Summary The Contract Specialist III supports the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO), the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Special Programs Division (SAF/AQL), and US Air Force combat and sustainment activities. Following applicable Federal, Department of Defense and Air Force acquisition policy, law, regulation and guidance, the Contract Specialist III provides support and leadership of other contract staff in supporting the Contracting Officer in acquisition of critically needed national security capabilities by performing contract administration from the description of the requirements to contract delivery, and participating in oversight of contract performance. The Contract Specialist III will be responsible for ensuring all deliverables meet schedule and quality standards Responsibilities * Work with the Contracting Officer in planning and managing acquisitions for a variety of products and services for the contracts division * Lead cradle-to-grave contract activities, such as conducting market research, preparing solicitation documentation (pre and post award), reviewing proposals for compliance, performing cost/price evaluations, assisting with negotiating positions, reviewing and processing invoices * Lead and participate in program reviews to assess alignment of activities with acquisition strategy and program plan and determine feasibility of execution within the defined program baselines * Lead and participate in defining overall acquistion objectives to meet planned milestones. * Works with the Contracting Officer in developing acquisition strategies, including determination of contract method/type; performing contract administration, including, but not limited to maintaining contract file folders and preparing contract modifications * Work with the Contracting Officer in the oversight of contract performance * Lead and participate in identifying and mitigating risks to include assessing cost, schedule, and performance impacts and burn-down plans * Assist in communicating project status and issues, and developing acquisition and policy recommendations * Other duties as assigned Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in a business-related field such as accounting, business administration, contracts, economics, finance, law, purchasing, or related discipline required * Non-business degree must have 24 hours of business related courses. * 4+ years of additional experience may be used in lieu of a degree, contingent upon customer approval * 15+ years of government contracting experience or 10+ years of direct hands-on experience as a GS1102-14 Contract Specialist or higher grade. * Additional education or relevant higher level certifications may be used in lieu of experience, contingent upon customer approval. * Experience to include: * Expertise in managing contract actions from conception to implementation * Extensive experience in performing source selections, cost or price analysis, negotiations, and preparation of related contract documentation in accordance with directives and policies * 10+ years' experience in acquisition of DoD systems, R&D or related activities * DAWIA or FAC Level III Certified or equivalent * Special Access Program (SAP) experience. Experience on similar types of programs may be used in lieu of SAP experience, contingent upon customer approval * Active and valid driver's license * Active TS/SCI clearance Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Master's degree preferred * Proficient in ConWrite preferred * Knowledge of contracting for a variety of products and services for major systems, research and development (R&D), and/or complex programs using a wide range of contracting methodologies such as negotiated contract and commercial acquisition procedures in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other applicable supplements * Ability to work under aggressive schedules with demanding performance requirements * Ability to travel CONUS and OCONUS * Ability to successfully complete a Government Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CI Poly) * #Chenega Decision Sciences, LLC