Contracts and Purchasing Specialist

Blackwatch International Corporation (Blackwatch), a small business founded in 2010, is a small business dedicated to supporting Federal business and national security objectives. Based in McLean, VA, with offices in Sacramento, CA, Blackwatch invests in innovation and quality for our customers and staff, holding corporate-level ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 and CMMI Level 3 certifications. We are a leading provider of information technology (IT) infrastructure, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, data exploitation, and engineering services, specializing in large and complex projects. Blackwatch is dedicated to growth and offers a dynamic working environment with multiple opportunities for advancement.

Position Title: Contracts and Purchasing Specialist  

Location(s): McClellan, CA (Sacramento area) or McLean, VA

Position Type: Full Time Classification: Exempt 

Reports To: VP, Contracts & Administration

US Citizenship required: Yes

Summary/Objective: The Contracts and Purchasing Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the Procurement and Contracts team by managing day-to-day purchasing, contract administration, and vendor coordination activities in support of our DoD customers. This position focuses on the technical execution of purchasing and contract requirements while ensuring compliance with company policies and government regulations. The role also provides backup support in vendor onboarding, contract administration, finance, and database management.

Key Responsibilities

Core Purchasing & Contract Administration

• Act as primary Requisitioner and issue all Vendor Purchase Orders (POs).
• Obtain quotes.
• Manage all required Change Orders, Order Acknowledgements, and logistics coordination.
• Process contract renewals, prepare proposals, and handle quote requests.
• Maintain inventory stock through the Purchasing Queue and perform reconciliation activities.
• Provide back-up support to Accounting and maintain various documents.

Vendor Management & Onboarding (Shared/Backup Responsibilities)

• Assist with setting up new vendors, including preparation and review of New Vendor Packets.
• Manage Reps and Certs, Banking Information, Resale Certificates, and NDAs (as required).
• Review returned vendor documentation for completeness, including Reps & Certs, NDAs, FAR/Contract Requirements, and coordinate with the Contracts team when necessary.
• Support strategic purchasing initiatives: source new components, pursue cost reductions, lead time improvements, and supplier consolidation.
• Interface with suppliers regarding statements of work, quotes, price negotiations, performance metrics, and delivery.

Additional Support Duties

• Collaborate with Equipment Engineers, Process Engineers, and other departments to ensure timely procurement of hardware, software, calibrations, supplies, and services.
• Assist with document control, filing, and record-keeping of purchasing and contract documents.
• Provide backup support for Unanet and other finance/contract databases.
• Participate in budget monitoring, inventory control, and material requirements planning as needed.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable government contracting requirements.

Requirements

• 3 years of experience in contracts, purchasing, or supply chain (government contracting experience strongly preferred).
• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, and other government contracting principles.
• Experience with vendor onboarding, purchase order processing, and contract administration.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable learning internal systems (Unanet).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.
• CPP (Certified Purchasing Professional) or similar certification.
• Experience supporting DoD programs or working in a technical/manufacturing environment (semiconductor, foundry, or engineering services preferred).
• Familiarity with government purchasing procedures, sole source justifications, and subcontract flow.
• Experience working in an environment subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requirements is preferred but not required.
• Self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively within a small team.