US Government Contracting Officer - M&C Saatchi Group
New York, NY 10010
About the Job
M&C Saatchi World Services was founded in 2011 as a new global division of M&C Saatchi. Using the experience and creative capabilities of M&C Saatchi, World Services is dedicated to tackling complex behavioral and social issues.
Since launch, the new division has enjoyed continuous strong growth and is now ranked as one of M&C Saatchi's most successful companies. Clients include a range of governments and agencies, INGO's, foundations and multilaterals, such as the UN, the Gates Foundation, USAID, DFID and the Nike Foundation.
Although hybrid working is encouraged in the workplace, the location for this role is Washington D.C. or New York City – although there is some room for negotiation. There is the potential for some travel in this role, most likely involving travel to London, New York or Washington DC
Key Responsibilities:
The Government Contracting Officer will be responsible for bid development, contract negotiations, contract administration, modifying or extending contracts, and terminating contracts. They will maintain and review existing Government contract requirements, terms, conditions, and special provisions to ensure compliance while also supporting the business development team in finding and competing for new business. This role will work closely with consultants in Washington D.C. and work to support the company’s efforts to become more competitive in the Federal spaces.
- Develop and manage processes and procedures which ensure compliance with awarded (current and future) government contract requirements.
- Communicate specific contract provisions to other functional departments (Research, Finance, Hiring, Security, etc.) to prevent violations and penalties from government agencies. This includes engagement of all relevant stakeholders in negotiating decisions involving legal or regulatory requirements, contract standards and pricing targets for new and existing contracts. Carries out the decisions and implements the outcomes of changes in contract items, rates and processes. Engage government representatives and M&C Saatchi London Operations and Finance teams as required.
- Develop and implement procurement operations to track contract compliance for US prime, US subcontracts, the GSA schedule, cooperatives, and state contracts.
- Process and track multiple transactions on EZ Gov Ops, which include traditional contracting methods and mechanisms (Blanket Purchase Agreements, Deliver/Task Orders, IDIQs, and Stand-alone contracts) and non-Traditional (interagency agreements, and unique contracting types).
- Interact with the M&C Saatchi World Services finance department for actions regarding issues/updates to State and Federal website procurement regarding unpaid taxes. Communicate directly with State and Federal officials, including written correspondence, uploading to electronic web sites and telephone conversations.
- Maintain deadlines on deliverables and communicate on an ongoing basis with business partners and internal clients about contractual issues.
- Review Federal contract opportunities using EZGovOps.
- Serve as primary organizational contact for GSA contracts.
- Coordinate and conduct GSA contract negotiations in support of garnering new awards and negotiating modifications to existing contracts.
- Primary contact for the finance team on matters related to GSA contracts.
- Provide support and guidance throughout the solicitation/bid process to the growth team by leading the process on government contract administration with new and/or existing agreements to avoid contract violations.
- Responds to and assists team on bid responses, maintains and audits contract pricing agreements post award to include archival of documents for audit.
- Partner with and/or recommend to the Managing Director and the Growth Team on the development of standard proposals and contract templates for the pursuit of additional Government business including Federal, State and Local opportunities.
- Provide a high level of guidance and technical assistance to managers, and the Growth team members on problems of unusual complexity or sensitivity.
- Interprets contract provisions for contractors and for field and provides appropriate advice and guidance; and conducts in-depth analysis.
- Ensure flow-down terms are included in all subcontracts.
- Update SAM registrations and update State registrations, assist the Government Sales and Service Center with difficult or complex issues on registrations, liaison with Procurement officials to resolve issues and provide correspondence.
- Interact with contracting officers and procurement officials as required.
- Provide training / instruction to the field for government contract processes & procedures.
- Manages all aspects of audit report preparation and delivery of all government compliance submissions to ensure timely and accurate information is remitted. Responsible for reporting accuracy in accordance with contractual obligations.
- Liaison with the US Government and M&C Saatchi World Services consultants on Facilities Security Clearance documentation and implementation.
- Perform contract administration activities for selected contracts and assist in the monitoring of contract performance, approval of payments, verification of contract items.
- Participate in continuous learning (conferences, etc.) to stay current with Government regulations, processes and trends to serve as the subject matter expert for all administration controls, processes and procedures.
About you:
- J.D. or Master of Studies in Law in Government Procurement preferred or prior contractor administration experience
- Contract Management Certifications preferred (Certified Professional Contract Manager, Certified Federal Contract Manger, or Certified Commercial Contract Manager)
- Minimum of five years of Government contract administration experience
- Two years’ managerial experience preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of FAR and DFARS
- Experience with MAS contracts, Joint Ventures, NDAs, Teaming Agreement management and negotiation expertise
- Previous experience working with contracting officers, contracting officer representatives, and contracting specialists.
- Extensive knowledge with various contract types (i.e. firm fixed price, cost plus fixed fee, time and materials), contract formation and contract performance.
- Understand Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Defense Contract Audit Agency requirements.
- Experience with requests for equitable adjustments and claims
- Strong analytical, organizational, time management, and communication skills
- Effective oral and written and presentation skills
- US Secret Clearance preferred or experience working in and around the US.
What we offer:
M&CS offers a competitive benefits package including: 25 vacation days, 401k match, annual pay reviews, flexible working, and WFH opportunities. Salary is dependent on experience but ranges from: $110,000.00 - £150,000.00. All candidates must have the ability to work in the US; we are unable to sponsor any work visas for this role.
The M&C Saatchi Group UK has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture brought to life through equity with business-wide activity across people, culture, industry, and society. As part of this, M&C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.
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