Contract Specialist with Security Clearance

Overview: Job Summary Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Contract Specialist L3 to join our team of dedicated professionals. The Contract Specialist L3 will provide direct support to the Government Contracting Officer in the planning, execution, and administration of acquisitions for a variety of products and services. This role will support pre-award and post-award contracting activities while ensuring compliance with applicable federal acquisition regulations, policies, and procedures. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in federal acquisition and contract management, along with strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills to effectively support complex contracting requirements in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave contracting support to the Government Contracting Officer for the acquisition of a variety of products and services Conduct market research and support the development of acquisition strategies, including recommendations regarding appropriate contract methods and contract types Prepare, review, and coordinate pre-award and post-award acquisition and solicitation documentation in accordance with applicable policies and regulations Review proposals for completeness, compliance, and responsiveness to solicitation requirements Conduct pricing and cost evaluations and prepare supporting cost/price analysis documentation for DoD acquisition actions Assist the Contracting Officer in developing negotiation objectives, strategies, and positions Support contract administration activities, including maintaining complete and audit-ready contract files, preparing contract modifications, and processing and reviewing invoices Assist with monitoring and overseeing contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual requirements, schedules, and deliverables Coordinate with Government stakeholders, program offices, DCAA, DCMA, and other organizations throughout the acquisition lifecycle Ensure contracting activities comply with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and organizational policies and procedures Requirements Skills and Experience The Contract Specialist must have: Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance 15+ years of relevant Department of Defense (DoD) experience, with extensive hands-on experience managing contracts and subcontracts Demonstrated experience providing comprehensive cradle-to-grave acquisition and contracting support, including market research, solicitation development, proposal review, award, administration, and closeout activities Extensive experience preparing and reviewing pre-award and post-award contracting documentation Demonstrated experience conducting cost and price analyses for DoD proposals and preparing supporting evaluation documentation Experience developing acquisition and negotiation strategies and advising on appropriate contract types and procurement methods Extensive contract administration experience, including maintaining accurate and audit-ready contract files, preparing modifications, reviewing invoices, and supporting contract performance oversight In-depth knowledge of the FAR and DFARS and their application throughout the federal acquisition lifecycle Experience coordinating with Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) in support of acquisition, contract administration, and regulatory compliance activities Ability to work 100% on-site in an office environment Ability to travel up to 10%, as required Education and Certifications The Contract Specialist must meet the following: Required Bachelor's Degree or equivalent BS/BA Preferred MS/MA Experience supporting or performing DoD contracting activities, preferably involving an Unlimited Contracting Officer's Warrant and complex acquisition/procurement actions