Overview
Nakupuna Solutions is seeking a Junior Contracts Specialist with a background in construction to support a Federal Executive Department. The Contracts Specialist provides acquisition and contracting support for architecture, engineering (A/E), construction, and facility design programs. This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts associated with planning, design, renovation, construction, and facility sustainment activities, while ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations, applicable design standards, and mission requirements. The incumbent serves as a key liaison among contracting, program management, engineering, architectural, and facilities stakeholders to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective design and construction solutions in support of agency objectives.
Responsibilities
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
The Contract Specialist (Construction Support) supports both pre-award and post-award functions, including procurement documentation, contract file administration, and coordination with contracting personnel to facilitate construction-related acquisitions in accordance with applicable federal regulations, policies, and procedures. This role supports the successful execution of construction and facility-related programs by ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant contract administration and acquisition support services. The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other business needs.
- Works closely with senior analysts, subject matter experts, Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), Program Managers, and program offices to support and coordinate pre-award and post-award contracting activities for architecture-engineer (A/E), construction, facility design, and facility support acquisitions.
- Plans, develops, and supports the execution of acquisition strategies for A/E, design-build, design-bid-build, construction, and facility support contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DOSAR (if applicable), agency supplements, and other applicable federal procurement regulations and policies.
- Assists with the preparation, development, review, and issuance of procurement and acquisition documentation, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Statements of Work (SOWs), Performance Work Statements (PWSs), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Justifications and Approvals (J&As), Source Selection Evaluation Plans, technical evaluation criteria, market research documentation, and other acquisition-related documents.
- Reviews acquisition packages and procurement documentation for quality, clarity, completeness, technical accuracy, and compliance with applicable federal regulations, acquisition policies, codes, standards, and agency requirements, including FAR Part 36, the Brooks Act, sustainability requirements, and energy standards, and recommends revisions as necessary.
- Supports Contracting Officers with pre-award and post-award acquisition actions, including solicitation preparation, contract administration, contract modifications, funding actions, performance monitoring, administrative actions, and contract closeout activities.
- Administers and maintains procurement and contract files, records, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with audit, review, and acquisition oversight requirements.
- Supports federal procurement and acquisition activities related to construction, facility sustainment, and A/E contracting efforts, including FAR-based acquisitions conducted under supervision.
- Collaborates with architects, engineers, facility planners, project managers, and technical personnel to translate technical and operational requirements into clear, accurate, and enforceable contractual language and acquisition documentation.
- Serves as a primary point of contact for facility managers, engineers, architects, program offices, and external vendors regarding construction and design-related acquisition matters, procurement actions, and contract administration support.
- Participates in acquisition planning sessions, project meetings, source selection activities, and design reviews to support procurement execution, project coordination, and successful contract performance.
- Supports source selection activities as a non-voting member, including acquisition planning, evaluation planning, technical evaluations, documentation preparation, coordination activities, and maintenance of source selection records and documentation.
- Provides guidance and acquisition support to technical teams and stakeholders regarding procurement processes, acquisition timelines, contractual considerations, and applicable contracting requirements and procedures.
- Identifies, tracks, and assists in mitigating contractual, cost, schedule, and performance risks associated with design, construction, and facility-related projects.
- Reviews, coordinates, and supports Requests for Equitable Adjustments (REAs), contract modifications, and other contract-related administrative and procurement actions associated with construction and A/E contracts.
Qualifications
Skills/Qualifications: The ideal candidate demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and possesses strong organizational, administrative, and customer service skills. The candidate must be detail-oriented, capable of managing and prioritizing multiple assignments under strict deadlines, and able to coordinate effectively across multiple offices and stakeholders. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, including the ability to prepare and present information through briefings, reports, and professional correspondence. Basic knowledge of federal acquisition principles, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and government procurement procedures is required, while familiarity with construction or architecture-engineer (A/E) acquisitions is preferred.
Desired, but not required, qualifications include hands-on experience as a Contract Specialist and/or Contracting Officer supporting federal government contracts, particularly in services and construction/facilities contracting. Preferred experience includes supporting pre-award and post-award contracting activities; developing and reviewing solicitation and acquisition artifacts; supporting awards, negotiations, contract modifications, and deliverables; conducting price and cost analysis; and working with fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, or hybrid contracting methods. Candidates should also possess knowledge of federal acquisition methods and techniques; applicable contracting legislation, regulations, and policies; and business and industry practices, sources of supply, cost factors, and requirements associated with federal contracting.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience supporting federal acquisitions.
Clearance Requirements: This position requires an active SECRET security clearance. Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
- Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.
