Senior Contracts Specialist

Description ARS is looking for a Senior Contract Specialist to support Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L), PEO-Maritime. PEO-M leads a diverse maritime portfolio that develops, fields, and sustains SOF-unique surface and undersea mobility and mission solutions—spanning crewed and uncrewed platforms, combat diving systems, and mission equipment. Through close collaboration with Naval Special Warfare operators and strong government/industry partnerships, PEO-M drives modernization, integration, testing, and lifecycle replacement to ensure maritime forces retain lethality and survivability advantages in denied and contested environments. The organization also transitions emerging technologies into operational use, advancing navigation, communications, situational awareness, and training capabilities across the SOF maritime enterprise. This is a full‑time position located at MacDill AFB, FL. Why Work with Us? Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is a respected, world-class provider of technically integrated solutions. We deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets to provide unparalleled, continuous mission support. We’ve been honored as a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020. At ARS, our career‑driven, loyal professionals are the key to our success, enabling us to deliver state‑of‑the‑art results for our mission partners. With an industry‑competitive benefits package, awards and recognition programs, and direct access to ARS senior management, we are dedicated to the growth and well‑being of every team member. Responsibilities Independently reviews and provides relevant feedback on pre‑solicitation documentation received as part of the procurement request package to include, but not limited to: sources sought notices, synopsis, market research/intelligence reports, Statements of Work, Justification and Approvals, Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Acquisition Plans, and Source Selection Plans. Actively participates in acquisition planning and business strategy activities and provides relevant business advice and assistance to customers and Integrated Product Team (IPT) members. Independently and proficiently conducts appropriate research using the plethora of resources available to the acquisition community (e.g., FAR, other regulatory guidance) to provide informed guidance and applicable courses of action (COAs) to a wide range of customers. Independently prepares pre‑solicitation documentation to include, but not limited to: Determination and Findings (D&F) and Small Business coordination (DD Form 2579). Staff pre‑solicitation documentation for appropriate review and approvals, and posts applicable notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required. Independently prepares solicitations and amendments in Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) (or relevant contract writing system) for Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) review and approval. Staff all solicitation/amendment documentation for appropriate review and approvals, and posts notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required. Conducts price and cost analysis. Proficiently use a variety of techniques, including but not limited to working with DCAA and/or DCMA as necessary, to determine fair and reasonable prices. Independently reviews evaluation input from a variety of sources (e.g., technical program and DCAA personnel), provides necessary feedback, and prepares contract negotiation positions (such as PNM and BCM) for PCO review and approval. Independently prepares contract award (or agreements) and amendments in PD2 (or relevant writing system) for PCO review and approval. Staff all award/amendment documentation for appropriate review and approvals, and posts notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required. Independently prepares post‑award documentation to include, but not limited to: contract modifications and memoranda for the record. Independently and proficiently conducts all contract administration functions retained by USSOCOM. Establishes and maintains quality contract files that are auditable, repeatable, and defendable. Actively participates in IPTs and guides and assists team members, technical program personnel, sales representatives, local suppliers, and/or contractors on acquisition and business‑related issues in a professional manner. Other duties as assigned Requirements Minimum Experience: Citizenship: Must be a US citizen Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a Secret clearance Certifications: DAWIA Practitioner (formerly Level II), Equivalency in Contracting Education: Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field Years of Experience: 10 years of contract management experience Familiarity with DoD acquisitions in a cleared space supporting SOF Experience working for 5 years supporting DoD acquisition agencies Proficient with Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) contract writing software Knowledge of price and cost analysis sufficient to review proposals and established rates to determine price reasonableness, or to determine a negotiation position Preferred Experience: Certifications: DAWIA Advanced (formerly Level III) in Contracting or a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level 3 Education and Experience : Master's degree in Business or Acquisition and 8 years of contracts management experience in support of a DoD acquisition agency Weapon system support experience (i.e., contracting with PROC and R&D funding) Experience with OTAs, in addition to traditional (FAR/DFARS) contracting methods. Experience with contracting support to SOF organizations and operations Experience as a former Warranted Contracting Officer Experience as a Supervisory Contract Specialist All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history, identity verification, and other checks. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights ( notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Applied Research Solutions