

Technical writing

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Senior Contracting Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Job Location:

Work remotely from home, with moderate travel expected. Customers are primarily in Washington, DC.

Background

The ManTech Program is within the Office of Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) and delivers advanced manufacturing technologies that increase Warfighter advantage. The ManTech Program furthers national security by developing advanced and emerging manufacturing processes and technology, strengthening joint planning and coordination, implementing advanced manufacturing within the organic industrial base, fostering outreach and communication with the defense industrial base, and recruiting and training the manufacturing workforce.

ManTech is responsible for executing programs and public–private partnerships charged with fostering all steps of manufacturing technology development, starting from laboratory scale prototyping and going through all technology and manufacturing maturation steps required to transition to full production. More information about ManTech is at this link: DoD ManTech – Home

Job Description and Responsibilities

The Senior Contracting Subject Matter Expert (SME) will support the Office of the Secretary of War Manufacturing Technology (OSW ManTech) Program Office within the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)). You will provide expert acquisition and contracting support across the full life cycle of research and development initiatives that advance manufacturing technologies that are critical to national security. You will advise senior leadership on acquisition strategies, contracting policies, and program execution while supporting the successful funding and delivery of advanced manufacturing projects. You will collaborate with government stakeholders to develop innovative acquisition approaches and help accelerate the execution of high‑visibility initiatives supporting the U.S. warfighter.

• Serve as a trusted contracting and acquisition advisor to OSW ManTech leadership on strategic acquisition planning and execution.
• Provide guidance on the integration of acquisition activities with Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) processes.
• Identify and assess emerging contracting risks, opportunities, and acquisition strategies to support program objectives.
• Interpret and apply regulations for Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, Cooperative Agreements, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Department of War directives, and other acquisition policies.
• Advise on the use of FAR‑based contracts, assistance agreements, and Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs).
• Recommend and implement process improvements to streamline acquisition activities and reduce administrative lead times.
• Collaborate with contracting officers, agreements officers, and program personnel to develop acquisition strategies for R&D initiatives.
• Support the development of solicitation packages, acquisition documentation, and source selection activities.
• Assist with contractor performance monitoring and contract administration activities.
• Prepare and review documentation supporting contract modifications and other post‑award actions.
• Support management of the full contract lifecycle through contract closeout, as required.
• Participate in Program Management Reviews and other program execution meetings.
• At least 12 years of work experience in federal acquisition, contracting, program management, or related experience. Will accept 10 years with a master’s degree in a related field.
• Translate complex acquisition and contracting concepts into clear, actionable information for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Required Skills / Qualifications

The position requires the following skills and qualifications.

• Active SECRET security clearance, at minimum.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy or Government Administration; Engineering or Technical field; or Business.
• At least 12 years’ of work experience in federal acquisition, contracting, program management, or related experience. Will accept 10 years with master’s degree in related field.
• Proven experience supporting complex Department of War source selections and research and development procurements.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, Cooperative Agreements, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) procedures. Experience developing and implementing innovation strategies using these agreements.
• Experience supporting contract administration activities throughout the contract life cycle, including closeout.
• Extensive government program management experience with a demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and lead process improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of defense acquisition policies, regulations, and processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical and acquisition concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, professionalism, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑demand environment.
• Strong skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Windows.

Desired Skills / Qualifications

The ideal candidate also has the following skills/qualifications.

• Experience working alongside government research & development or a manufacturing technology development environment. Experience with government‑funded research or development projects (e.g., OTAs, Cooperative Agreements, SBIR/STTR, grants, CRADAs, or FAR technology development contracts).
• Strong track record of serving clients (preferably government) and high client satisfaction. Demonstrated professional initiative and insight needed to: anticipate client needs; recognize opportunities and problem areas; recommend and implement action.

PM2 Strategies is a specialized firm primarily serving federal government clients involved in developing manufacturing technologies. Our team is making a real impact by assisting clients who are accelerating research and adoption of advanced manufacturing in the U.S. We are seeking highly capable professionals to join our team. In return, we offer engaging assignments, a competitive salary plus benefits, and the potential to work primarily from home.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to religion, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation/identity, ancestry or national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status. PM2 Strategies is a drug‑free workplace.

Your application will be reviewed by a real, live human. Candidates only, no recruiters or agencies.

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