Contract Specialist

Overview Job Summary Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Contract Specialist L3 to join our team of dedicated professionals. In this role, you will provide direct support to the Contracting Officer throughout the acquisition life cycle, including the planning, execution, and administration of contracts for a wide range of products and services. You will help ensure contracting activities are completed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with applicable federal acquisition regulations, policies, and procedures. The ideal candidate will bring extensive federal contracting and acquisition experience, with the ability to effectively support complex procurement actions in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment. Success in this position requires strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Key Responsibilities The Contract Specialist will: Provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave contracting support throughout the acquisition life cycle, from acquisition planning and market research through award, administration, modification, and closeout Conduct market research and prepare pre-award and post-award acquisition and solicitation documentation in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures Review and evaluate contractor proposals for completeness, compliance, and alignment with acquisition requirements Perform cost and price analyses for DoD proposals and prepare supporting cost/price analysis documentation Support the development of negotiation strategies and provide contracting recommendations to facilitate successful acquisition outcomes Collaborate with program managers, Contracting Officers, technical teams, and other stakeholders to develop acquisition strategies and determine appropriate contract types and acquisition methods Administer contracts and subcontracts, including preparing contract modifications and supporting evolving program requirements Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready contract files and documentation Apply Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements throughout the acquisition life cycle Coordinate with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), as required, to support contract administration and regulatory compliance Identify contracting and acquisition risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies Prepare and present contracting information, recommendations, and acquisition-related briefings to stakeholders and senior leadership Requirements Skills and Experience The Contract Specialist must have: Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one 10+ years of relevant Department of Defense (DoD) contracting or acquisition…