Program Manager / Senior Contract Specialist

Parra Consulting Group, Inc • $100K — $130K *
Gaithersburg, MD 20878In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 7+ years in program management, contracting, or acquisition planning.
  • FAC-C certification (minimum 5 years) or civilian equivalent; ICE experience preferred.
  • 5+ years in a supervisory role overseeing acquisition or contracting staff.
  • DAWIA Contracting Professional certification strongly preferred; CFCM/CPCM credentials a plus.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of federal acquisition regulations, including FAR and HHSAR.
  • Experience with federal contract writing systems or analogous systems.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

  • Lead accountability for contract performance and issue resolution across multiple workstreams.
  • Direct and prioritize workload for Contract Specialists, managing staffing and cross-training.
  • Act as primary liaison to the Government Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer's Representative.
  • Conduct peer reviews to ensure regulatory compliance of work products submitted to the CO/COR.
  • Oversee the full acquisition lifecycle from pre-award market research to contract closeout.
  • Prepare and submit required deliverables on schedule, including status reports and monthly progress updates.
  • Manage quality assurance and implement corrective action plans within 48 hours for valid customer complaints.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with the CDC, enhancing public health initiatives.
  • Leadership role with significant influence on contract management.
  • Engagement in complex contract processes with federal rules and regulations.
  • Professional development opportunities through exposure to a range of acquisition and contracting functions.
  • Ability to shape and direct a team in a high-operational-tempo environment.
Full Job Description
Parra Consulting Group (PCG) is seeking a Program Manager / Senior Contract Specialist to lead a team of Contract Specialists delivering full-lifecycle acquisition support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquisition Services (OAS), Office of Safety, Security and Asset Management (OSSAM). This is a Key Personnel role serving as PCG's single point of accountability for contract performance, workforce management, and deliverables.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as PCG's single point of accountability for contract performance, workforce management, deliverables, and issue resolution across the OSSAM, NIOSH/WTCHP, and Additional Support workstreams.
  • Direct and prioritize the work of assigned Contract Specialists; manage staffing assignments, workload distribution, and cross-training to eliminate single points of failure.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Government Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), maintaining a single point of contact during core hours and remaining reachable for urgent matters outside core hours.
  • Conduct peer review of all work products prior to submission to the CO/COR, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance (FAR, HHSAR, CDC local policy).
  • Oversee the full acquisition lifecycle for assigned requirements - pre-award market research and solicitation development through post-award administration, modifications, option exercises, and closeout.
  • Prepare and submit required deliverables on schedule, including weekly status reports, bi-weekly Teams update meetings, monthly progress reports, and Monthly Contractor Activity/Expense Reports.
  • Manage quality assurance, including checklist-based contract file review and written corrective action plans for any valid customer complaint within 48 hours.
  • Serve as PCG's CPARS point of contact, proactively engaging with the COR on performance assessment inputs throughout the period of performance.
  • Maintain staffing continuity, including a bench of pre-vetted, certified acquisition professionals available for rapid deployment to meet the QASP standard of less than a two-week staffing gap.
  • Track and implement evolving acquisition regulations, including the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFAR/FAR 2.0), and ensure all contract files and solicitations remain current.
  • Coordinate directly with OAS leadership, the CO, and the COR to resolve issues and maintain continuous compliance with contract requirements.
  • Obtain Contracting Officer written consent prior to any replacement of Key Personnel, in accordance with HHSAR 352.237-75.
  • Perform other related acquisition management duties as required in support of mission operations, continuity, and contract requirements, as directed by the Government CO/COR.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 7+ years of experience in program management, contracting, or acquisition planning (or a combination thereof).
  • FAC-C certification, current or previous (minimum 5 years), or civilian equivalent; ICE (Integrated Contracts Expert) experience preferred.
  • Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory or program management role overseeing acquisition or contracting staff.
  • DAWIA Contracting Professional certification (or equivalent) strongly preferred; CFCM/CPCM (NCMA) credentials a plus.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the federal acquisition lifecycle and applicable regulations, including FAR Parts 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16, and HHSAR.
  • Direct experience with federal contract writing and reporting systems (e.g., ICE, PIEE/WAWF/IPP, CPARS, JAM, EDA, Beta.sam.gov, GSA eBuy) or analogous systems (e.g., CMS, PD2/SPS, SeaPort NxG).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead client meetings, brief leadership, and manage CO/COR relationships.
  • Proven ability to lead a team in a high-operational-tempo environment while managing multiple, unevenly distributed priorities.

About Parra Consulting Group, Inc

Parra Consulting Group, Inc. Careers

Joining Parra Consulting Group, Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance a career with a leader in innovation and professional services. This company stands out as a beacon of growth and leadership in the consulting industry.

Explore Job Opportunities

Parra Consulting Group, Inc. offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences. Whether one is seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, this company provides a platform for professional development and career advancement.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, Parra Consulting Group, Inc. provides robust internship programs designed to foster skills and offer real-world experience in a dynamic environment. Internships are a cornerstone of the company's commitment to nurturing young talent and preparing them for professional challenges.

Employment Benefits and Culture

Choosing to work at Parra Consulting Group, Inc. means more than just employment; it's an opportunity to grow within a culture that values diversity and leadership. The company offers comprehensive benefits designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of its team members. The inclusive culture at Parra Consulting Group, Inc. encourages innovation and values each individual’s contribution towards collective goals.

Professional Growth and Development

Commitment to professional growth is fundamental at Parra Consulting Group, Inc. With access to cutting-edge projects and technologies, team members are continually encouraged to enhance their abilities through ongoing learning and leadership development programs. This focus on professional growth ensures that every team member can reach their full potential.

Networking and Innovation

At Parra Consulting Group, Inc., networking and innovation go hand in hand. Team members are encouraged to engage in networking opportunities that foster professional relationships and collaborative innovation. This approach not only enhances personal growth but also propels the company forward in its industry solutions.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity training is integral to the company ethos at Parra Consulting Group, Inc. By embracing a wide range of perspectives, the company strengthens its team and enhances its global impact. Leadership is committed to maintaining an environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Career Opportunities

The career paths at Parra Consulting Group, Inc. are diverse and filled with possibilities. From technology to management consulting, the array of paths available allows team members to tailor their career trajectories to their interests and skills.

Hiring Process

The hiring process at Parra Consulting Group, Inc. is designed to be transparent and engaging. Starting from the initial application and resume submission to the final interview, candidates experience a thorough but fair process that assesses their suitability for various roles based on skills, experience, and cultural fit.

Join the Team

Explore the positions currently available at Parra Consulting Group, Inc. and discover how your skills and interests align with their mission. The company is continuously searching for passionate, curious, and innovative team players ready to make a significant impact.

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