The Senior Contracts Specialist is responsible for managing complex contract activities across both federal and state programs. This role requires expertise in FAR/DFARS-governed federal contracts, State appeals (IDRE) contracts, and proposal development support. The specialist will serve as a key advisor to internal stakeholders, providing guidance on contract interpretation, risk mitigation, negotiation strategies, and proposal compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Administration & Compliance:
-Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, subcontracts, and amendments for federal and state programs.
-Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, and state-specific requirements.
Proposal Support:
-Collaborate with business development and proposal teams to review RFPs, RFQs, and solicitations.
-Provide guidance on contractual terms, compliance requirements, and risk assessment during proposal preparation.
-Assist in developing cost and pricing narratives, certifications, and representations as required.
State Appeals (IDRE) Expertise:
-Manage contracts related to Independent Dispute Resolution Entity (IDRE) processes for state appeals.
-Interpret state regulations and ensure adherence to timelines and procedural requirements.
Compliance & Risk Management:
-Monitor contract performance and identify potential risks or compliance issues.
-Maintain accurate records and documentation for audits and reporting.
Stakeholder Support:
-Advise program managers and leadership on contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
-Collaborate with legal, finance, and operations teams to resolve contract-related issues.
Process Improvement:
-Develop and implement best practices for contract administration and compliance monitoring.
-Support training initiatives for internal teams on contract policies and procedures.
Skills and Qualifications
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in contract management.
- Proven experience with FAR/DFARS and federal contracting requirements.
- Strong knowledge of State appeals (IDRE) processes and related contract structures.
- Demonstrated experience supporting proposal development, including RFP analysis and compliance review.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in contract management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.