Contract Administrator
Contract Administrator
General Summary
This position uses in-depth skills and knowledge of both government and commercial contracts laws and regulations to perform assignments and requires effective application of contract administration processes and procedures. Has responsibility for driving the proposal process for assigned business unit. Interfaces with internal and external customers to proactively solve contract issues. Complex government and commercial contract administration and management. Experience with DoD, NASA, and/or other U.S. government agencies strongly desired. Financial analysis skills are a plus. May be expected to mentor and oversee the efforts of less experienced contract administrators.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide compliance and strategic advice to internal customers regarding proposal efforts and contract negotiations and administration.
- Administer standard and non-standard government and commercial contracts with limited assistance from senior personnel.
- Provide proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.
- Examine contract administration outputs to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Negotiate favorable contract terms and conditions including work scope, duration, price, warranty and confidentiality provisions, based on applicable government procurement regulations and commercial contracting guidelines.
- Interface with internal technical staff and external clients during the initial award negotiation process as well as the contract modification process.
Position Responsibilities
- Pre-Award/Proposal Process: Prepare and review business proposals for the inclusion of correct business terms and fulfillment of proposal stipulations. Calculate cost of performing work based on raw data. Establish new projects and disseminate the necessary project information to both technical and administrative groups. Ensure adherence to Southern Research policies and guidelines relating to the submission of proposals and acceptance of agreements.
- Post Award/Contract Review: Negotiate business and legal terms and conditions on behalf of the organization. Document and ensure provisions of the contract in its final form are acceptable to Southern Research and the customer.
- Post Award/ Contract Performance Management: Monitor expenditures, support and participate in audit responses, and interface with internal and external customers as appropriate and necessary. Mediate disputes that may arise in order to reach an expedient resolution.
- Keep abreast of current government procurement laws and regulations, as well as developments in commercial contract law. May research special compliance/legal topics as required.
- Coordinate and oversee the training and activities of other staff members as required by supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS in relevant discipline and/or JD
- 2 years relevant experience.
- Familiarity with federal procurement regulations (FAR, DFAR, and other agency FAR supplements) and experience with commercial business principles.
- Ability to negotiate favorable contract terms effectively.
- Strong business acumen, with demeanor and ability to work comfortably and confidently with senior management.
- Proven ability to work in a diverse, fast-paced environment with limited supervision; excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
- Detail oriented, accurate, and thorough in working with both calculations and text of agreements.
- Experience with proposal preparation, contract negotiation, and contract administration.
- Demonstrated knowledge of grant, government and commercial contracting processes, compliance considerations and related accounting practices.
- Extremely customer service oriented; effective interpersonal skills to interact and communicate with staff members, other company personnel, clients, and customers.
- Ability to utilize MS Office and other software packages.
- In compliance with federal mandates, effective December 8, 2021; Southern Research will require that all newly hired employees show proof of full COVID vaccination or authorized exemption prior to their start date.
Work Environment & Conditions
This position is typically located in an office environment. Position requires ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.