Contracting Specialist SME

Overview

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

Requirements

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

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™)

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