📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Acquisition Support Specialist
🔹 Company: Systems Technology Forum
🔹 Location: San Diego, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Strategic Management Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing expert-level acquisition support and program support oversight
- Ensuring compliance with acquisition laws, policies, and regulations
- Delivering high-quality deliverables for Flag Officer or SES-level decision-makers
- Collaborating with government clients and preparing key acquisition documents
- Maintaining an updated portfolio overview of PEO programs and projects
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise in acquisition support and program oversight, with a focus on delivering high-quality deliverables for senior-level decision-makers.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supports acquisition execution, portfolio oversight, and PEO implementation guidance
✅ Reviews, analyzes, and recommends changes to acquisition statutes, policies, regulations, and guidance
✅ Researches and provides responses to acquisition-related policy and procedural inquiries
✅ Prepares and reviews key acquisition documents, including Acquisition Strategies, Decision Memoranda, Program Baselines, and Plans
✅ Responds to data calls and maintains an updated portfolio overview of PEO programs and projects
✅ Coordinates and consolidates executive summary inputs for decision reviews and other critical meetings
✅ Documents, summarizes, and tracks action items from meetings, conferences, and working groups
✅ Develops and maintains acquisition templates and examples in collaboration with NAVWAR 6.0's Acquisition Program Structure Guide
✅ Develops key brief materials and collaborates across multiple PEO C4I / NAVWAR stakeholders
✅ Prepares recurring front office deliverables including Weekly Status Reports (WSR), Program Reviews, etc.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma
Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in acquisition support
Required Skills:
- Expertise in acquisition laws, policies, and regulations
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively with senior-level decision-makers
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF)
- Knowledge of NAVWAR 6.0's Acquisition Program Structure Guide
- Familiarity with government acquisition processes and procedures
ASSUMPTION: While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, candidates with a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field may be more competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The minimum salary starts at $105,000 and is negotiable based on experience. The industry standard for this role and experience level in San Diego, CA, is between $105,000 and $140,000 per year.
Benefits:
- Medical Plans administered through United HealthCare
- Vision and Dental Plan Benefits
- 401(k) Tax-Deferred Retirement Plan
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Dependent / Medical Care Flexible Spending Account
- Direct Deposit
- Health and Welfare Medical
- Holiday Leave
- Industry Competitive Salaries
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off / Annual Comprehensive Personal Leave
- Performance / Award Bonuses
- Professional Development Coursework
- Technical Training
- Tuition Assistance Program
- TotalChoice™ Voluntary Benefits
- STF Cares / Paid Time Off to Volunteer
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional overtime or weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role, experience level, and location. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Systems Technology Forum specializes in strategic management services, with a focus on government telecommunications, naval afloat/ashore networks, systems engineering, and information technology.
Company Size: Mid-sized (201-500 employees), which offers opportunities for collaboration and growth but may have less hierarchical structure than larger companies.
Founded: 2003, with over two decades of experience providing management, engineering, information technology, and logistics services to the United States Government, Military, Department of Defense (DoD), and other federal agencies.
Company Description:
- Committed to delivering high-quality systems engineering, technical, and professional support services
- Offers superior out-of-the-box solutions to end-to-end problems and customer-centric support
- Focuses on exceptional performance and an unwavering commitment to clients
Company Specialties:
- Government telecommunications
- Naval afloat/ashore networks
- Systems engineering
- Systems integration & installation
- Logistics & life-cycle support
- Program management
- Information technology (IT) and information assurance (IA)
- Systems integration
- Cyber security
- Logistics
- Capability analysis and requirements analysis
Company Website: http://www.stf-ltd.com/
ASSUMPTION: Systems Technology Forum is a well-established company with a strong focus on delivering high-quality services to its clients in the government and defense sectors.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company's acquisition support and program management teams.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Program Manager or a similar senior-level position within the company's acquisition support or program management teams.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional travel required for client meetings and project-related travel.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior-level acquisition support or program management roles
- Expansion of responsibilities and leadership opportunities within the company's acquisition support and program management teams
- Potential career progression into related fields, such as project management, business development, or strategic consulting
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for candidates with the right skills, experience, and ambition to take on increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment, with a professional and collaborative work culture.
Office Location(s): 4055 Hancock St, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92110
Geographic Context:
- San Diego is the second-largest city in California and the eighth-largest city in the United States
- Known for its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and a thriving tech industry
- Offers a high quality of life with numerous cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a diverse population
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional overtime or weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: San Diego offers a desirable work-life balance with its mild climate, beautiful surroundings, and numerous cultural and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the company's careers website
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Acquisition support and program management expertise
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively with senior-level decision-makers
- Knowledge of government acquisition processes and procedures
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant acquisition support and program management experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with acquisition laws, policies, and regulations, as well as your ability to work effectively with senior-level decision-makers
- Research the company and the role to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission, values, and acquisition support and program management priorities
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the role, and the team to show your interest and engagement
ATS Keywords: Acquisition Support, Program Management, Acquisition Laws, Policies, Regulations, Decision-Making, Stakeholder Collaboration, Government Acquisition, Senior-Level Decision-Makers, Portfolio Oversight, Data Analysis, Meeting Coordination
ASSUMPTION: Systems Technology Forum uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Acquisition-specific software and tools (e.g., acquisition management systems, data analysis tools)
- Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)
- Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and may involve the use of acquisition-specific software and tools, as well as project management and collaboration platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Exceptional Performance
- Unwavering Commitment to Clients
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Continuous Learning and Improvement
- Integrity and Accountability
Work Style:
- Professional and collaborative work environment
- Focus on delivering high-quality deliverables and exceptional performance
- Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Flexible work arrangements with occasional overtime or weekend work as needed
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of delivering high-quality deliverables and exceptional performance in acquisition support and program management roles?
- Are you comfortable working with senior-level decision-makers and collaborating with multiple stakeholders to ensure compliance with acquisition laws, policies, and regulations?
- Do you have strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you committed to continuous learning and improvement, with a strong desire to expand your knowledge and skills in acquisition support and program management?
ASSUMPTION: Systems Technology Forum values candidates who are highly skilled, motivated, and committed to delivering exceptional performance in a collaborative and professional work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require occasional travel, which could be challenging for candidates who prefer a strictly on-site work arrangement
- The role may involve working with multiple stakeholders, which could present communication and collaboration challenges
- The role may require working with sensitive and confidential information, which could present security and compliance challenges
- The role may involve working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, which could present time management and prioritization challenges
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many opportunities for growth and advancement, it also presents several challenges that candidates should be prepared to address.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other acquisition support and program management positions, but may require more specialized knowledge of government acquisition processes and procedures
- Compared to related roles in the private sector, this role may offer less flexibility in work arrangements and more stringent security and compliance requirements
- Career progression in this role may involve transitioning to senior-level acquisition support or program management roles, or expanding into related fields, such as project management, business development, or strategic consulting
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares many similarities with other acquisition support and program management positions, it also has unique aspects that set it apart and present distinct opportunities for growth and advancement.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and maintaining acquisition templates and examples in collaboration with NAVWAR 6.0's Acquisition Program Structure Guide
- Preparing recurring front office deliverables, such as Weekly Status Reports (WSR) and Program Reviews
- Coordinating and consolidating executive summary inputs for decision reviews and other critical meetings
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities that candidates can expect in this role, with a focus on acquisition support, program management, and stakeholder collaboration.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and reporting relationships for this role?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the acquisition support and program management teams, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its acquisition support and program management team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company ensure compliance with acquisition laws, policies, and regulations, and what role does this position play in that process?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process can help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company's priorities and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant acquisition support and program management experience and skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching the company, the role, and the team, and by practicing your responses to common interview questions
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with acquisition laws, policies, and regulations, as well as your ability to work effectively with senior-level decision-makers
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
