📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Contract (Acquisition) Specialist
🔹 Company: Aston Carter
🔹 Location: Reston, Virginia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Defense & Intelligence
🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (5 days per week in Reston, VA)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing guidance and direction on acquisition position identification, coding, and documentation support
- Conducting analysis activities and workforce planning in compliance with relevant policies
- Participating in design methodology for workforce identification/revalidation and supporting socialization and marketing efforts
- Assisting with data retrieval and analysis for workforce planning
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise and independence, with minimal oversight. It involves working closely with technical experts and the contracting office to ensure project milestones are reflected in contractual documents and project plans.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide advice and assistance to functional area technical experts on contractual matters in the acquisition planning stages based on a working knowledge of regulation policy
✅ Assist with the development of writing performance criteria and requirements into sound/sufficient SOW/PWS and/or orders
✅ Perform or evaluate market research and trends, conditions, and technological advances as they apply to the program
✅ Assist with the development of source selection evaluation criteria
✅ Coordinate and work with technical experts and the contracting office to ensure project milestones are reflected in the contractual documents and project plan
✅ Assist in the development of Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs)
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve occasional travel to other government facilities or client sites, as needed.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
Experience: 9+ years of Federal DOD or IC Contracts/Acquisition Experience, with at least 2 years being recent
Required Skills:
- Active TS clearance, with openness to obtaining SCI and IC Poly in the future
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of acquisition lifecycle operations, including financial execution concepts
- Mastery of qualitative and quantitative acquisition and program management analytic methodologies
- Ability to design comprehensive, new, or unique process improvement enablers
- Skill in reviewing analytic program management data for cogent arguments and providing adequate support for conclusions
Preferred Skills:
- Ability to work highly independently
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in using relevant software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, acquisition-specific software) is expected.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000/yr
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee referral bonus program
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: Benefits details will be provided directly to the candidate during the interview process.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Staffing and Recruiting, specializing in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain, and select administrative professions
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, with a global presence across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific, and Europe
Founded: 1997, in London, UK
Company Description:
- Provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe
- Extends the capabilities of industry-leading companies by drawing on deep recruiting expertise and an expansive network
- Serves many of the Fortune 500 and is a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service
Company Specialties:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Support
- Strategy
- Change & Transformation
- Operations
- Banking and Financial Services
- Administrative
- Human Resources
- Talent Acquisition
- Procurement
- Supply Chain
Company Website: http://www.astoncarter.com
ASSUMPTION: Aston Carter is a global staffing and recruitment firm that specializes in connecting top talent with leading organizations in various industries.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level position with significant experience required
Reporting Structure: This role may report to a Director or Manager of Contracts/Acquisition within the organization
Work Arrangement: On-site, with 5 days of work required in Reston, VA, and occasional travel as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression into management or senior leadership roles within the organization
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various aspects of the acquisition process
- Possibility to obtain additional clearances (SCI and IC Poly) and expand skillset
ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities may vary depending on the organization's specific needs and the individual's performance.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a requirement to work 5 days per week in Reston, VA, or Washington, DC
Office Location(s): Reston, VA, and Washington, DC
Geographic Context:
- Reston, VA: A suburban area located in Fairfax County, with a mix of urban and rural environments
- Washington, DC: The capital of the United States, with a vibrant urban environment and numerous cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is highly independent, requiring minimal oversight, and involves working closely with technical experts and the contracting office.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a recruiter
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager or a panel of interviewers
- Background check and clearance process
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in acquisition and contracts
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Adaptability and ability to work in a dynamic environment
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in your resume, using specific examples and quantifiable results
- Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work independently
- Research Aston Carter and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
ATS Keywords: Federal DOD Contracts, Acquisition Experience, Market Research, Source Selection, Cost Estimates, Process Improvement, Analytic Methodologies, Independent Work
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the organization and the candidate's qualifications.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Acquisition-specific software (e.g., eBuy, FedBizOpps, etc.)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in using relevant software tools is expected, and training may be provided as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Expertise
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Diversity & Inclusion
Work Style:
- Highly independent, with minimal oversight
- Dynamic and adaptable, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of working independently and making critical decisions with minimal oversight?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic environment and adapting to changing priorities?
- Do you possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex data and draw meaningful conclusions?
ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is essential for success in this role, as it requires a high degree of independence and adaptability.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a highly independent role with minimal oversight may be challenging for some candidates
- Occasional travel may be required, which could disrupt personal schedules or routines
- The role may involve working on sensitive or classified projects, requiring additional clearances and background checks
- The work environment may be fast-paced and dynamic, requiring strong adaptability and time management skills
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong communication, time management, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other acquisition specialist positions in its focus on workforce planning and analysis, as well as its requirement for a high degree of independence
- Industry-specific context: The defense and intelligence sector has unique requirements and regulations that may not apply to other industries
- Career path comparison: This role may lead to management or senior leadership positions within the organization or related fields
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within the acquisition and contracts field, with a focus on workforce planning and analysis.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new workforce identification and revalidation process for a major government agency
- Conducting market research and analysis to inform acquisition planning and strategy for a complex, multi-year program
- Assisting in the development of source selection evaluation criteria for a high-priority, time-sensitive acquisition project
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the work involved in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workload and priorities for this role, and how they may evolve over time?
- How does this role fit into the broader organization and its mission, and what are the key stakeholders involved?
- What opportunities exist for professional development and growth within the organization or related fields?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents succeeded in overcoming them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: Senior Contract Acquisition Specialist
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments, using specific examples and quantifiable results
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work independently
- Research Aston Carter and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
- Follow up with the recruiter or hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
