Acquisition Specialist

Overview
ARServices delivers innovative program management, financial, technical, and advisory solutions that advance national security missions across the Federal Government. With deep expertise supporting the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and other national security agencies, we help our customers address complex Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) and CBRNE challenges through responsive, mission-focused solutions that strengthen operational readiness and protect the nation. Build a career that supports the mission. ARServices partners with defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies to solve complex national security challenges. Explore opportunities to join our team at https://arslimited.com/careers/

Why Work at ARServices?
At ARServices, your work has purpose. Every day, our employees help solve complex challenges that strengthen national security and support critical government missions. We invest in talented professionals by fostering a collaborative, mission-focused culture where innovation is encouraged, contributions are recognized, and career growth is supported. Guided by our core values of Agility, Reliability, and Success, we empower our people to make an impact, both for our customers and for the future.

Position Description
ARServices is seeking a highly experienced Acquisition Specialist to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Research and Development (RD) Nuclear Technologies (NT) Directorate. This role is ideal for professionals with a strong foundation in federal acquisition and program support who are excited to contribute to mission-critical national security and defense technology programs.

The Acquisition Specialist will provide timely and accurate information on multiple Program Managers' acquisition milestones and support the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution (PPBE) processes. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience supporting Department of Defense acquisition processes and procedures, contributing to cost estimating and life-cycle analyses, and advising on financial management risks to ensure mission-aligned delivery of R&D capabilities.

A qualified candidate will perform the following duties and responsibilities, but are not limited to:

• Evaluate the acquisition planning and execution of acquisition programs in the broad area of Nuclear Technologies.
• Provide cost estimating, life-cycle costing, and cost-benefit analyses in support of acquisition programs and other analyses, including support to POM and PPBE activities.
• Plan, coordinate, integrate, implement, and evaluate the use of acquisition options.
• Provide necessary input to Initial Strategy Session / Acquisition Strategy Review (ISS/ASR) and create and manage Purchase Request packages.
• Participate in Integrated Product Teams and serve as programmatic point of contact.
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders in the NT defense community.
• Provide support to and coordination of acquisition and PPBE documents, including development of budget exhibits (R Forms) and Program Objectives Memorandum (POM) materials for a research and development acquisition program.
• Assist in setting portfolio, project, and product-level strategy and priorities.
• Ensure portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals and requirements.
• Track cost, schedule, and performance of projects to ensure they continue to meet the objectives of the program.
• Advise the program team on risk assessment and risk management, business and contracting strategies, and technology transfers.
• Assist with developing and tracking budgets and spend plans for a wide-ranging portfolio across multiple fiscal years.
• Assist with tracking project expenditures, supporting the development of funding award documentation, and development/maintenance of program review materials.
• Provide assistance with acquisition/contracting strategy for projects and programs.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing stakeholder meetings and tracking project deliverables.
• Assist with contributing input for budget execution reviews as well as mid-year and end-of-year comments.
• Assist with managing and developing the PPBE process as well as developing budget/program briefs.
• Assist and coordinate with Government Program Managers on the competitive award process and liaison with Government Financial Analysts and Contracting Officers to make awards in a timely manner while adhering to Federal Acquisition Regulations, DoD Acquisition Directives, and DTRA-specific Acquisition Directives.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Accounting, Financial Management, or a related field; and/or 5+ years of experience managing projects and financials (DTRA RD experience preferred); and/or a STEM degree (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics) with experience managing RDT&E projects from a Program/Project Management perspective.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with a BS, or 3 years with an MS.
• Detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent communication and time management skills.
• High-level proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; ability to quickly learn new IT systems and software.
• Knowledge of Government accounting policy and regulation, including but not limited to the DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and OMB Circular A-123.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and experience developing and presenting complex information to senior Government officials using Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Security Clearance Requirements
Active DoD Secret clearance.

Location & Travel
This is a full-time position based at DTRA Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, VA, with no travel expected.

Preferred Qualifications

• Top Secret clearance.
• 5-10 years of resource management experience working with multiple DoD appropriations.
• Prior Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and/or military experience.
• Experience with tools such as Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI), Consolidated Acquisition Tool (CAT), Spend Plan Management and Reporting Tool (SMART), Electronic Document Access (EDA), Wide Area Workflow (WAWF), and Joint Integrated CBRN Analytic Platform (JICAP).

Total Rewards
At ARServices, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to providing competitive compensation, meaningful career development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, professional development opportunities, and employee wellness resources. Eligible employees may also participate in additional company-sponsored programs and benefits. We are proud to foster a culture built on Agility, Reliability, and Success, where employees are recognized for their contributions and empowered to grow their careers while supporting critical national security missions.

Compensation at ARServices is determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including education, relevant experience, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, internal equity, external market considerations, geographic location, security clearance level, contract labor category and funding requirements, organizational needs, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full-time status. Actual starting compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and the factors identified above.

Posted Salary Range
USD $83,898 - $161,266 / Yr.

Equal Employment Opportunity
ARServices is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and performance. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy or related medical conditions, protected veteran status, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation
ARServices is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform the essential functions of a position, or access other employment benefits, please contact our Talent Acquisition team for assistance.