Contracting Specialist SME

Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced Contract Specialist Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support critical United States Space Force (USSF) and Department of Defense (DoD) missions in a remote capacity.

In this role, you will support the Galapagos Team Lead and work closely with the Space Systems Command Commercial Space Office (COMSO) Contracting Office (SSC/CMK), providing senior-level acquisition and contracting expertise throughout the procurement life cycle.

The ideal candidate will have extensive federal and DoD contracting experience, prior warranted Contracting Officer authority, and strong knowledge of FAR and DFARS. This role requires sound business judgment, strong communication and analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex priorities in a mission-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Contract Specialist SME will:

• Provide senior-level acquisition and contracting expertise to SSC/CMK, supporting complex pre-award and post-award contract actions
• Advise Contracting Officers on acquisition planning, solicitation development, negotiations, contract awards, modifications, and contract administration
• Lead and support source selection activities, including acquisition strategy development, proposal evaluations, competitive procurements, and award recommendations
• Prepare, review, and coordinate acquisition documentation, contract modifications, determinations and findings, and other contracting deliverables
• Provide guidance to Contracting Officers and program stakeholders on acquisition strategies, procurement approaches, and complex contractual matters
• Coordinate with government stakeholders, legal counsel, program offices, DCAA, DCMA, and industry partners to support successful acquisition outcomes
• Serve as Acting Team Lead, as required, supporting workload management, team coordination, mentoring, and continuity of operations
• Support the acquisition of commercial products and services for the USSF and DoD, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and acquisition best practices

Skills and Experience

The Contract Specialist SME must have:

• Active Secret security clearance
• 10+ years of government contracting experience, including 5+ years as a warranted Contracting Officer with warrant authority of at least $5 million; prior DoD warrant experience preferred
• 1+ year of supervisory or team leadership experience, including workload coordination, mentoring personnel, or serving in an Acting Team Lead capacit
• In-depth knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
• Demonstrated proficiency with CON-IT and KTFS; supervisor or administrator-level experience
• Experience executing source selections in accordance with the DoD Source Selection Procedures/Guide
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing complex pre-award and post-award contracting actions
• Practical experience coordinating with DCAA and DCMA in support of acquisition and regulatory compliance activities

Education and Certifications

The Contract Specialist SME must meet the following:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, Degree concentration in Business, Acquisition Management, Contract Management, Finance, Law, Public Administration, or a related discipline

Preferred

• Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, JD, or equivalent) Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Contracting Professional Certification, or equivalent industry certification (e.g., Certified Federal Contract Manager™)

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Military Differential
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

Company Summary

Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.

Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."

Company Employment Statement

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.

The final salary offered within the posted range will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors.