Federal Contracts Specialist (Secret Cleared)

Senior Contracting Specialist
Arlington, VA | Full-Time | Secret Clearance Required
W2 arrangement given priority to SBA HUBZone candidates

About the Role

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), the U.S. Government’s premier training institution for diplomats and foreign affairs professionals, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Contracting Specialist to support its mission-critical procurement and acquisition operations. This role is ideal for a seasoned federal contracting professional who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and is ready to make a tangible impact on U.S. foreign affairs training programs.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Contracting Specialist, you will:

Procurement & Acquisition

• Assist in developing procurement strategies and preparing solicitation documents.
• Conduct market research and analyze procurement requests.
• Prepare award documentation and maintain procurement records.
• Interact with vendors and support pre- and post-award contracting activities.

Contract Administration

• Support contract modifications, funding actions, and closeouts.
• Maintain contract files and ensure compliance with FAR and DOS standards.
• Submit FPDS entries and assist with contractor performance evaluations.

Project Management

• Oversee acquisition-related projects, define deliverables, and manage timelines.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure successful contract execution.

Market Analysis

• Conduct market surveys and analyze industry trends to identify new sources and solutions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Draft and edit acquisition documents using Microsoft Office and GFMS Momentum.
• Ensure all documentation meets DOS formatting and compliance standards.

Qualifications

Required:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active Secret Security Clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a Contract Specialist in a federal or military setting
• Proficiency in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and federal procurement systems

Preferred:

• Experience supporting educational or training institutions
• Familiarity with DOS systems and acquisition processes

Work Environment

• Location: On-site at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, VA
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, core hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
• Work Type: In-person

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance