Contract Specialist

Aurora Launch Services (ALS): Aurora Launch Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Aerospace, established to provide low cost, highly reliable launch services on a contract basis to both government and commercial space launch customers worldwide.  The company is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, co-located with Alaska Aerospace.

Position Description: Under the direction of the Contract Manager, the Contract Specialist will become a member of the multi-disciplinary team to perform the coordination, negotiation and management of highly complex proposals and subcontracts with minimal supervision.  This position requires knowledge of business agreements, federal and commercial contracting methods, including policies, procedures and regulations. The Contract Specialist will prepare and review proposals, develop evaluation criteria, negotiate subcontract provisions, recommend subcontractors, write subcontract packages and administer modifications as necessary.

To succeed in this role, the Contract specialist must work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams, managing multiple priorities while exercising discretion and sound judgement. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively are essential. Additionally, fostering and maintaining strong supplier relationships and delivering quality customer service to both internal and external stakeholders are key aspects of this position.

This is a full-time position located in Kodiak or Anchorage, Alaska with occasional travel requirements (10%). Alaska hire is preferred, although remote applicants will be considered.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

1. Provide assistance to procurement activities including purchase of equipment, materials, products, or services; examines performance requirements, delivery schedules, and estimates of costs of material, equipment, and production to ensure completeness and
2. Administer government contracts/subcontracts in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS); Export Control Requirements (ITAR/EAR).
3. Build, review, and approve compliant file documentation.
4. Prepare proposals and other business documents for execution. Examples include Request for Proposal, price analysis, and written narrative documents related to subcontractor’s requirements and/or performance.
5. Collaborate with project management team members, Corporate SME(s) and suppliers to successfully source and manage contracts that ultimately meet the intended results of quality, cost and schedule delivery requirements.
6. Gather market and contractor information through market intelligence and
7. Track contract deliverables to ensure on time submittals and supporting the monthly update of procurement calendar and milestone review.
8. Support and analyze solicitations e. Invitation to Bid (IFB), Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP), and other customer requirements and communications; review contract language, develop source lists of responsible contractors, determine and review bids from vendors for conformity and contract requirements.
9. Provide high level data analysis of contract trends, accomplishments, and deficiencies; monitor contract modifications for budget impacts e. diagnose potential issues and prompt corrective actions; complete continuing assignments involving review of contractor cost performance reports.
10. Develop knowledge of government acquisition regulations and accounting standards, management aspects of system programs and their relation to procurement, budget, and
11. Participate in the development of program planning objectives and strategies by evaluating cost/schedule tradeoffs, budget requirements, etc.
12. Build, maintain, and analyze schedules and budgets in Microsoft Project; activity includes generating program/project status, cost and schedule indicators, project schedule trends, critical-path analysis, and schedule optimizations.
13. Review and verify accuracy and completeness of proposal packages.
14. Coordinate subcontractor proposals with internal team.
15. Review subcontractor proposals and fact-find and negotiate with suppliers on price, schedule, terms and conditions and any other contractual requirements
16. Prepare subcontract documents and amendments, including identification and inclusion of cascaded requirements from the prime contract ensuring terms and conditions will be appropriate
17. Prepare reports and contractual correspondence for project management.
18. Monitor subcontractor’s performance, managing deliverables and payment of invoices.
19. Provide contract interpretation and guidance to internal stakeholders.
20. Perform subcontract closeout actions and ensure proper documentation is completed.
21. Perform other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate and/or required.

Required Knowledge/Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree Degree in Finance, Business, Economics is preferred. Specialized experience may be substituted for the Education Requirement. Specialized experience is experience which has equipped you with the abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.
• Two years of specialized experience which includes (1) Providing pre or post award functions to include contract negotiations, price analysis and contract administration; (2) Monitoring contract performance for compliance with terms and conditions; and (3) Analyzing contract data to identify issues and recommend corrective action.
• Experience with all contract types, including fixed-price, T&M, cost reimbursable, GSA schedules, government-wide acquisition contracts, BPAs, and Rapid Response IDIQs.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/MS.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, able to work with all levels of employees and management within the organization.
• Well-developed time management skills, ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities, meet strict deadlines, and handle confidential matters in a mature and responsible.
• Must demonstrate initiative, be well organized, motivated, detailed oriented, and accuracy.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) secret security clearance.
• Background check and drug screen required.
• Willing and able to work extended hours, overtime, and on weekends, as required.

Preferred Knowledge/Experience/Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in government contracting, with at least 3 years of experience in contracts administration or management, and proposal preparation.
• Experience supporting a wide range of U.S. Government and/or commercial programs.
• Experience managing diverse subcontractors across various business sizes.
• Deltek Costpoint experience is highly desired.
• Continuous improvement mindset and ability to develop win-win solutions.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Aurora Launch Services to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Compensation

A competitive salary and benefits package, determined upon experience level of individual, will be negotiated after an offer to hire has been given.

To Apply  

Please apply online on Indeed.com or send a resume and cover letter to careers.ctr@akaerospace.com. For questions call (907) 486-2271. This position will remain open until filled. Visit application here.