C

Senior Acquisition Program Management Specialist

Culmen International LLC
Full-time
On-site
Fort Belvoir, Virginia, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Acquisition Program Management Specialist

πŸ”Ή Company: Culmen International LLC

πŸ”Ή Location: Fort Belvoir, Virginia, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Defense & Space

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 1, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing program support documentation to facilitate acquisition strategies and plans
  • Collaborating with government personnel to facilitate procurement and acquisition planning sessions
  • Preparing and submitting logistics data and market research to identify potential vendors
  • Providing alternatives and recommendations for appropriate methods of solicitation
  • Preparing Justifications and Approvals (J&As) for competitive actions and associated documentation

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience and expertise in acquisition program management, with a focus on supporting large ACAT Level III projects and working closely with government Assistant Program Managers (APMs).

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Develop program support documentation, such as Simple Acquisition Management Plans (SAMPs), Acquisition Program Baselines (APBs), and Analyses of Alternatives (AoAs)

βœ… Assist government personnel in facilitating procurement and acquisition planning sessions with user departments' representatives

βœ… Advise government personnel in the preparation of new requirements documentation and SOOs and SOWs

βœ… Track the status of procurement actions and prepare and submit logistics data to receiving supply support activities

βœ… Perform market research to identify potential vendors using open source research methods

βœ… Maintain commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment awareness and recommend methods to enhance future research and development or procurements

βœ… Provide alternatives and recommendations for the appropriate method of solicitation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations

βœ… Prepare Justifications and Approvals (J&As) for Other Than Full and Open Competition documents, threshold dependent sole source justifications, and any other associated requisition documentation

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration with government personnel and requires strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Management, Business Management, Computer Science, Information Management, or a related field

Experience: Ten (10) years of general experience and six (6) years of relevant experience in a program office or USSOCOM Special Program. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with twelve (12) years of general experience and eight (8) years of relevant experience.

Required Skills:

  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Five (5) years of experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs
  • Three (3) years of experience supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF) operations or acquisitions

Preferred Skills:

  • Equivalency of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III training in Program Management or Contracting
  • Experience staffing documentation packages at the Major Command (MACOM) level
  • Familiarity with USSOCOM Directives 70-1 and 71-4, as well as all of the associated references listed within

ASSUMPTION: Given the sensitive nature of this role, a high level of security clearance is required, and candidates should have extensive experience in DoD acquisition programs and SOF operations or acquisitions.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)

Benefits:

  • Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision coverage with 100% of the premiums paid by the company for all eligible employees and their eligible dependents
  • 401k – Vested immediately and 4% match
  • Life insurance and disability paid by the company
  • AFLAC Available
  • Opportunities for Training and Continuing Education
  • 12 Paid Holidays

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility for project demands

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The benefits listed are subject to change and may be updated by the employer.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Culmen International operates in the defense and security sector, providing support to international safety and security missions, homeland defense, humanitarian missions, and government operations.

Company Size: Culmen International is a mid-sized company, with a focus on providing personalized attention and growth opportunities for its employees.

Founded: Culmen International was founded in 1999 and has since grown to support clients in over 150 countries.

Company Description:

  • Culmen International is committed to enhancing international safety and security, strengthening homeland defense, advancing humanitarian missions, and optimizing government operations.
  • The company supports its clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments, with experience in over 150 countries.
  • Culmen International offers exceptional medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k plan with immediate vesting and a 4% match, life insurance, disability, AFLAC, opportunities for training and continuing education, and 12 paid holidays.

Company Specialties:

  • Defense & Security
  • Homeland Defense
  • Humanitarian Missions
  • Government Operations

Company Website: culmen.com

ASSUMPTION: Culmen International's focus on international safety and security, homeland defense, and humanitarian missions makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in making a global impact.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level position with significant experience required

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the government Assistant Program Managers (APMs) and works closely with them to support specific programs and large ACAT Level III projects.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with flexibility for project demands

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to work on high-impact, large-scale projects
  • Opportunities to gain experience in a variety of acquisition programs and SOF operations
  • Chance to work with government personnel and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for candidates interested in expanding their experience in defense acquisition programs and SOF operations.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and communication with government personnel

Office Location(s): Fort Belvoir, Virginia, United States

Geographic Context:

  • Fort Belvoir is located in Fairfax County, Virginia, and is home to several defense and security organizations
  • The area offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, with easy access to Washington, D.C.
  • The cost of living in the area is generally higher than the national average

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility for project demands

ASSUMPTION: The on-site work environment at Fort Belvoir offers candidates the opportunity to work closely with government personnel and collaborate with other defense and security organizations in the area.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen
  • In-person or video interview with hiring manager and/or team members
  • Background check and security clearance verification

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Acquisition program management experience
  • Collaboration and communication skills
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Understanding of defense acquisition regulations and processes

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience in defense acquisition programs and SOF operations
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your qualifications for this specific role
  • Prepare for interview questions related to your experience in acquisition program management, collaboration, and problem-solving

ATS Keywords: Acquisition Program Management, Procurement Planning, Market Research, Logistics Data Preparation, Program Support Documentation, Technical Awareness, Regulatory Compliance, Stakeholder Engagement, Requirements Documentation, SOW Preparation, COTS Equipment Awareness, Alternatives Recommendation, Justifications and Approvals, Command-Level Oversight, Acquisition Strategy

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve a background check and security clearance verification, as the position requires an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Acquisition-specific software and tools (e.g., eSAM, iSAM)
  • Open source research tools and methods

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with acquisition-specific software and tools. Candidates should also be comfortable using open source research tools and methods.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Expertise
  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
  • Accountability

Work Style:

  • Collaborative
  • Results-driven
  • Adaptable
  • Attention to detail

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a proven track record of success in acquisition program management?
  • Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
  • Do you have strong problem-solving and analytical skills?
  • Are you familiar with defense acquisition regulations and processes?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are strong cultural fits for Culmen International will have a proven track record of success in acquisition program management, be comfortable working in a collaborative environment, and have strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • High level of responsibility and accountability for large-scale acquisition programs
  • Requires an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, which may involve a lengthy background check process
  • May require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and competing priorities
  • Potential for frequent travel, depending on the specific programs and projects assigned

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to handle a high level of responsibility and accountability, as well as the potential for frequent travel and tight deadlines.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to other acquisition program management positions, but may offer more focus on supporting large ACAT Level III projects and working closely with government APMs
  • Candidates with experience in defense acquisition programs and SOF operations may find this role particularly appealing
  • This role may offer more opportunities for growth and advancement within the company, given its focus on large-scale projects and close collaboration with government personnel

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in defense acquisition programs and SOF operations should consider this role, as it offers a unique opportunity to work on large-scale projects and collaborate closely with government personnel.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a Simple Acquisition Management Plan (SAMP) for a large ACAT Level III project
  • Facilitating a procurement and acquisition planning session with user departments' representatives
  • Preparing a Justification and Approval (J&A) for a sole source action

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities that candidates can expect in this role, with a focus on supporting large-scale acquisition programs and working closely with government personnel.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the specific programs and projects that this role will be supporting?
  • How does this role collaborate with government APMs, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
  • What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company?
  • How does the company support employees in maintaining their security clearances?
  • What is the typical work-life balance for this role, and how does the company support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the specific responsibilities and opportunities associated with this role, as well as the company's culture and support for its employees.

πŸ“Œ 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 experience in defense acquisition programs and SOF operations
  • Prepare for interview questions related to your experience in acquisition program management, collaboration, and problem-solving
  • Be prepared to discuss your understanding of defense acquisition regulations and processes
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.