Project Analyst - Travel Estimating

Position Title: Project Analyst – DoD Programs & Travel Estimating

Location: Panama City, FL

Position Summary

The Project Analyst supports the planning and financial management of Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and task orders. This position works with Program/Project Managers, finance, contracts, and technical teams to develop budgets and forecasts, track expenditures, and prepare project and travel cost estimates. A key responsibility is developing accurate, supportable travel estimates for proposals and ongoing project execution.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support project planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for DoD programs.
• Track labor, travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), funding, expenditures, and remaining project budgets.
• Develop detailed travel estimates for proposals, task orders, project plans, and forecasts.
• Estimate airfare, lodging, meals and incidental expenses (M&IE), rental vehicles, mileage, ground transportation, and related travel costs.
• Research and apply applicable GSA, DoD, and Department of State per diem rates.
• Develop and document travel assumptions based on destination, number of travelers, trip duration, frequency, and transportation requirements.
• Compare estimated versus actual travel expenditures and incorporate historical data into future forecasts.
• Review SOW/PWS requirements and coordinate with program and technical personnel to validate travel and project assumptions.
• Develop and maintain Excel-based estimating models, financial trackers, reports, and dashboards.
• Support proposal pricing, contract modifications, and new task-order estimating activities.
• Coordinate with finance, accounting, contracts, procurement, and program management to maintain accurate project information.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience in project analysis, financial analysis, budgeting, cost estimating, or contract support.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, lookups, pivot tables, and financial modeling.
• Strong analytical, organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD or federal government contracts.
• Familiarity with FFP, T&M, and Cost-Plus contract environments.
• Familiarity with GSA/DoD travel requirements, per diem rates, and FAR/DFARS concepts.
• Experience with government-contracting accounting, ERP, or project management systems.