Contracts Manager in Colorado Springs, Colorado at SARA
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Job Description
Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
SARA is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and experienced Contracts Manager to support activities out of our Colorado Springs, CO location. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers.
The Contracts Manager formulates and executes business and contracting strategies to reduce risk, enhance customer satisfaction, build positive customer relationships, improve profitability, and support new business opportunities. The Contracts Manager is responsible for the administration and management of complex U.S. Government, prime, subcontract, and commercial agreements throughout the contract lifecycle.
Contract activity may be moderate to high risk to the business unit, may be non-routine, and may require development of specific contract vehicles and methods to accomplish business goals and objectives. Work generally involves independent judgment and analysis of significant issues and their resolution. Work may require development of new contract policies and processes or assessment of required deviations from established norms. The position requires a minimal degree of management oversight and works collaboratively with Program Management, Business Development, Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and other functional organizations. This is an individual contributor position with no direct reports or personnel management responsibilities. Performs all duties in accordance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Core Responsibilities:
- Review complex solicitations/RFPs and prepare specialized and/or non-routine proposals, bids, and contract modifications for various types of U.S. Government, prime contractor, and commercial contracts
- Partner with Program Management, Finance, leadership, and other functional organizations throughout the proposal process to develop proposal and contracting strategies, evaluate contract type and pricing structure, identify cost, funding, cash-flow, schedule, and performance risks, and ensure contractual considerations are appropriately addressed prior to proposal submission.
- Manage the full contract lifecycle from pre-award strategy and proposal support through negotiation, award, administration, modification, and contract closeout
- Analyze significant and/or unique contract requirements, special provisions, and terms and conditions to ensure proposed solutions meet customer requirements and are compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies and procedures
- Review and interpret FAR, DFARS, applicable agency supplements, and other regulatory requirements; identify applicable clauses, flow down requirements, and contractual compliance obligations
- Develop timely and effective proposal and negotiation strategies, support fact-finding and proposal negotiations, lead negotiations on complex contractual issues, document negotiation discussions and agreements reached with customers, and ensure final contract documents accurately reflect the proposed and negotiated settlements
- Provide authoritative contractual guidance to internal project teams regarding contract requirements, corporate goals and objectives, contractual rights and obligations, and potential business risks
- Effectively manage contract change-control processes and ensure programs are executing in accordance with contractual requirements
- Identify and manage actual or potential contract changes and support the preparation, negotiation, and resolution of Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), claims, disputes, stop-work actions, terminations, and other complex contractual matters
- Monitor contract funding, ceilings, periods of performance, options, deliverables, and other contractual limitations and provide timely notification of potential funding, schedule, scope, or compliance issues
- Partner with Program Management, Finance, and other functional organizations to evaluate contract performance, funding, changes, cost impacts, and contractual and financial risks
- Assess significant or unusual risks, including financial, contractual, technical, and schedule risks, and recommend solutions or alternate approaches to mitigate and manage risk
- Review and negotiate intellectual property, technical data, computer software, licensing, patent, and data-rights provisions, including applicable FAR and DFARS requirements
- Identify and assess actual or potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) and support the development and implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies
- Identify and coordinate contractual cybersecurity, information-security, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements, including applicable DFARS and CMMC requirements, with responsible internal stakeholders
- Prepare, review, negotiate, and administer Subcontracts, Consultant Agreements, Teaming Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, and other business agreements, as applicable
- Identify subcontract flow down requirements and coordinate with Supply Chain/Subcontracts and other functional organizations to ensure appropriate contractual requirements are incorporated into supplier and subcontract agreements
- Support preparation and maintenance of required representations, certifications, disclosures, and other Government contracting documentation
- Identify contractual requirements related to Government property, Government-furnished property/equipment, deliverables, and property disposition and coordinate compliance with responsible functional organizations
- Manage contract closeout activities, including resolution of outstanding contractual actions, deliverables, funding, property, intellectual property/data-rights matters, and other closeout requirements
- Successfully resolve both internal and external customer issues and concerns in a timely manner and in accordance with management-established parameters
- Assist in the identification, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of company contract policies, procedures, templates, tools, and processes
- Support customer meetings, contract reviews, proposal activities, audits, and other interactions with Government customers, prime contractors, and business partners
- Collaborate with Business Development and Program Management in the development of acquisition and contracting strategies for new and existing business opportunities, including selection and use of appropriate contract vehicles
- Maintain accurate and complete contract files and documentation in accordance with company policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulations
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in business, contracts, law, finance, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- 8 – 10 years of progressively responsible experience in U.S. Government contracting, including contract administration, proposal development, contract negotiation, and management of complex government contracts
- Extensive experience developing and executing negotiation strategies and influencing internal leaders, customers, and business partners to achieve desired contractual, performance, and financial outcomes
- Advanced working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and applicable agency supplements, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply regulatory and contractual requirements
- In-depth knowledge of and experience with multiple U.S. Government contract types and vehicles, including Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Reimbursement, Time-and-Materials (T&M), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts and task/delivery orders
- Demonstrated experience supporting complex U.S. Government and prime contractor proposal efforts, including solicitation analysis, proposal compliance, contractual terms and conditions, assumptions and exceptions, representations and certifications, contract type and payment considerations, and coordination with Program Management, Finance, and other functional organizations
- Working knowledge of U.S. Government proposal and pricing processes, cost and pricing methodologies, and financial considerations associated with various U.S. Government contract types
- Defense industry experience or experience in companies that develop and deliver technology products and/or services in a highly regulated environment
- Demonstrated negotiation experience with the U.S. Government and/or prime contractors to the U.S. Government
- Working knowledge of intellectual property, technical data, computer software, and data-rights considerations applicable to U.S. Government contracting
- Experience with ITAR, EAR, and export-controlled contracting environments
- Ability to identify and analyze contractual and business risk and develop practical solutions that balance compliance, customer requirements, and business objectives
- Ability to understand opposing points of view on highly complex issues and negotiate and integrate different viewpoints
- Ability to independently organize and prioritize work, manage multiple competing priorities, and meet critical deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management, U.S. Government customers, prime contractors, business partners, and outside vendors
- Ability to appropriately manage conflict and effectively resolve complex contractual and business issues
- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, with special emphasis in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require Light physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 20 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10 – 12 years of progressively responsible experience in U.S. Government contracting, including contract administration, proposal development, contract negotiation, and management of complex government contracts
- Active DoD Top Secret Clearance
- Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification
- Experience supporting DoD research, development, engineering, prototype, production, and/or technical services contracts
- Experience with IDIQ contracts, task/delivery orders, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and other DoD acquisition vehicles
- Experience with Deltek Costpoint and ProPricer
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $120,000 to $155,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.