Senior Contracts Administrator

Areté Associates, an employee owned defense contractor, is seeking a senior level Contracts Administrator to support its science and technology research and development division in Tucson, Arizona. The Senior Contracts Administrator will ensure that all contracts are awarded in accordance with legal requirements, customer specifications, and government regulations. Functions of the position include preparation and negotiation of cost and price proposals, monitoring contract compliance and recommending corrective actions, interfacing with internal and external customers, working with the accounting dept. to resolve billing issues, and preparing and awarding sub-contracts. In addition, the Senior Contracts Administrator will develop, monitor and report on contract budgets, work authorizations, proposal authorizations, and stop work orders.  This position requires a minimum of 5 years experience working with U.S. government contracts. This candidate must be clearable for a Government Security Clearance.

 

DUTIES: Essential functions and major areas of responsibility are as follows:

 

·  PRICING

o Reviews RFP terms and conditions and identifies potential contractual risk areas

o Works with the Program Manager to prepare detailed cost estimates, the associated cost volume, and the proposal transmittal letter, as part of overall proposal process

o Ensures that pricing information is complete, current and accurate in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations

 

·  NEGOTIATIONS

o Negotiates CPFF, CPIF, FFP, T&M and other type contracts with the U.S. Government, prime contractors and other entities.

o Has excellent negotiation skills to ensure that Areté receives the most favorable terms within the scope of Federal procurement regulations

 

·  CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATION

o Writes and negotiates contract documents to include terms and conditions favorable to the company

o Ensures all terms and conditions are met and that the contract is in accordance with legal requirements, customer specifications and Government regulations

o Reviews all contract correspondence and responds as necessary

o Assists the Export Compliance Officer in overall implementation of Areté’s export compliance policies and procedures

 

·  COMMUNICATIONS

o Has excellent communications skills and an ability to work well with customers and company employees at all levels

o Establishes and maintains contact with customers to ensure  timely contract awards

o Participates as a key member of the proposal team

 

·  LEADERSHIP

o A high value is placed on strong personal leadership skills

 

·  COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS

o Represents the company with the highest level of ethics while complying with the spirit as well as the letter of procurement law

 

·  ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

o Monitors contract compliance and recommends corrective actions

o Issues contract budgets, work authorizations, proposal authorizations, stop work orders

o Interfaces with customers and accounting on billing issues

o Prepares and awards sub-contracts

 

·  REPORTING

o Provides contract reports to customers

o Provides reports to management

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

 

·  EDUCATION

o Bachelors degree or higher in business, law or a related field, is preferred

 

·  EXPERIENCE

o Five (5) years of U.S. Government contracts administration experience following receipt of related degree is preferred

 

·  SECURITY CLEARANCE

o Must qualify for Secret clearance

 

·  SKILLS AND ABILITIES

o Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills

o Excellent ability to work with people at all levels of the organization

o Strong customer orientation

o Analytical and detail oriented

o Proficient in Microsoft Office products, and particularly Excel and Word

o Detailed working knowledge of FAR and Government cost accounting

o Experience in using the ProPricer cost estimating software tool is a plus

o Familiarity with US and foreign export control laws is a plus

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

 

·  TRAVEL

oInfrequent domestic travel required

 

U.S. Citizenship is a requirement of this position. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

 

Areté Associates offers an excellent compensation and full benefits package including, but not limited to four weeks paid time off, paid life insurance, 10% pension contribution, educational reimbursement, professional dues and subscriptions, no waiting period on medical insurance, and a corporate gym membership. Must possess a desire to work in a fun, creative, small-company environment. Submit resume to ARETÉ ASSOCIATES, Attn: Human Resources, P.O. Box 6024, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413, FAX: (818) 385-1206, E-Mail: hr@arete.com , Web Site: www.arete.com. U.S. citizenship, drug test, and security investigation are required to meet position eligibility.

 

Arete Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from females, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans.