Contract Virtual Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kaiva Tech, LLC is seeking a Contract Specialist in Rockville, MD

Reports To: Kaiva Program Manager

Location: Onsite Rockville, MD

Schedule: Monday – Friday

Hours: Full-time, 40-hours/week

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt

Clearance: Public Trust (Secret Preferred)

Position Summary

The Contract Specialist supports the full acquisition lifecycle for federal procurement activities, ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific acquisition regulations. Depending on experience, the Contract Specialist may independently lead complex acquisitions, support negotiation efforts, and mentor junior staff to ensure consistent and compliant contracting practices across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and coordinate acquisition documentation, including Statements of Work (SOW), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE), Justifications and Approvals (J&A), Acquisition Plans (AP), and complete acquisition packages.
• Track progress and communicate acquisition package status with the program office throughout the entire procurement lifecycle.
• Conduct and document market research to support acquisition strategy development and competition determinations.
• Perform cost and price analyses, including support for cost-reimbursement contracts.
• Prepare negotiation memoranda, award recommendations, and contract award documentation.
• Apply award fee planning, evaluation, and administration principles (preferred/bonus qualification).
• Support or lead Contract Review Board (CRB) processes and ensure integrity of contract files.
• Oversee post-award contract administration activities, including modifications, reporting, performance monitoring, and closeout.
• Maintain accurate and complete acquisition records within PRISM, FPDS, and other federal procurement systems.
• Coordinate effectively with program, legal, finance, and policy offices to resolve acquisition issues.
• Manage and prioritize multiple concurrent procurements under strict deadlines.
• Prepare and present acquisition information through clear, well-organized written reports.
• Complete required training, certifications, timesheets, and compliance reporting.

Knowledge and Critical Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), applicable acquisition laws, and federal procurement policies.
• Knowledge of federal acquisition methods and techniques, including competitive and non-competitive procurements.
• Experience using PRISM or comparable federal contract writing systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, with emphasis on Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to navigate and manage documentation within SharePoint environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Ability to prepare, analyze, and present acquisition data and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate efforts across multiple offices and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Education & Work Experience

• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) or Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) coursework completion.
• Bachelor's degree in any field OR at least 24 semester hours meeting OPM 1102 Contracting Series classification and qualification standards.
• Degree coursework aligned with OPM 1102 acceptable fields such as business, accounting, finance, law, economics, contracts, or purchasing.

Junior Level Contract Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Acquisition, Finance, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in federal contracting or procurement support.
• Experience preparing solicitations, performing cost/price analysis, and managing post-award activities.
• FAC-C (Professional) or DAWIA Level II certification preferred.

Mid Level Contract Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field.
• 5-9 years of experience in federal acquisition management, including experience leading complex procurements.
• Demonstrated expertise in acquisition strategy, policy interpretation, and contract administration.
• FAC-C (Professional), DAWIA Level II, or equivalent certification required.

Certifications, Licenses

• FAC-C (Professional) or DAWIA Level II/III equivalent preferred or required depending on level.
• Must have Active Public Trust Clearance or Security Clearance.

Work Environment

Employee will be 100% on-site in Rockville, MD in collaboration with federal and contractor teams. Work involves meetings, digital document management, and coordination across distributed teams. Occasional travel may be requested by government on-site leadership but is not expected.

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to operate standard office equipment, work on a computer for extended periods, and communicate effectively in a virtual environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)