**Description** Applied Research Solutions is seeking a full-time Contract Specialist located in Tampa, Florida. The Contract Specialist’s primary function will be to conduct appropriate research using the plethora of resources available to the acquisition community to provide informed guidance and applicable courses of action (COAs) to a wide range of customers. **Why Work with us?** Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. **Responsibilities include:** + Independently and proficiently conducts appropriate research using the plethora of resources available to the acquisition community (e.g. FAR, other regulatory guidance) in order to provide informed guidance and applicable courses of action (COAs) to a wide range of customers + Independently prepares pre-solicitation documentation to include, but not limited to: Determination and Findings (D&F) and Small Business coordination (DD Form 2579) + Staffs pre-solicitation documentation for appropriate review and approvals and posts applicable notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required + Independently prepares solicitations and amendments in Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) (or relevant contract writing system) for Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) review and approval. Staffs all solicitation/amendment documentation for appropriate review and approvals and posts notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required + Conducts price and cost analysis. Proficiently use the variety of techniques, including but not limited to, working with DCAA and/or DCMA as necessary, to determine fair and reasonable prices + Independently reviews evaluation input from a variety of sources (e.g. technical program and DCAA personnel), provides necessary feedback, and prepares contract negotiation positions (such as PNM and BCM) for PCO review and approval + Independently prepares contract award (or agreements) and amendments in PD2 (or relevant writing system) for PCO review and approval. Staffs all award/amendment documentation for appropriate review and approvals and posts notices in the Federal Business Opportunities as required + Independently prepares post-award documentation to include, but not limited to: contract modifications and memorandums for record + Independently and proficiently conducts all contract administration functions retained by USSOCOM + Establishes and maintains quality contract files that are auditable, repeatable, and defendable + Actively participates in IPTs and guides and assists team members, technical program personnel, sales representatives, local suppliers, and/or contractors on acquisition and business-related issues in a professional manner + Other duties as assigned **Qualifications/Technical Experience Requirements:** + Must be a US Citizen + Bachelor’s Degree + DAWIA Practitioner Equivalency IAW the PWS (DAWIA level II equivalent). + Minimum of 5 years of experience in DoD Acquisition Contracts execution + Must possess Secret clearance + Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written + Ability to effectively use Microsoft (MS) Office Suite software + Knowledge of methods and techniques of fact-finding, analysis and resolution of contracting problems, and the ability to recommend concrete action plans to solve problems + Working knowledge of the Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) contract writing software + Knowledge of price and cost analysis sufficient to review proposals and established rates to determine price reasonableness or to determine a negotiation position + Knowledge of funding rules associated with the obligation of multiple types of appropriations + Knowledge of contracting negotiation, administration and termination principles, policies, procedures and technical requirements applicable to the full range of contracting actions for a variety of contract types + Knowledge of contract types, such as fixed- price or cost reimbursement and required clauses and special provisions + Ability to assist in the preparation of solicitation documents + Knowledge of report writing techniques to present factual information clearly, to write procurement memoranda and minutes of meetings, and to draft simple contract supporting documentation + Knowledge of formal advertising sufficient to solicit bids to procure a variety of requirements ranging from standard to specialized supplies and services + Knowledge of pre and post award procedures sufficient to award and administer firm fixed-price, cost, indefinite delivery, or other contracts of similar complexity + Ability to draft and recommend authority cited in justifications and approvals and determinations and findings reports prepared on behalf of the contracting officer All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)