Ascension LLC is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-focused Contract Specialist to support acquisition operations for the U.S. Air Force 18th Contracting Squadron (18 CONS). The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in federal acquisition lifecycle activities, including market research, solicitation preparation, source selection support, contract administration, and closeout documentation.

This role is critical to ensuring the 18th Contracting Squadron can efficiently execute procurement actions supporting the operational mission of the 18th Wing in the Indo-Pacific theater. The Contract Specialist will work closely with the Contractor Program Manager and Government contracting personnel to support contracting operations while ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Department of Defense regulations, and Air Force acquisition policies.

The ideal candidate will be someone who:

• Thrives in a fast-paced federal acquisition environment
• Possesses strong analytical and organizational skills
• Demonstrates the ability to manage multiple contracting actions simultaneously
• Communicates effectively with contracting officers, program stakeholders, and vendors
• Maintains a high level of attention to detail when preparing acquisition documentation

This position is well suited for acquisition professionals who want to contribute to mission-critical defense contracting activities while working in a collaborative and agile team environment.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Contract Specialist will support the full acquisition lifecycle for procurement actions executed by the 18th Contracting Squadron. The role involves assisting Government Contracting Officers in developing acquisition strategies, preparing solicitations, supporting proposal evaluations, administering contracts, and preparing closeout documentation.

The selected professional will apply knowledge of federal procurement regulations and contracting procedures to assist in managing contracting activities for supplies, services, and construction acquisitions. The role requires the ability to independently analyze procurement documentation, coordinate with acquisition stakeholders, and ensure contracting actions are executed in accordance with regulatory and policy requirements.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to:

• Interpret acquisition policies and FAR guidance
• Prepare clear and compliant acquisition documentation
• Evaluate proposals and quotations against established criteria
• Track contract performance and administrative requirements
• Support the timely execution of contract modifications and closeouts

Contract Specialists will work in a remote environment while supporting a government acquisition team operating on Japan Standard Time coordination, and must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate in a distributed work setting.

Day-to-Day Activities

The Contract Specialist will perform activities supporting the acquisition lifecycle. These activities may include but are not limited to:

• Conduct market research to support acquisition planning and procurement strategies
• Prepare acquisition documentation, including acquisition plans, IGCE inputs, and procurement request packages
• Draft and issue solicitations including RFQs, RFPs, and IFBs
• Support the development of source selection plans and evaluation criteria
• Assist in proposal and quotation evaluations against solicitation requirements
• Conduct cost and price analysis in support of acquisition decisions
• Prepare contract award documentation and supporting acquisition files
• Process and document contract modifications and administrative actions
• Review contractor deliverables and performance documentation
• Monitor contract performance and support the resolution of contractual issues
• Assist with invoice review and payment documentation
• Prepare and organize contract closeout documentation
• Maintain accurate contract files and documentation in accordance with FAR and Air Force policies
• Coordinate with the Program Manager and Government COR regarding workload priorities
• Participate in acquisition planning meetings and contract status discussions