Contract Specialist Federal or DC Experience

One of our government clients is seeking a highly motivated Acquisition Specialist with a minimum of three (3) years of direct federal or District procurement experience. The selected individual will manage a full procurement portfolio, performing cradle-to-grave acquisition functions from solicitation and evaluation to award, administration, and closeout. The Acquisition Specialist will collaborate closely with program offices, legal counsel, and vendors to ensure that all procurements are executed in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Key Responsibilities Contract Planning & Pre-Award Activities Conduct market research to identify potential vendors and assess availability of goods and services. Develop solicitation documents (IFBs, RFPs, RFQs) in accordance with FAR or DCMR regulations. Draft Statements of Work (SOWs), evaluation criteria, and pricing structures. Coordinate with program offices to define procurement needs, budgets, and schedules. Solicitation & Evaluation Post solicitations via approved procurement platforms (e.g., OpenGov, Salesforce). Facilitate pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences and respond to vendor inquiries. Evaluate bids and proposals for responsiveness, responsibility, and best value. Conduct price and cost analyses, negotiate terms, and prepare award recommendations. Contract Award & Administration Prepare and issue contract awards, purchase orders, and modifications. Administer contracts through their lifecycle, ensuring timely performance and compliance. Manage modifications, extensions, and renewals, maintaining complete documentation. Lead post-award meetings to align expectations between agency and contractors. Compliance & Documentation Ensure adherence to federal and District procurement regulations (FAR, PPRA, DCMR). Draft Determinations & Findings, memoranda, and contract approval packages. Maintain organized contract files and prepare reports for audits and internal reviews. Stakeholder Engagement & Support Serve as liaison among program offices, finance, legal, and vendors. Provide guidance on procurement policy, process improvements, and best practices. Address vendor concerns professionally to ensure effective communication and resolution. Qualifications Minimum Requirements Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field. Minimum of 3 years of direct federal or District procurement experience Strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and/or District Procurement Practices Reform Act (PPRA). Experience managing all phases of contracting pre-award, award, and post-award. Proven ability to conduct market research, evaluate proposals, and negotiate contract terms. Preferred Qualifications CPCM, CFCM, or FAC-C certification preferred. Experience using procurement management systems such as OpenGov, Salesforce