12+ Months, Part-Time
Hybrid, Rockville, MD
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension is seeking a Senior Technical Analyst / Senior Computer Systems Analyst to provide advanced systems analysis, technical planning, application design, integration analysis, and implementation support for Montgomery County Public Schools.

The ideal candidate will be able to evaluate complex application environments, understand how business processes, data, software, interfaces, and infrastructure work together, and translate customer needs into clear technical requirements and practical implementation solutions. This individual will serve as a bridge among MCPS business stakeholders, application developers, database specialists, cybersecurity personnel, quality assurance teams, vendors, and project leadership.

This role is important because MCPS operates a large, diverse technology environment supporting students, educators, administrators, and business operations. The selected professional must be able to identify technical risks, resolve ambiguous requirements, assess system dependencies, and help MCPS implement reliable, secure, accessible, and maintainable systems.

Ascension is particularly interested in a candidate who is:

  • Analytical, methodical, and attentive to technical and operational details.
  • Comfortable working independently with limited supervision.
  • Skilled at clarifying incomplete or conflicting requirements.
  • Able to anticipate integration, data, security, and performance problems.
  • Organized enough to manage multiple assignments, dependencies, and deadlines.
  • Confident communicating with both technical personnel and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Capable of explaining complex system issues in clear, decision-oriented language.
  • Committed to protecting student, employee, and institutional information.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Senior Technical Analyst will analyze system architecture, application functionality, interfaces, data requirements, technical specifications, implementation issues, and system performance. The position will support the analysis and design of complex applications and major system installations and may provide technical direction to development, integration, data, testing, and implementation teams.

The contractor will examine existing and proposed systems, document current and future-state requirements, evaluate technical alternatives, and recommend solutions that align with MCPS business objectives, security controls, privacy obligations, accessibility standards, and technology architecture.

Depending on the task order, the position may support enterprise platforms such as Oracle Fusion Cloud, Infor Lawson, student information systems, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power Platform solutions, databases, web applications, APIs, business intelligence tools, or custom-developed applications. The analyst may also support legacy modernization, data conversion, system integration, cloud migration, workflow automation, quality assurance, and production-readiness assessments.

The RFP specifically identifies the Senior Computer Systems Analyst as a professional who provides technical direction for software development, analyzes complex applications, and prepares milestone and technical-status reports for major system installations. It requires a bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of complex application analysis and design experience, including experience with database management systems and multiple programming languages.

Anticipated Day-to-Day Activities

  • Analyze existing applications, business processes, system architectures, databases, interfaces, integrations, and technical dependencies.
  • Elicit functional, technical, data, security, performance, accessibility, and operational requirements from MCPS stakeholders.
  • Translate business needs into system requirements, use cases, process flows, interface definitions, data mappings, acceptance criteria, and technical specifications.
  • Evaluate current-state systems and identify gaps, limitations, duplication, performance issues, security risks, and modernization opportunities.
  • Develop current-state and future-state diagrams showing system components, interfaces, data movement, dependencies, and user interactions.
  • Recommend technically feasible solutions that balance business value, security, accessibility, implementation complexity, maintainability, and cost.
  • Provide technical direction and clarification to application developers, engineers, database specialists, testers, vendors, and implementation teams.
  • Review proposed system designs, application configurations, database structures, APIs, integrations, and technical documentation for completeness and consistency.
  • Analyze interface requirements between cloud-hosted, on-premises, third-party, and internally developed applications.
  • Define data requirements, conversion rules, validation criteria, reconciliation procedures, and exception-handling processes.
  • Support system modernization, application migration, data conversion, software implementation, integration, and deployment activities.
  • Investigate system defects, performance degradation, data discrepancies, interface failures, and implementation issues.
  • Perform root-cause analysis and coordinate corrective actions with the appropriate technical teams.
  • Assess solution impacts across applications, databases, users, workflows, security controls, reporting processes, and support operations.
  • Prepare alternatives analyses, decision papers, technical recommendations, risk assessments, and implementation-readiness findings.
  • Develop milestone reports, technical-status reports, issue logs, risk registers, requirements traceability matrices, and implementation trackers.
  • Facilitate requirements workshops, design reviews, technical working sessions, defect reviews, and implementation-readiness meetings.
  • Coordinate with project managers to monitor scope, schedule, dependencies, risks, issues, decisions, and technical deliverables.
  • Support functional, integration, regression, performance, load, stress, security, accessibility, and user-acceptance testing.
  • Validate that implemented solutions satisfy approved requirements, technical specifications, security controls, and acceptance criteria.
  • Document system configurations, workflows, interfaces, operating procedures, support procedures, and knowledge-transfer materials.
  • Maintain version control, change history, decision records, and traceability across requirements and technical documentation.
  • Ensure technical deliverables comply with MCPS privacy, security, data ownership, records-management, and accessibility requirements.
  • Apply Agile, Scrum, DevOps, Waterfall, or hybrid delivery practices based on the requirements of the assigned task order.
  • Prepare weekly productivity reports summarizing activities, deliverables, accomplishments, issues, risks, and hours worked, as required under the MCPS contract.

Problems the Position Is Expected to Address

The Senior Technical Analyst may be called upon to resolve or support:

  • Incomplete, ambiguous, or conflicting system requirements.
  • Poorly documented legacy applications.
  • Misalignment between business processes and system functionality.
  • Data-quality, data-mapping, and data-conversion problems.
  • Failed or unreliable interfaces between enterprise systems.
  • Application performance and scalability concerns.
  • Security, privacy, role-based access, and identity-management issues.
  • System implementations that do not fully satisfy user needs.
  • Lack of traceability between requirements, design, testing, and deployment.
  • Technical risks affecting schedule, cost, quality, or production readiness.
  • Inconsistent technical documentation and configuration records.
  • Accessibility barriers affecting users with disabilities.
  • Communication gaps between program stakeholders and technical teams.
  • Production defects requiring structured root-cause analysis.
  • Modernization decisions involving legacy replacement, integration, cloud adoption, or workflow automation.

Anticipated Tools and Technologies

Actual tools will depend on the task order. Candidates should have experience with several of the following:

Systems and Requirements Analysis

  • Microsoft Visio or comparable process-modeling tools
  • Lucidchart or similar diagramming platforms
  • Azure DevOps
  • Jira and Confluence
  • Requirements traceability matrices
  • Use cases and user stories
  • Business process models and workflow diagrams
  • Data-flow and entity-relationship diagrams
  • Interface-control documents
  • Functional and technical design specifications

Enterprise and Application Technologies

  • Oracle Fusion Cloud applications
  • Oracle Integration Cloud
  • Infor Lawson
  • Student information systems
  • Microsoft 365
  • SharePoint
  • Microsoft Power Platform
  • ServiceNow
  • Web-based and client-server applications
  • REST and SOAP APIs
  • Microservices architectures
  • Single Sign-On and identity-management solutions

Data and Reporting

  • SQL and relational database-management systems
  • Oracle Database, SQL Server, or comparable platforms
  • Data mapping and conversion tools
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Power BI or Tableau
  • Data-validation and reconciliation methods
  • ETL and data-integration concepts

Development and Testing

  • Familiarity with two or more programming or scripting environments, such as Java, Python, .NET/C#, JavaScript, PowerShell, or SQL
  • Git or comparable source-control systems
  • CI/CD concepts and pipelines
  • Test-management and defect-tracking tools
  • Functional, integration, regression, performance, and user-acceptance testing methods

Job Features

Job CategoryBusiness and Management, IT
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, information technology, software engineering, systems engineering, business information systems, or a closely related discipline | Ability to prepare milestone reports, technical-status reports, risk assessments, issue analyses, and executive-level briefings | Strong written and verbal communication skills | Ability to work with business users, technical teams, vendors, and senior stakeholders | Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines with limited supervision | Ability to pass all MCPS-required background investigations and screening requirements.
REQUIRED SKILLSAt least eight years of progressively responsible experience performing complex application analysis and system design.
TECHNICAL SKILLSDemonstrated experience analyzing system architecture, application analysis and system design | Demonstrated experience analyzing system architecture, application functionality, interfaces, data requirements, technical specifications, implementation issues, and system performance | Experience supporting complex application implementations, modernization initiatives, system integrations, migrations, or major system installations | Experience with database-management systems, relational data structures, SQL, data mapping, or data-conversion activities | Working knowledge of multiple programming languages, development environments, or application technology stacks sufficient to communicate effectively with software engineers and developers | Experience developing functional requirements, technical requirements, use cases, user stories, workflow diagrams, data-flow diagrams, interface specifications, and acceptance criteria | Experience evaluating technical alternatives and preparing documented recommendations for stakeholders and decision-makers | Experience supporting system, integration, regression, user-acceptance, or performance testing.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster’s degree in computer science, information systems, software engineering, systems engineering, cybersecurity, data management, or a related discipline | Ten or more years of systems analysis, application architecture, technical consulting, or enterprise application experience | Experience serving as a technical lead, solution analyst, task leader, or senior advisor | Experience supporting a public school system, state or local government agency, higher-education institution, or other regulated public-sector environment | Experience with Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM, ERP, or EPM | Experience with Oracle Integration Cloud, Infor Lawson, student information systems, or comparable enterprise platforms | Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, SharePoint, Azure, Power BI, or Microsoft 365 | Experience with API design, microservices, cloud migration, legacy modernization, DevOps, or CI/CD environments | Experience conducting architecture reviews, alternatives analyses, feasibility studies, technical assessments, or implementation-readiness reviews | Experience with FERPA, COPPA, the Maryland Student Privacy Act, PPRA, HIPAA, or comparable privacy requirements | Knowledge of ADA Section 508 and Non-Visual Access requirements | Familiarity with SOC 2 controls and secure system-development practices. Experience with Independent Verification and Validation | Experience with performance, load, stress, security, or accessibility testing. Experience using PMBOK, Agile, Scrum, DevOps, ITIL, CMMI, or similar frameworks | Experience supporting production deployments, release management, configuration management, or post-implementation support.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSNo Secret, Top Secret, or other federal personnel-security clearance is identified for this labor category. However, all personnel assigned to MCPS work must satisfy enhanced screening and security requirements.

Ascension is seeking a Senior Technical Analyst / Senior Computer Systems Analyst to provide advanced systems analysis, technical planning, application design, integration analysis, and implementation...

12+ Months, Part-Time
Hybrid, Rockville, MD
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension is seeking an experienced Senior Business Systems Analyst to support Montgomery County Public Schools’ enterprise technology, application modernization, systems integration, and business-process improvement initiatives.

The selected professional will serve as the bridge between MCPS business stakeholders, technical teams, system administrators, developers, vendors, and end users. This individual will determine what users and programs need from an information system, translate those needs into clear functional and technical requirements, evaluate current workflows, and help ensure that technology solutions are properly designed, configured, tested, documented, and accepted.

This position is well suited for a senior analyst who understands both business operations and enterprise information systems. The ideal candidate can lead requirements discussions with nontechnical stakeholders, communicate effectively with software engineers and database professionals, and convert complex or sometimes ambiguous customer needs into practical, testable solutions.

MCPS is establishing a master agreement through which individual Statements of Work and Requests for Resumes may be issued for custom development, systems integration, enterprise application support, modernization, automation, data services, and staff augmentation. The role may therefore support one or more assignments during the contract term rather than one continuously funded position.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Senior Business Systems Analyst will elicit, analyze, validate, and document business, functional, system, data, interface, security, accessibility, and reporting requirements for complex applications and technology initiatives. The analyst will assess existing business processes and systems, identify gaps and dependencies, develop functional specifications and process models, support system configuration and development, and coordinate testing and user acceptance.

Depending on the specific assignment, the analyst may support enterprise platforms such as Oracle Fusion Cloud, Infor Lawson, student information systems, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power Platform applications, custom web applications, databases, integrations, dashboards, or legacy-system modernization efforts. The MCPS scope covers the full System Development Life Cycle and includes application support, engineering and modernization, intelligent automation, data science, security, web systems, document management, training, and technical documentation.

The successful candidate will be:

  • Detail-oriented and disciplined in requirements documentation.
  • Comfortable working with stakeholders who have different priorities and levels of technical knowledge.
  • Skilled at identifying incomplete, conflicting, or unstated requirements.
  • Self-directed and capable of progressing work with limited supervision.
  • Organized enough to manage several requirements, decisions, issues, and deliverables concurrently.
  • Able to anticipate downstream impacts involving integrations, data, security, testing, training, and change management.
  • Committed to protecting student, employee, and operational information.
  • Prepared to work in an environment where priorities and task-order needs may evolve.

Position Responsibilities

The Senior Business Systems Analyst is expected to perform activities such as the following:

  • Elicit business, functional, technical, data, reporting, interface, security, privacy, and accessibility requirements through interviews, workshops, observations, document reviews, surveys, and facilitated working sessions.
  • Analyze existing applications, databases, workflows, policies, operating procedures, and system interfaces to identify gaps, risks, duplication, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
  • Translate business needs into functional specifications, system requirements, user stories, use cases, acceptance criteria, process models, data requirements, and configuration documentation.
  • Document current-state and future-state processes using process maps, workflow diagrams, decision tables, requirements traceability matrices, and supporting narratives.
  • Facilitate requirements-validation sessions with business owners, subject matter experts, developers, architects, database specialists, cybersecurity personnel, testers, and end users.
  • Reconcile conflicting stakeholder requirements and help decision-makers evaluate priorities, tradeoffs, dependencies, costs, risks, and expected outcomes.
  • Evaluate proposed systems, enhancements, configurations, interfaces, and automation opportunities against documented business and technical requirements.
  • Support system design and configuration activities by clarifying requirements and providing functional guidance to developers and technical teams.
  • Coordinate requirements across applications, databases, APIs, cloud platforms, reporting tools, and on-premises environments.
  • Develop functional specifications for application modules, workflows, role-based permissions, integrations, reports, dashboards, notifications, forms, and data-conversion activities.
  • Maintain requirements baselines, decision logs, issue logs, change requests, traceability records, and version-controlled documentation.
  • Assess the impact of proposed requirement or configuration changes on scope, schedule, data, interfaces, security, testing, training, and end-user operations.
  • Prepare test scenarios, test conditions, expected results, and user-acceptance criteria in coordination with quality assurance and testing personnel.
  • Support functional, integration, regression, performance, accessibility, and user-acceptance testing.
  • Coordinate user acceptance testing, including test planning, participant preparation, issue tracking, defect clarification, retesting, and acceptance documentation.
  • Validate that delivered capabilities satisfy approved requirements before implementation or production release.
  • Analyze defects and implementation issues to distinguish between requirement gaps, configuration problems, software defects, data issues, and user-training needs.
  • Support data mapping, data conversion, data validation, reconciliation, and migration activities.
  • Identify opportunities to improve or automate processes through tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, Power Apps, SharePoint, Power BI, workflow platforms, and enterprise application functionality.
  • Develop reports, dashboards, status summaries, milestone updates, and briefing materials for project leadership and stakeholders.
  • Prepare or contribute to system documentation, standard operating procedures, job aids, user guides, release notes, and training materials.
  • Ensure requirements and deliverables account for ADA Section 508 and Non-Visual Access requirements.
  • Apply appropriate Agile, Scrum, hybrid, or traditional SDLC practices based on the assignment.
  • Participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, demonstrations, retrospectives, design reviews, change-control meetings, and release-readiness reviews.
  • Monitor assigned milestones, risks, issues, dependencies, decisions, and action items.
  • Report weekly progress, completed tasks, hours expended, upcoming work, risks, and impediments as required by MCPS.
  • Protect MCPS information in accordance with FERPA, COPPA, the Maryland Student Privacy Act, MCPS policies, and applicable security requirements.
  • Collaborate effectively with MCPS employees, other contractors, software vendors, implementation partners, and third-party service providers.
  • Recommend practical solutions that balance user needs, technical feasibility, security, accessibility, maintainability, cost, and implementation risk.

Anticipated Tools and Methods

The specific technology stack will be established by each task order. Candidates should be prepared to work with a combination of:

  • Microsoft 365, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and SharePoint
  • Azure DevOps, Jira, ServiceNow, or comparable requirements and work-management platforms
  • Microsoft Power Platform, including Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate
  • SQL and relational database concepts
  • Oracle Fusion Cloud, Oracle Integration Cloud, Infor Lawson, or comparable enterprise platforms
  • Student information, human capital, financial, document-management, and reporting systems
  • Requirements traceability matrices
  • User stories, use cases, acceptance criteria, and functional specifications
  • Business process modeling and workflow mapping
  • Agile/Scrum, DevOps, Waterfall, and hybrid SDLC approaches
  • Test-management, defect-tracking, and user-acceptance processes
  • Data mapping, interface specifications, and API documentation
  • Section 508 and Non-Visual Access validation methods

Job Features

Job CategoryBusiness and Management, IT
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in computer science, information systems, information technology, business information systems, engineering, business administration, or a closely related discipline | Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to nontechnical audiences and business requirements clearly to technical teams. | Strong analytical, facilitation, writing, presentation, and problem-solving skills. | Ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations | Ability to produce accurate, organized, and review-ready documentation | Ability to work independently and collaboratively in remote, hybrid, or on-site environments | Ability to comply with MCPS data-privacy, cybersecurity, accessibility, and personnel-vetting requirements.
REQUIRED SKILLSAt least eight years of experience performing complex application analysis and systems design.
TECHNICAL SKILLSAt least eight years of experience performing complex application analysis and systems design | Demonstrated experience working with database management systems and more than one programming language, scripting language, query language, or enterprise application technology | Experience eliciting, analyzing, documenting, validating, and managing business and system requirements | Experience developing functional specifications, process models, use cases, user stories, acceptance criteria, or equivalent requirements artifacts | Experience supporting complex system implementations, upgrades, integrations, configurations, migrations, or modernization initiatives | Experience coordinating user-acceptance testing and resolving requirements-related questions and defects | Working knowledge of relational databases, data structures, data mapping, integrations, and system interfaces | Understanding of the complete SDLC, including requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, training, and post-implementation support.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster’s degree in information systems, computer science, business analytics, engineering, or a related discipline | Experience supporting a large public school system, state or local government, higher-education organization, or similarly complex public institution | Experience with Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM, ERP, or EPM | Experience with Oracle Integration Cloud, Infor Lawson, or student information systems | Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, or Power Automate | Experience supporting legacy-system modernization, cloud migration, microservices, APIs, or CI/CD environments | Experience analyzing human capital, financial management, student services, procurement, document management, or administrative business processes | Experience creating data models, interface-control documentation, source-to-target mappings, or conversion specifications | Experience with business process reengineering and workflow automation | Experience supporting performance, load, stress, regression, integration, or accessibility testing | Knowledge of FERPA, COPPA, the Maryland Student Privacy Act, HIPAA, SOC 2, or public-sector data-governance requirements | Knowledge of ADA Section 508 and Non-Visual Access requirements | Experience with PMBOK-aligned project environments | Experience serving as a workstream lead, task leader, product owner representative, or senior functional analyst | Certification such as Certified Business Analysis Professional, PMI Professional in Business Analysis, Project Management Professional, Certified ScrumMaster or comparable Agile certification, ITIL certification Microsoft, Oracle, SQL, cloud, or enterprise-platform certification
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSNo national-security clearance is identified for this labor category.

Ascension is seeking an experienced Senior Business Systems Analyst to support Montgomery County Public Schools’ enterprise technology, application modernization, systems integration, and business-p...

12+ Months, Part-Time
Hybrid, Rockville, MD
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension is seeking an experienced Senior Application Developer to serve as an Applications Development Expert supporting Montgomery County Public Schools’ enterprise technology, application modernization, systems integration, and custom software development initiatives.

The selected professional will lead or provide high-level technical direction for complex application development efforts across the full System Development Life Cycle. The Senior Application Developer will help MCPS modernize legacy applications, design secure and maintainable solutions, integrate cloud and on-premises systems, implement microservices and application programming interfaces, and establish reliable DevSecOps and continuous integration/continuous delivery practices.

This role is well suited for a hands-on senior developer who can move between architecture, coding, integration, testing, troubleshooting, documentation, and technical leadership. The ideal candidate will understand that application development in a large public-school environment requires more than writing code. Solutions must be scalable, accessible, secure, supportable, well documented, and designed to protect sensitive student and employee information.

MCPS identifies the Applications Development Expert as the technical lead and mentor for complex enterprise-wide software solutions and integrations. The minimum RFP qualification is a bachelor’s degree and seven years of IT industry experience, including three years serving as a high-level technical expert.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Senior Application Developer will design, develop, modernize, integrate, test, deploy, and support enterprise applications that enable MCPS business, administrative, instructional, financial, human capital, and student-service operations.

The contractor will collaborate with MCPS technical teams, business analysts, project managers, security personnel, quality assurance specialists, system administrators, vendors, and business stakeholders to translate functional needs into secure and sustainable technical solutions. Assignments may include modernizing legacy applications; creating web, cloud, mobile, or data-driven solutions; designing APIs and microservices; implementing automated build and deployment pipelines; integrating enterprise platforms; and resolving complex production issues.

The successful candidate must be:

  • Self-directed and comfortable working with limited supervision.
  • Capable of leading technically complex assignments from concept through deployment.
  • Skilled at anticipating integration, security, performance, accessibility, and maintainability concerns.
  • Able to balance multiple priorities in an environment where individual task orders may vary in scope, urgency, technology, and duration.
  • Comfortable explaining technical concepts to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Committed to protecting student, employee, financial, and institutional data.
  • Disciplined in documenting code, decisions, configurations, interfaces, and deployment procedures.

The position may function as a technical lead or Task Leader and may provide mentoring, code-review, design-review, and troubleshooting support to other developers.

Position Responsibilities and Anticipated Activities

The Senior Application Developer will:

  • Lead the design, development, modernization, integration, testing, deployment, and maintenance of complex enterprise applications.
  • Analyze business, functional, security, data, accessibility, and performance requirements and translate them into technical designs.
  • Develop applications and services using technologies such as Java, Python, C#, .NET, JavaScript, TypeScript, SQL, and related frameworks.
  • Modernize legacy applications by refactoring code, replacing obsolete components, improving application architecture, and migrating capabilities to supported platforms.
  • Design RESTful APIs, microservices, reusable components, integration services, and data-exchange mechanisms.
  • Integrate cloud-based and on-premises applications, databases, identity services, enterprise systems, and third-party platforms.
  • Configure and maintain automated CI/CD pipelines for building, testing, scanning, packaging, and deploying software.
  • Apply Agile, Scrum, DevOps, DevSecOps, and secure SDLC practices throughout application delivery.
  • Create solution architecture diagrams, technical specifications, interface-control documents, data mappings, deployment instructions, and system-support documentation.
  • Conduct peer reviews, code reviews, design reviews, unit testing, integration testing, and defect-resolution activities.
  • Support performance, load, stress, regression, security, and accessibility testing in coordination with quality assurance personnel.
  • Identify application defects, performance bottlenecks, security weaknesses, integration failures, and technical debt.
  • Troubleshoot complex production and nonproduction issues and perform root-cause analysis.
  • Implement role-based access, secure authentication, authorization, encryption, input validation, logging, monitoring, and error-handling controls.
  • Ensure developed solutions comply with MCPS information-security, privacy, source-code, data-ownership, and configuration-management requirements.
  • Build accessible applications that support keyboard navigation, screen readers, appropriate semantic structures, and applicable ADA Section 508 and Maryland Non-Visual Access requirements.
  • Maintain source code, configuration files, build scripts, technical documentation, and version histories in approved repositories.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, backlog refinement, demonstrations, retrospectives, release planning, and technical working sessions.
  • Estimate development effort, identify dependencies, communicate technical risks, and support development of realistic delivery schedules.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level developers in coding standards, design patterns, testing, debugging, security, documentation, and deployment practices.
  • Coordinate with business analysts and end users to validate requirements and confirm that delivered functionality addresses the underlying business need.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, database, enterprise architecture, and quality assurance teams before production deployment.
  • Monitor application health and recommend improvements for reliability, scalability, performance, maintainability, and user experience.
  • Prepare weekly productivity reports summarizing work completed, deliverables, hours, risks, issues, and upcoming activities.
  • Transfer technical knowledge to MCPS staff through walkthroughs, demonstrations, technical documentation, and mentoring.
  • Protect all MCPS data and immediately escalate suspected security incidents, unauthorized access, or data exposure.

Expected Technical Environment

Depending on the individual task order, the Senior Application Developer may work with:

  • Java, Python, C#, .NET, ASP.NET, JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, and CSS.
  • SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or comparable relational databases.
  • REST APIs, SOAP services, JSON, XML, message queues, and integration middleware.
  • Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, Oracle Cloud, or hybrid-cloud environments.
  • Azure DevOps, GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, or comparable CI/CD platforms.
  • Git-based version control and branching strategies.
  • Docker, Kubernetes, or other containerization and orchestration technologies.
  • Microsoft Power Platform, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, and enterprise web platforms.
  • Automated unit, integration, regression, performance, and security-testing tools.
  • Static application security testing, dependency scanning, vulnerability scanning, and code-quality tools.
  • Agile/Scrum collaboration and work-management platforms.
  • Accessibility tools such as Axe, WAVE, Lighthouse, JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver.

Specific technologies will depend on the MCPS task order. Candidates are not necessarily expected to possess expert-level experience with every tool listed.

Job Features

Job CategoryIT, Software Development
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, information technology, engineering, or a closely related discipline | Ability to communicate effectively with developers, business analysts, project managers, leadership, vendors, and end users | Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with limited supervision | Ability to successfully complete all required MCPS background screening and security requirements.
REQUIRED SKILLSAt least seven years of progressive IT industry experience | At least three years of experience functioning as a high-level technical expert, senior application developer, technical lead, application architect, or comparable role.
TECHNICAL SKILLSDemonstrated experience leading or performing complex enterprise application development | Demonstrated experience across the SDLC, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, maintenance, and technical documentation | Advanced proficiency in at least one enterprise programming language or application-development stack, such as Java, Python, C#/.NET, or JavaScript/TypeScript | Experience designing or integrating APIs, web services, microservices, enterprise interfaces, or distributed applications | Experience with relational databases, SQL, data modeling, stored procedures, or database-driven applications | Experience using Git or another enterprise source-control platform | Experience implementing or supporting CI/CD pipelines and automated software deployment | Experience conducting code reviews, peer reviews, unit testing, defect analysis, and root-cause analysis | Knowledge of secure application-development principles, access controls, encryption, input validation, logging, vulnerability management, and privacy-by-design concepts | Ability to produce clear technical specifications, architecture diagrams, system documentation, release notes, and deployment instructions.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, cybersecurity, engineering, or a related discipline | Ten or more years of progressive application-development experience | Five or more years serving as a senior developer, technical lead, solution architect, or application-development mentor | Experience modernizing legacy applications into cloud-native, service-oriented, or microservices-based architectures | Experience developing applications for a school system, state or local government, public-sector organization, or other highly regulated environment | Experience integrating Oracle Fusion Cloud, Infor Lawson, Student Information Systems, identity-management platforms, or other enterprise applications | Experience with Oracle Integration Cloud or comparable enterprise integration platforms | Experience with Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or comparable deployment automation | Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, infrastructure as code, or cloud deployment services | Experience implementing automated application-security testing and DevSecOps controls | Experience designing solutions that process FERPA-, COPPA-, HIPAA-, or other privacy-regulated information | Knowledge of SOC 2 controls and secure system-development practices | Demonstrated ADA Section 508 and Non-Visual Access application-development experience | Experience with performance, load, stress, integration, regression, or security testing | Experience implementing single sign-on, identity federation, role-based access control, PKI, or application firewall protections. Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and leading sprint-level technical execution | Experience mentoring development teams and establishing coding, testing, documentation, and release-management standards | Familiarity with source-code escrow, software configuration management, and formal release controls.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSThis position does not require a Secret or Top Secret security clearance based on the current RFP. However, all assigned personnel must comply with MCPS and State of Maryland security requirements.

Ascension is seeking an experienced Senior Application Developer to serve as an Applications Development Expert supporting Montgomery County Public Schools’ enterprise technology, application modern...

12+ Months, Part-Time
Hybrid, Rockville, MD
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension is seeking a capable and solution-oriented Application Developer / Software Engineer to design, develop, configure, test, document, integrate, and maintain software applications supporting Montgomery County Public Schools.

The selected professional will help MCPS modernize applications, improve system interoperability, automate business processes, and maintain reliable software solutions across its enterprise technology environment. The role supports MCPS’s broader need for custom development, system integration, application modernization, and staff augmentation across the full System Development Life Cycle.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on programming skills with disciplined software engineering practices. This individual should be able to understand business and technical requirements, translate them into maintainable software, troubleshoot complex issues, and work effectively with analysts, architects, testers, security personnel, and customer stakeholders.

The position is well suited for a developer who:

  • Works independently while remaining collaborative and responsive.
  • Produces clear, reusable, and well-documented code.
  • Can operate effectively when requirements evolve.
  • Anticipates technical risks and proposes practical solutions.
  • Balances development speed with security, accessibility, quality, and maintainability.
  • Can communicate technical concepts to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Application Developer will support the development and maintenance of applications, interfaces, APIs, database components, and reusable software modules. The position may support new application development, legacy system modernization, software integration, database-driven applications, web applications, workflow automation, and production maintenance.

MCPS identifies Engineering and Modernization as a primary functional area covering the full development lifecycle for custom applications. Examples include legacy-system modernization, microservices and API design, CI/CD pipeline implementation, and deployment using Agile, Scrum, and DevOps methodologies in environments such as Python, Java, and .NET.

The developer may be assigned through a Statement of Work or Request for Resumes after award of the Master Agreement. Therefore, the exact technology stack, schedule, work location, and project duration will depend on the applicable task order.

The contractor will be expected to help MCPS:

  • Convert functional and technical requirements into working software.
  • Integrate cloud-based, on-premises, and enterprise applications.
  • Improve the maintainability and reusability of existing systems.
  • Resolve software defects and application performance issues.
  • Support controlled application releases.
  • Maintain accurate technical and system documentation.
  • Apply software quality, data privacy, security, and accessibility standards.
  • Protect student, employee, and institutional information.

Anticipated Day-to-Day Activities

  • Analyze business requirements, technical specifications, workflows, interfaces, and existing application architecture.
  • Design software components, database structures, APIs, interfaces, services, and reusable application modules.
  • Develop secure, maintainable, and scalable applications using the programming languages and frameworks specified by the task order.
  • Configure application settings, development environments, integrations, and supporting database components.
  • Write SQL queries, stored procedures, data-access logic, scripts, and database transactions.
  • Build integrations between cloud-based, on-premises, and third-party enterprise systems.
  • Develop RESTful APIs, web services, microservices, or other interface components when required.
  • Modernize legacy applications by refactoring code, replacing outdated components, and improving system architecture.
  • Review system specifications and evaluate existing subsystems and software components for reuse.
  • Create unit tests, test scripts, test data, and automated testing routines.
  • Execute unit, integration, regression, accessibility, performance, and user-acceptance support activities.
  • Diagnose software defects, interface failures, data issues, performance bottlenecks, and production incidents.
  • Resolve defects and document root causes, corrective actions, workarounds, and preventive measures.
  • Participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, daily stand-ups, demonstrations, and retrospectives.
  • Maintain source code, version histories, development branches, release notes, and configuration records.
  • Support CI/CD pipelines, code deployment, release management, and environment promotion activities.
  • Conduct peer code reviews and incorporate technical and quality-review comments.
  • Document application architecture, source code, interfaces, database structures, installation procedures, configuration requirements, and support processes.
  • Apply MCPS security, data privacy, records-management, and source-code requirements.
  • Ensure applications and deliverables comply with ADA Section 508 and applicable Non-Visual Access requirements.
  • Collaborate with product owners, project managers, business analysts, database specialists, cybersecurity personnel, testers, trainers, and technical writers.
  • Prepare weekly productivity reports documenting completed work, current tasks, issues, deliverables, and labor hours.
  • Provide technical demonstrations, knowledge-transfer sessions, and implementation support to MCPS personnel.
  • Protect MCPS data in accordance with FERPA, COPPA, the Maryland Student Privacy Act, and applicable MCPS policies.

Job Features

Job CategorySoftware Development
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the following or a closely related discipline: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Mathematics and/or another relevant technical field
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum of three years of professional software engineering or application-development experience | At least two years of experience using: SQL; or Third-generation or fourth-generation programming languages | Demonstrated experience developing, configuring, testing, documenting, and maintaining software applications | Experience preparing unit tests, test cases, or test scripts | Experience analyzing technical specifications and determining opportunities for software-component reuse | Experience troubleshooting application, interface, database, or data-processing issues.
TECHNICAL SKILLSWorking knowledge of relational databases and SQL. Proficiency in at least one enterprise programming language or development environment, such as: C#/.NET, Java, Python, JavaScript or TypeScript, ASP.NET and/or another comparable enterprise-development platform | Understanding of object-oriented programming and reusable software design. | Familiarity with source-code control using Git, Azure DevOps, GitHub, GitLab, or a comparable platform. | Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle. | Ability to prepare clear technical documentation. | Ability to perform unit testing, defect resolution, and controlled software deployment. | Ability to communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders. | Ability to manage multiple development priorities with limited supervision.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. Four or more years of professional application-development experience | Experience supporting public-sector, education, school-system, or regulated-data environments. | Experience with student information systems, human capital systems, financial systems, or other enterprise platforms. | Experience modernizing legacy applications. | Experience designing or consuming REST APIs, web services, and microservices. | Experience with cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, or Oracle Cloud. | Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse, or Power BI. | Experience with Oracle databases, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or comparable relational database platforms. | Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or comparable tools. | Experience with Agile, Scrum, DevOps, or iterative software-development methodologies. | Experience conducting peer code reviews and applying secure coding standards. | Experience with application performance, load, or stress testing. | Familiarity with Oracle Integration Cloud or comparable enterprise-integration platforms. Familiarity with FERPA, COPPA, the Maryland Student Privacy Act, or other privacy requirements. | Familiarity with Section 508, WCAG, ADA, or Non-Visual Access requirements. | Experience preparing architecture diagrams, interface-control documents, release notes, configuration guides, and system-support documentation. | Experience working with tools such as Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ, Eclipse, Postman, Swagger/OpenAPI, Jira, ServiceNow, or Azure DevOps.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSA federal security clearance is not identified as a requirement for this position. However, all personnel assigned to MCPS must satisfy the solicitation’s enhanced vetting and security requirements.

Ascension is seeking a capable and solution-oriented Application Developer / Software Engineer to design, develop, configure, test, document, integrate, and maintain software applications supporting M...

12+ Months, Part-Time
Hybrid, Laurel, MD
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension is seeking an experienced Business Process Improvement & Change Management Analyst to support a mission-critical organizational improvement initiative with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). The ideal candidate will help facilitate collaborative workshops, analyze customer service processes, document current-state operations, identify improvement opportunities, and support the transition toward improved workflows, governance practices, and employee adoption.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented process improvement professional who enjoys working directly with stakeholders, facilitating productive discussions, translating complex operational challenges into clear documentation, and developing practical recommendations that improve organizational performance.

The successful candidate will bring experience in:

  • Business process improvement (BPI)
  • Business process mapping and analysis
  • Organizational change management
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Process documentation and SOP development
  • Change adoption planning
  • Continuous improvement methodologies

The candidate should be comfortable working with cross-functional teams, managing ambiguity, asking thoughtful questions, identifying root causes, and converting stakeholder feedback into actionable recommendations.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Business Process Improvement & Change Management Analyst will support Ascension’s facilitation team by providing analytical, documentation, and organizational improvement expertise throughout the Operation True North engagement.

The consultant will help WSSC Customer Service Department stakeholders:

  • Understand current-state processes and operational challenges;
  • Identify process inefficiencies, communication gaps, and workflow barriers;
  • Develop future-state process recommendations;
  • Establish sustainable improvement practices;
  • Create documentation and governance materials;
  • Support employee engagement and adoption of organizational improvements.

The consultant will serve as the bridge between facilitated discussions and actionable business improvements by transforming workshop conversations into structured outputs, including process maps, recommendations, SOP documentation, implementation trackers, and change management artifacts.

Ascension’s approach aligns with WSSC’s requirement to facilitate constructive dialogue, identify process and policy pain points, support collaborative problem solving, and apply change management approaches to improve adoption of identified improvements.


Key Responsibilities / Expected Activities

The consultant will:

  • Facilitate structured discussions and workshops focused on identifying current-state processes, operational challenges, and improvement opportunities.
  • Conduct business process analysis to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, handoffs, redundancies, and workflow challenges.
  • Develop current-state and future-state process maps using business process improvement methodologies.
  • Document stakeholder inputs, decisions, agreements, risks, and improvement recommendations.
  • Analyze customer service workflows and identify opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency, and customer experience.
  • Support collaborative design sessions to develop practical process improvements.
  • Apply organizational change management principles, including ADKAR concepts, to support awareness, engagement, adoption, and sustainability.
  • Develop change management recommendations, implementation roadmaps, and adoption strategies.
  • Prepare workshop summaries, meeting documentation, and executive-level readouts.
  • Develop SOPs, procedures, process documentation, job aids, and governance recommendations.
  • Maintain implementation trackers documenting milestones, owners, timelines, and measures of success.
  • Support cross-functional working groups by organizing action items, monitoring progress, and identifying barriers.
  • Analyze participant feedback and lessons learned to identify additional improvement opportunities.
  • Assist in preparing final reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and implementation considerations.

Job Features

Job CategoryManagement Consulting
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Organizational Development, Information Systems, Management, or related discipline | Strong written communication skills with experience producing professional documentation | Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs within established deadlines.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum 5 years of professional experience supporting: Business process improvement; Process mapping; Organizational change management; Business analysis; Workshop facilitation; Process documentation | Demonstrated experience analyzing operational processes and recommending improvements.
TECHNICAL SKILLSExperience developing: Process flows; SOPs; Business requirements; Implementation plans; Management reports. Experience facilitating stakeholder discussions, interviews, workshops, or working groups.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSProsci Change Management Certification | Lean Six Sigma certification | Project Management Professional (PMP) certification | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) | Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) | Experience applying ADKAR change management principles. | Experience supporting government, utilities, healthcare, financial services, or regulated industries | Experience developing governance frameworks and operational performance measures | Experience using: Microsoft Visio; Lucidchart; SharePoint; Microsoft Power Platform; Power BI; Microsoft Teams collaboration tools.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSAbility to successfully pass client suitability requirements, if applicable.

Ascension is seeking an experienced Business Process Improvement & Change Management Analyst to support a mission-critical organizational improvement initiative with the Washington Suburban Sanita...

12+ Months, Part-Time
Hybrid, Laurel, MD
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension is seeking a highly experienced Senior Facilitator / CIP Project Delivery Advisor to support a strategic organizational improvement initiative with a major public utility organization. The ideal candidate is an experienced facilitator, change management practitioner, and continuous improvement professional who can guide cross-functional teams through complex discussions focused on customer experience, employee engagement, process improvement, and organizational effectiveness.

The successful candidate will serve as a neutral facilitator responsible for creating an environment where employees, leadership, and stakeholders can openly discuss operational challenges, identify improvement opportunities, and collaboratively develop practical solutions.

This individual should bring demonstrated experience facilitating workshops, employee engagement sessions, organizational improvement initiatives, and change adoption activities. The candidate must be comfortable working with diverse stakeholder groups, navigating sensitive conversations, building consensus, and converting discussions into actionable recommendations.

The ideal consultant is a thoughtful listener, structured problem solver, and trusted advisor who can balance empathy with accountability while helping organizations move from current-state challenges toward sustainable future-state improvements.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Senior Facilitator / CIP Project Delivery Advisor will lead planning, facilitation, documentation, and implementation support activities associated with Ascension’s Operation True North engagement.

The consultant will support the customer by:

  • Designing and facilitating interactive workshops focused on customer experience, employee engagement, process improvement, communication, and service delivery.
  • Conducting stakeholder discussions and interviews to understand current-state challenges, pain points, and improvement opportunities.
  • Applying continuous improvement, business process improvement (BPI), and change management techniques to guide collaborative solution development.
  • Facilitating discussions between employees and leadership while maintaining neutrality, psychological safety, and productive engagement.
  • Supporting development of future-state recommendations, governance approaches, implementation roadmaps, and adoption strategies.
  • Documenting workshop outcomes, agreements, commitments, action items, and measures of success.

This role directly supports WSSC’s objective to improve customer experience, employee engagement, process consistency, collaboration, and adoption of organizational improvements through facilitated dialogue and change management approaches.


Key Responsibilities / Expected Activities

Pre-Session Planning and Design

  • Lead stakeholder alignment discussions to understand workshop objectives, participant expectations, organizational challenges, and desired outcomes.
  • Conduct stakeholder interviews and discovery sessions to identify themes, concerns, operational barriers, and improvement opportunities.
  • Collaborate with customer leadership and planning teams to finalize workshop agendas, session flow, facilitation methods, and participant activities.
  • Develop facilitation plans, discussion guides, workshop materials, exercises, and supporting presentation content.
  • Design interactive activities that encourage employee participation, collaboration, and solution development.
  • Incorporate change management principles to support awareness, engagement, commitment, and adoption.

Workshop Facilitation and Employee Engagement

  • Facilitate multi-day organizational workshops focused on customer experience, employee experience, service delivery, and continuous improvement.
  • Create an inclusive environment that encourages open dialogue, respectful participation, and constructive feedback.
  • Guide discussions involving customer concerns, employee challenges, process inefficiencies, communication barriers, and policy clarity.
  • Apply facilitation techniques including:
    • Collaborative design sessions
    • Breakout discussions
    • Structured brainstorming
    • Root cause analysis
    • Process mapping
    • Consensus-building activities
    • Action planning sessions
  • Maintain neutrality when facilitating differing perspectives among employees, management, and leadership.
  • Manage workshop pacing, participant engagement, and achievement of intended outcomes.
  • Deliver soft-skills and customer service-focused learning content related to:
    • Effective communication
    • Active listening
    • Customer engagement
    • Conflict resolution
    • Service-oriented behaviors

Continuous Improvement and Change Management Support

  • Analyze workshop discussions to identify process gaps, operational challenges, and improvement opportunities.
  • Facilitate current-state and future-state process discussions.
  • Support development of continuous improvement recommendations and implementation priorities.
  • Identify:
    • Process bottlenecks
    • Policy challenges
    • Communication gaps
    • Training needs
    • Governance considerations
    • Adoption risks
  • Apply change management concepts to support organizational readiness and sustained adoption.
  • Assist leadership with implementation planning, ownership assignment, milestones, and success measures.

Documentation and Follow-Up

  • Capture workshop discussions, decisions, themes, and commitments.
  • Prepare:
    • Meeting summaries
    • Executive readouts
    • Action item trackers
    • Responsibility assignments
    • Implementation recommendations
    • Measures of success
  • Develop final engagement reports summarizing:
    • Key findings
    • Improvement opportunities
    • Recommended actions
    • Change management considerations
  • Conduct follow-up discussions with leadership to review outcomes and implementation considerations.

Job Features

Job CategoryConsulting
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Development, Management, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Public Administration, Communications or Related discipline
REQUIRED SKILLS8+ years of professional experience supporting: Organizational improvement initiatives, Facilitation engagements, Employee engagement programs, Business process improvement, Change management initiatives, Training or organizational development programs | Required experience: Demonstrated experience facilitating collaborative workshops with diverse stakeholder groups | Experience facilitating discussions involving leadership, employees, and cross-functional teams | Experience developing recommendations based on stakeholder input and organizational analysis | Experience creating professional deliverables including reports, summaries, presentations, and action trackers.
TECHNICAL SKILLSExperience with: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Collaboration platforms Survey tools, Process mapping tools
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSCertified Change Management Professional (CCMP), Prosci ADKAR, or equivalent certification | Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Lean Six Sigma certification | Business Process Improvement (BPI) / Business Process Reengineering (BPR) experience | Experience supporting utilities, government agencies, or regulated industries. Experience facilitating customer service improvement initiatives | Experience applying organizational development methodologies.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSAbility to successfully complete customer suitability requirements, if applicable | Ability to work professionally with sensitive organizational information.

Ascension is seeking a highly experienced Senior Facilitator / CIP Project Delivery Advisor to support a strategic organizational improvement initiative with a major public utility organization. The i...

6+ Months, Part-Time
Baltimore, MD, Hybrid
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension, LLC is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Support, Evaluation & Quality Review Specialist to support the planning, delivery, evaluation, and closeout of a leadership and change management initiative for senior leaders across the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland’s local health departments.

The selected contractor supports Ascension’s senior leadership and public health subject matter experts by coordinating schedules, participant communications, workshop logistics, evaluation activities, document production, and deliverable quality reviews. This role is important because it allows senior subject matter experts to concentrate on public health leadership, workshop facilitation, change management, coaching, and technical assistance while the Specialist maintains the operational structure needed for timely, consistent, and high-quality delivery.

The engagement includes an eight-hour, in-person workshop in Baltimore for approximately 35 senior public health leaders, followed by at least six office hours and 12 total hours of coaching or individualized technical assistance. MDH will provide the workshop venue and audiovisual equipment; the contractor team remains responsible for participant materials, printing, coordination, evaluation, and supporting documentation.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Project Support, Evaluation & Quality Review Specialist serves as the operational and quality-control resource for this limited-duration engagement. The Specialist maintains the project schedule, deliverable tracker, action log, risk and issue log, document repository, participant roster, attendance records, and workshop support materials.

The ideal candidate is a responsive, self-directed professional who can anticipate administrative and logistical needs, coordinate effectively with senior consultants and government stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision. The person should be comfortable working in a small project team where assignments may shift as workshop design, participant needs, and post-workshop support requirements become more defined.

The Specialist also supports the collection and preliminary synthesis of participant feedback, including quantitative survey responses and qualitative comments. MDH requires a high-level evaluation summary that identifies recommendations and key takeaways; therefore, the Specialist must be able to organize evaluation data into a clear, accurate, and decision-useful format for senior subject matter expert review.

This position is not a separate full-time project management position and does not serve as the engagement’s senior public health, leadership development, or change management authority. It is a 60-hour support role distributed across approximately six months to provide coordination, workshop administration, evaluation support, document control, and independent quality review.

Anticipated Period and Level of Effort

  • Engagement type: Part-time, temporary 1099 independent contractor
  • Estimated level of effort: Approximately 60 total hours
  • Anticipated project period: Approximately August 2026 through January 2027
  • Work arrangement: Primarily remote, with required onsite support in Baltimore, Maryland, for the eight-hour workshop and potentially associated setup activities
  • Schedule: Intermittent hours based on project milestones, workshop preparation, participant communications, evaluation activities, coaching coordination, and final closeout
  • Travel: Local or regional travel to Baltimore may be required and should be discussed before engagement

The solicitation states “August 2026 to January 2026,” which appears to be a chronological error. For staffing purposes, this position description assumes the intended completion date is January 2027.

Essential Duties and Anticipated Activities

The contractor will:

  • Maintain the integrated project schedule, milestone calendar, deliverable tracker, action-item log, risk and issue log, and document repository.
  • Coordinate project kickoff activities, planning meetings, review sessions, office hours, coaching appointments, and internal quality reviews.
  • Prepare agendas, meeting invitations, participant communications, attendance rosters, sign-in materials, and follow-up correspondence.
  • Track participant registration, attendance, scheduling preferences, coaching requests, and completion of post-workshop activities.
  • Support communications with senior leaders across MDH and Maryland local health departments in a professional and responsive manner.
  • Organize workshop logistics, including materials, printing coordination, room setup requirements, participant packets, name tents, handouts, evaluation instruments, and facilitator supplies.
  • Support onsite workshop setup, participant check-in, materials distribution, attendance documentation, timekeeping, and workshop administration.
  • Format presentation slides, facilitator guides, participant materials, worksheets, action-planning tools, surveys, and related instructional products.
  • Review workshop products for completeness, consistency, usability, grammar, formatting, accessibility, and alignment with approved learning objectives.
  • Administer post-workshop surveys and other evaluation instruments using Microsoft Forms or comparable tools.
  • Compile quantitative survey results, attendance information, and qualitative participant comments.
  • Identify recurring themes, notable findings, participation patterns, and preliminary observations for review by the senior subject matter expert.
  • Prepare preliminary tables, charts, summaries, and supporting data for the required high-level evaluation summary.
  • Conduct independent peer reviews of deliverables before submission to the client.
  • Verify that client comments and internal review findings are addressed before finalization.
  • Maintain document naming conventions, version histories, controlled review copies, approved final files, and closeout records.
  • Assemble the final project deliverable package and supporting project files.
  • Escalate schedule risks, missing inputs, participant issues, or quality concerns promptly to the engagement lead.
  • Protect participant information, evaluation responses, client materials, and other nonpublic project information.
  • Perform other closely related project coordination, evaluation, and quality-review duties within the approved level of effort.

Job Features

Job CategoryProject Management, Training
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the following or a closely related field: Public Health, Program Evaluation, Business Administration, Communications, Education, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Social or Behavioral Sciences or Relevant additional professional experience may be considered when permitted by Ascension’s staffing requirements.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum of four years of relevant professional experience, with approximately four to six years preferred | Demonstrated experience supporting one or more of the following: Government training initiatives, Leadership development programs, Workforce development initiatives, Organizational change or organizational development projects, Technical assistance engagements, Workshops, conferences, or facilitated learning events | Experience coordinating schedules, meetings, participants, project records, action items, and deliverables. | Experience administering surveys or evaluation instruments. | Experience compiling quantitative and qualitative feedback. | Experience reviewing instructional materials, reports, presentations, or client deliverables for quality and consistency. | Experience communicating with senior professionals, government personnel, facilitators, instructors, or executive stakeholders.
TECHNICAL SKILLSProficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Forms | Ability to maintain structured files and project records in SharePoint, OneDrive, or a comparable collaboration platform. | Ability to create and maintain schedules, trackers, logs, rosters, and basic evaluation summaries. | Strong document formatting, proofreading, editing, and version-control skills. | Working knowledge of survey administration and basic descriptive analysis. | Ability to produce professional tables, charts, summaries, presentation materials, and participant-facing documents. | Ability to use Microsoft 365 accessibility-checking features and apply basic accessible-document practices. | Ascension’s existing capabilities include project coordination, meeting facilitation, program evaluation, survey support, training development, training facilitation, data analysis, reporting, and knowledge management, which directly inform the operational expectations for this role.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience supporting in-person workshops for senior government leaders | Experience working with public health agencies, local health departments, healthcare organizations, or health-related government programs | Experience supporting leadership development, executive coaching, organizational development, or change management engagements | Experience creating or reviewing participant guides, facilitator guides, action-planning tools, presentation decks, and training evaluations | Experience using Microsoft Forms, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or a similar survey platform | Experience organizing qualitative comments into themes and summarizing quantitative survey data | Knowledge of Kirkpatrick evaluation concepts or another recognized training-evaluation methodology | Familiarity with adult learning principles | Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility or accessible Microsoft Office document development | Experience providing onsite event administration, registration, or participant support | Experience with Maryland state or local government clients | Proximity to Baltimore, Maryland, or the ability to travel to the workshop location without extensive travel expense.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSNo security clearance is identified in the solicitation. The selected contractor must: Be legally authorized to work in the United States, Be eligible to perform work for a Maryland state government engagement | Successfully complete Ascension’s standard contractor screening and any client-required background or suitability review | Sign confidentiality, nondisclosure, conflict-of-interest, and acceptable-use agreements as required | Protect participant rosters, survey responses, coaching schedules, client records, and nonpublic project information | Comply with Ascension’s quality-management procedures and applicable Maryland Department of Health requirements | Maintain reliable internet access and a secure work environment for remote assignments.

Ascension, LLC is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Project Support, Evaluation & Quality Review Specialist to support the planning, delivery, evaluation, and closeout of a leadership...

6+ Months, Part-Time
Baltimore, MD, Hybrid
Posted 2 months ago

Ascension is seeking an accomplished Senior Consulting/ Executive Facilitator to lead a high-impact executive leadership development initiative supporting the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). This role is designed for a nationally recognized consultant with extensive experience strengthening leadership capacity within governmental public health organizations.

The ideal candidate combines expertise in executive facilitation, organizational development, strategic change management, executive coaching, and adult learning with firsthand experience supporting state or local governmental public health agencies. This individual serves as the primary client-facing consultant throughout the engagement, guiding discovery, workshop design, facilitation, coaching, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.

Success in this role requires exceptional executive presence, political awareness, relationship-building skills, and the ability to translate complex organizational challenges into practical leadership strategies that improve organizational performance and workforce effectiveness.


Summary of the Role

The Senior Consulting/ Executive Facilitator serves as the engagement's lead consultant and facilitator, responsible for designing and delivering an eight-hour customized leadership workshop for senior leaders within the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland local health departments.

Working closely with MDH leadership, this individual reviews organizational assessments, strategic priorities, prior evaluations, and participant needs to tailor workshop content that addresses current organizational challenges and leadership development priorities. MDH will provide organizational context, strategic plans, prior evaluations, and needs assessment information to support customization.

The Lead Facilitator develops leadership objectives, creates customized instructional materials, facilitates executive-level discussions, delivers individualized coaching and technical assistance, evaluates workshop outcomes, and prepares recommendations that strengthen leadership effectiveness across Maryland's public health system.

This position requires a highly collaborative consultant capable of navigating complex organizational environments while maintaining strong client relationships with senior executives and public health leaders. The successful candidate anticipates organizational challenges, adapts facilitation techniques to diverse leadership styles, and produces practical recommendations that support organizational readiness, workforce development, and sustainable change.


Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead project kickoff meetings and client discovery sessions.
  • Review MDH needs assessments, strategic plans, organizational priorities, and previous leadership evaluations.
  • Assess executive leadership development needs and organizational readiness.
  • Develop customized learning objectives aligned with MDH priorities.
  • Design an executive leadership and change management curriculum tailored to governmental public health.
  • Customize workshop content using current organizational context and participant needs.
  • Create facilitator guides, participant workbooks, executive presentations, coaching materials, and learning exercises.
  • Develop stakeholder engagement and communication planning activities.
  • Design organizational readiness and action-planning tools.
  • Facilitate an interactive eight-hour in-person executive leadership workshop.
  • Lead executive discussions, collaborative exercises, simulations, and case studies.
  • Provide six post-workshop office hours.
  • Deliver a minimum of twelve hours of individualized coaching and technical assistance across participants using virtual, in-person, or blended approaches based on participant preferences.
  • Evaluate participant feedback and learning outcomes.
  • Prepare a high-level evaluation summary with actionable recommendations and key takeaways for MDH leadership.
  • Conduct review meetings with MDH and incorporate feedback into final deliverables.
  • Maintain strong communication with client leadership throughout the engagement.

Job Features

Job CategoryConsulting, Training
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation: Bachelor's degree in one of the following: Public Health, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Organizational Psychology, Leadership, Human Resources or Related discipline
REQUIRED SKILLSExperience: Minimum 10 years supporting state governmental public health leadership through: Leadership development, Executive coaching, Organizational development, Capacity building, Workforce development, Strategic planning, Organizational change management, Technical assistance, Executive facilitation | Must demonstrate at least 10 years designing and facilitating leadership development and change management programs specifically for governmental public health organizations. The solicitation and Q&A emphasize that this experience must be directly within governmental public health departments or governmental agencies directly related to health | Experience supporting: Senior executive, State health departments, Local health departments, Organizational transformation, Systems-level change, Executive stakeholder engagement | Required Certifications (One or More Preferre) Prosci Change Management, CCMP, ICF Coaching Credential, Certified Public Health (CPH), SHRM-SCP, PMP (preferred), Comparable leadership or organizational development certification
TECHNICAL SKILLSExperience with: Leadership assessments, Organizational readiness assessments, Adult learning methodologies, Executive facilitation, Strategic planning, Organizational diagnostics, Executive coaching, Workshop design, Curriculum development, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Virtual facilitation platforms
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster's or Doctoral degree in: Public Health, Organizational Development, Organizational Psychology, Public Administration, Executive Leadership
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTSAbility to pass a background investigation if required by the client | Ability to work onsite in Maryland for workshop delivery | Eligibility to work in the United States. | No clearance is anticipated.

Ascension is seeking an accomplished Senior Consulting/ Executive Facilitator to lead a high-impact executive leadership development initiative supporting the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). This...

12+ Months, Full-Time
Atlanta, GA
Posted 2 months ago

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking an experienced Acquisition Analyst II / Contract Specialist to support federal acquisition lifecycle activities for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquisition Services (OAS). The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience supporting government contracting activities from pre-award through post-award execution, ensuring acquisition actions are accurate, compliant, timely, and properly documented.

This role is designed for a detail-oriented acquisition professional who understands the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency acquisition policies, and the documentation discipline required to support complex government procurements. The successful candidate will assist acquisition teams with market research, acquisition planning, solicitation development, proposal evaluation support, contract administration, modification processing, procurement reporting, and contract file management.

The ideal candidate is a self-driven professional who can independently manage assigned acquisition actions, identify potential issues before they impact milestones, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and produce high-quality acquisition documentation with minimal supervision.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Acquisition Analyst II / Contract Specialist will provide acquisition lifecycle support to CDC OAS by assisting contracting officers, program managers, and acquisition stakeholders throughout the procurement process.

The contractor will support assigned requirements by conducting acquisition research, preparing procurement documentation, assisting with solicitation and evaluation activities, supporting negotiations and award documentation, processing post-award actions, maintaining procurement files, and preparing acquisition status reports.

The role requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of federal acquisition processes, and the ability to manage multiple procurement actions simultaneously. The contractor will use federal acquisition systems, Microsoft Office applications, agency templates, contract writing tools, and electronic contract file management processes to support successful execution of CDC acquisition requirements.

This position supports CDC’s mission by helping ensure acquisition actions move efficiently through the procurement lifecycle while maintaining compliance with applicable federal regulations, policies, and procedures.


Position Day-to-Day Activities / Responsibilities

  • Support acquisition planning activities by reviewing requirements packages, researching procurement approaches, and assisting with acquisition documentation.
  • Conduct market research activities to identify historical procurement information, industry capabilities, acquisition alternatives, and supporting documentation.
  • Analyze acquisition requirements and provide recommendations regarding applicable acquisition strategies, policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
  • Assist with development, review, and editing of acquisition documents including:
    • Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
    • Requests for Quotes (RFQs)
    • Invitations for Bid (IFBs)
    • Market research reports
    • Acquisition plans
    • Determinations and findings
    • Memoranda for the record
    • Procurement checklists
  • Prepare and support pre-solicitation and solicitation notices through applicable government channels.
  • Support small business acquisition activities, including preparation of documentation supporting SBA 8(a) reviews when applicable.
  • Assist with proposal and quotation evaluation activities by:
    • Coordinating evaluation documentation
    • Supporting technical and past performance reviews
    • Organizing evaluation materials
    • Documenting findings
  • Analyze business and pricing information contained within vendor proposals and quotations.
  • Support negotiation preparation by organizing pricing analyses, negotiation objectives, and supporting documentation.
  • Prepare award documentation and acquisition files for contracting officer review.
  • Support contract administration activities including:
    • Contract modifications
    • Option exercises
    • Administrative changes
    • De-obligations
    • File updates
  • Maintain accurate electronic procurement files and ensure documentation is complete, organized, and compliant with agency requirements.
  • Track procurement milestones, deliverables, and acquisition actions using Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, agency acquisition systems, and reporting tools.
  • Prepare weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly acquisition status reports.
  • Participate in acquisition meetings, stakeholder discussions, and procurement reviews.
  • Identify acquisition risks, delays, and documentation gaps and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to streamline acquisition processes and improve workflow efficiency.

Job Features

Job CategoryConsulting
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum of 5 years of federal acquisition experience supporting cradle-to-grave contracting activities.
TECHNICAL SKILLSDemonstrated experience supporting federal acquisition lifecycle activities: | Acquisition planning | Market research | Solicitation preparation | Source selection support | Contract award documentation | Contract administration | Contract modifications | Procurement file management
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience supporting HHS, CDC, NIH, DHS, DOE, or other federal civilian agencies. | Experience supporting high-volume acquisition environments with multiple concurrent procurement actions. | Experience with: | GSA Schedule acquisitions | Government-wide | Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) | IDIQ task orders | Small Business Administration acquisition programs | Experience preparing: | Acquisition Strategy Plans | Performance Work Statements (PWS) | Statements of Work (SOW) | Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) | Source Selection documentation | Experience using: | SharePoint | Contract writing systems | Procurement tracking databases | Strong written communication and analytical skills. | Ability to independently prioritize workload and meet acquisition milestones.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTAbility to successfully complete applicable federal contractor onboarding requirements. | Ability to complete CDC/HHS security, privacy, records management, and information security training requirements. | Public Trust suitability may be required depending on assignment and system access requirements. | Candidate must be eligible to receive government-provided system access credentials when required. | The solicitation indicates contractor personnel may require CDC network access, credentials, and completion of HHS/CDC security awareness, privacy, and records management training.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us! Ascension is seeking an experienced Acquisition Analyst II / Contract Specialist to support federal acquisition lifecycle activities for the Centers for Disease Contr...

12+ Months, Full-Time
Atlanta, GA
Posted 2 months ago

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking an experienced Senior Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquisition Services (OAS), in executing critical acquisition lifecycle support activities. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated federal acquisition experience, strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and the ability to support complex procurement actions from acquisition planning through contract closeout.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented acquisition professional who understands how federal acquisition requirements are translated into compliant procurement documentation, solicitation packages, evaluation support materials, contract files, and post-award administration activities.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, managing competing priorities, collaborating with program offices and contracting personnel, and delivering high-quality acquisition documentation in a regulated federal environment.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Senior Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist will provide cradle-to-grave acquisition support to CDC OAS by assisting federal acquisition professionals with planning, documenting, executing, and administering procurement actions.

The contractor will support the complete acquisition lifecycle, including:

  • Acquisition planning and market research
  • Requirements analysis and documentation
  • Solicitation preparation and review
  • Vendor communication support
  • Technical and past performance evaluation assistance
  • Price analysis and negotiation documentation support
  • Contract award documentation
  • Contract modification support
  • Procurement file management
  • Acquisition reporting and tracking

The position requires an individual who can analyze acquisition requirements, interpret federal acquisition policies, prepare accurate documentation, and support contracting teams in maintaining timely procurement execution.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, organized, analytical, and capable of identifying issues before they impact acquisition timelines. The candidate should demonstrate strong written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with contracting officers, program managers, technical stakeholders, and vendors.

The role will leverage tools and processes including:

  • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
  • HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR)
  • CDC acquisition policies and procedures
  • Contract writing systems
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Acquisition trackers and reporting tools
  • Electronic contract file repositories
  • Government acquisition documentation templates

Ascension’s acquisition professionals support clients through disciplined processes, quality management practices, and proven federal consulting methodologies. Ascension is an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization with demonstrated experience providing acquisition lifecycle management, program support, process improvement, and analytical services to federal agencies.


Position Responsibilities / Expected Activities

The Senior Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist will:

Acquisition Planning & Pre-Award Support

  • Analyze assigned acquisition requirements and develop supporting procurement documentation.
  • Support market research activities by gathering historical procurement information, industry research, and acquisition data.
  • Assist with preparation of acquisition strategies, acquisition plans, and supporting documentation.
  • Review requirements packages for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with federal acquisition policies.
  • Coordinate with program offices and stakeholders to resolve acquisition-related questions.
  • Prepare briefings, reports, and acquisition status updates for leadership review.

Solicitation Development & Procurement Execution

  • Develop and edit acquisition documentation including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), solicitations, determinations and findings, memoranda for record, and acquisition checklists.
  • Support preparation of solicitation notices through appropriate government procurement channels.
  • Assist with small business acquisition documentation and coordination activities.
  • Support government-wide acquisition contract (GWAC), GSA, and other contract vehicle procurement activities.
  • Assist with pre-proposal conferences and acquisition meetings.

Job Features

Job CategoryConsulting
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. | Strong written and verbal communication skills. | Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum 5 years of cradle-to-grave federal acquisition experience. | Demonstrated experience supporting federal contracting activities from acquisition planning through contract administration.
TECHNICAL SKILLSExperience preparing acquisition documentation, including: | Acquisition plans | Market research reports | Statements of Work (SOW) | Performance Work Statements (PWS) | Solicitations | Contract modifications | Procurement files
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSFAC-C Professional or FAC-COR certification. | Experience supporting HHS, CDC, DHS, DOE, DOJ, or other federal civilian agencies. | Experience with federal contract writing systems. | Experience supporting GSA schedules, GWACs, IDIQ contracts, and task orders. | Experience with: | Microsoft Excel acquisition trackers | SharePoint document repositories | Acquisition dashboards | Procurement milestone tracking | Experience preparing CPARS-related documentation. | Experience supporting small business acquisition programs including SBA 8(a) processes.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTAbility to successfully complete applicable federal suitability requirements. | Ability to obtain required government system access. | Experience supporting federal environments requiring protection of sensitive acquisition information. | Public Trust eligibility preferred.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us! Ascension is seeking an experienced Senior Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquis...

12+ Months, Full-Time
Atlanta, GA
Posted 2 months ago

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking an experienced Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist II to provide professional acquisition lifecycle support to a federal public health mission customer. The ideal candidate will support government acquisition professionals by performing analytical, documentation, research, and coordination activities required to successfully execute procurement actions from requirement development through contract closeout.

This position is ideal for an acquisition professional who understands federal procurement processes, enjoys solving complex acquisition challenges, and can independently manage multiple procurement actions while ensuring compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency policies, and established acquisition procedures.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience supporting federal acquisitions, preparing acquisition documentation, conducting market research, analyzing vendor proposals, maintaining contract files, and coordinating with program offices, contracting personnel, and stakeholders.

The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-driven professional who can operate independently, manage competing priorities, identify risks before they become issues, and deliver accurate, high-quality acquisition products in a fast-paced federal environment.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist II will support the CDC Office of Acquisition Services (OAS) by providing acquisition lifecycle management assistance across pre-award, solicitation, evaluation, award, and post-award activities.

The contractor will assist acquisition teams with developing procurement documentation, conducting market research, supporting solicitation activities, analyzing proposals and pricing information, maintaining acquisition files, supporting contract modifications, preparing acquisition reports, and ensuring procurement actions are properly documented.

The position requires an individual who understands federal acquisition processes and can translate program requirements into clear acquisition documentation. The successful candidate will support approximately multiple procurement actions throughout the year while maintaining quality, accuracy, and compliance with federal acquisition requirements.

The role requires proficiency with acquisition systems, contract documentation tools, Microsoft Office applications, and agency-specific procurement systems. CDC will provide access, credentials, and training necessary for CDC systems, including acquisition-related tools.


Position Responsibilities / Anticipated Activities

The Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist II will:

  • Support acquisition planning activities by reviewing requirements packages and assisting with acquisition strategies.
  • Conduct market research activities by analyzing historical procurement information, researching industry capabilities, and documenting market findings.
  • Assist program offices with developing acquisition documentation, including:
    • Statements of Work (SOWs)
    • Performance Work Statements (PWS)
    • Requests for Information (RFIs)
    • Requests for Quotations (RFQs)
    • Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
    • Acquisition Plans
    • Market Research Reports
    • Justifications and supporting documentation
  • Review acquisition packages for completeness and identify missing information requiring resolution.
  • Prepare and edit procurement documentation for government review and approval.
  • Support solicitation activities by preparing notices, acquisition documents, and vendor communication materials.
  • Assist with posting procurement notices through government acquisition channels such as SAM.gov, GSA eBuy, and other approved platforms.
  • Support evaluation activities by:
    • Organizing proposal evaluation materials
    • Documenting technical and past performance evaluation results
    • Supporting price analysis activities
    • Preparing evaluation summaries and acquisition documentation
  • Assist with source selection documentation, award packages, and procurement decision records.
  • Analyze vendor pricing information and assist with documenting negotiation objectives and acquisition findings.
  • Maintain accurate electronic contract files and acquisition records.
  • Support post-award acquisition activities, including:
    • Contract modifications
    • Option exercise documentation
    • Administrative changes
    • De-obligation actions
    • Contract file updates
  • Prepare procurement status reports, acquisition trackers, and leadership briefings.
  • Monitor acquisition milestones and communicate upcoming deadlines, risks, and issues.
  • Participate in acquisition meetings with program offices, contracting personnel, and stakeholders.
  • Maintain compliance with FAR, HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR), CDC policies, and agency acquisition procedures.

Job Features

Job CategoryConsulting
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum of five (5) years of federal acquisition or contracting support experience. | Demonstrated cradle-to-grave acquisition lifecycle support experience. | Experience supporting pre-award through post-award acquisition activities.
TECHNICAL SKILLSMicrosoft Office Suite: | Word | Excel | PowerPoint | Experience maintaining acquisition documentation and electronic contract files. | Ability to analyze procurement data and prepare acquisition reports.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSPrior CDC or HHS acquisition experience. | Integrated Contract Expert (ICE) system experience. | Experience supporting government-wide acquisition vehicles: | GSA MAS | GWACs | IDIQ contracts | Experience supporting health-related federal agencies. | Experience preparing acquisition packages for complex professional services requirements. | Experience supporting multiple simultaneous procurement actions. | Strong written communication and documentation skills. | Ability to independently manage workload with limited supervision.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTAbility to obtain federal suitability approval. | Ability to complete required HHS/CDC security, privacy, and records management training. | Prior federal Public Trust experience.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us! Ascension is seeking an experienced Acquisition Analyst / Contract Specialist II to provide professional acquisition lifecycle support to a federal public health miss...

12+ Months, Full-Time
Atlanta, GA
Posted 2 months ago

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a highly experienced Senior Acquisition Program Manager to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquisition Services (OAS), in executing mission-critical acquisition support activities that enable timely procurement actions supporting CDC's workplace safety and security modernization initiatives.

The ideal candidate is an experienced federal acquisition professional who understands the complete acquisition lifecycle and can independently support complex procurement activities from acquisition planning through contract closeout. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor supporting acquisition professionals, program offices, and stakeholders by ensuring acquisition documentation is complete, accurate, compliant, and aligned with federal regulations.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented acquisition leader who can manage competing priorities, interpret federal acquisition requirements, coordinate stakeholders, identify risks, and provide practical solutions in a fast-paced government environment.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience supporting federal procurement operations, contract management processes, acquisition documentation, and stakeholder coordination while maintaining high standards for quality, accuracy, and responsiveness.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Senior Acquisition Program Manager will provide program-level leadership and acquisition support to CDC's Office of Acquisition Services. The position will oversee assigned acquisition support activities, coordinate contractor resources, monitor workload execution, identify risks/issues, and ensure timely completion of acquisition lifecycle activities.

The role requires an individual capable of independently managing multiple acquisition workstreams while supporting Contracting Officers, Contract Specialists, Program Managers, and other government stakeholders.

The Senior Acquisition Program Manager will support:

  • Acquisition planning and procurement strategy development
  • Federal acquisition documentation preparation and review
  • Solicitation development and evaluation support
  • Contract administration activities
  • Acquisition milestone tracking and reporting
  • Risk identification and corrective action planning
  • Stakeholder coordination and meeting facilitation
  • Quality assurance of acquisition deliverables

The candidate should be comfortable operating independently, managing ambiguity, anticipating challenges, and developing solutions while ensuring compliance with FAR, HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR), CDC policies, and agency procedures.


Position Responsibilities / Expected Activities

The Senior Acquisition Program Manager will:

  • Lead and manage assigned acquisition support activities throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
  • Coordinate acquisition planning activities and support development of procurement strategies.
  • Review acquisition requirements and provide recommendations regarding procurement approaches.
  • Analyze historical procurement information and market research data to support acquisition decisions.
  • Support development and review of acquisition documentation, including:
    • Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
    • Requests for Quotes (RFQs)
    • Invitations for Bid (IFBs)
    • Determinations and Findings
    • Acquisition Plans
    • Market Research Reports
    • Memoranda for the Record
    • Procurement documentation packages
  • Facilitate stakeholder meetings with program offices, acquisition personnel, and external organizations.
  • Monitor acquisition milestones, schedules, risks, and dependencies.
  • Develop status reports, acquisition dashboards, and executive-level briefings.
  • Support solicitation activities, including preparation of solicitation notices and acquisition documentation.
  • Support evaluation activities by coordinating technical reviews, documenting evaluation results, and assisting with source selection documentation.
  • Assist with analysis of contractor proposals, pricing information, and business elements.
  • Support negotiation preparation activities and documentation of acquisition decisions.
  • Support post-award activities, including contract modifications, option exercises, administrative actions, and contract file maintenance.
  • Maintain electronic acquisition files and ensure documentation completeness.
  • Prepare weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly acquisition status reports.
  • Identify acquisition risks and recommend corrective actions.
  • Ensure deliverables meet quality standards established by CDC/OAS.
  • Coordinate with team members and government stakeholders using collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Job Features

Job CategoryProject Management
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum of seven (7) years of experience supporting: | Federal acquisition programs | Contract management | Acquisition planning | Program management activities | Government procurement operations.
TECHNICAL SKILLSDemonstrated knowledge of federal acquisition lifecycle processes. | Experience interpreting and applying: | Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) | Agency acquisition policies | Procurement procedures | Experience developing acquisition documentation and procurement packages. | Experience supporting contract administration activities. | Experience preparing acquisition briefings, reports, and executive communications.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSPrevious CDC experience. | Previous Integrated Contract Expert (ICE) experience. | Experience supporting HHS, CDC, DHS, DOE, or other federal civilian agencies. | Experience supporting GSA acquisition vehicles including GSA MAS, GWACs, and government-wide contracts. | Experience preparing: | Acquisition Strategies | Performance Work Statements (PWS) | Statements of Work (SOW) | Market Research Reports | Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) | Source Selection documentation | Experience managing multiple acquisition workstreams simultaneously. | PMP certification. | Strong Microsoft Office skills: | Excel | Word | PowerPoint | Teams | SharePoint
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTAbility to obtain and maintain required government access credentials. | May require CDC/HHS security training requirements, including: | Information Security Awareness Training | Privacy Training | Records Management Training | Role-based security training, as applicable. | Public | Trust suitability may be required depending on assigned responsibilities.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us! Ascension is seeking a highly experienced Senior Acquisition Program Manager to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquisition Se...

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a Technical Specialist II to provide technical execution support for a federal strategic communications and technology innovation program supporting the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Engineering (OE) and Technology and Innovation Branch.

The ideal candidate will serve as a hands-on technical contributor who can bridge the gap between technical teams, data analysts, communications professionals, and program stakeholders. This position supports the transformation of complex technical information, measurement and verification (M&V) findings, and emerging technology evaluations into accessible, decision-ready products for federal leadership and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring experience supporting government programs through a combination of technical documentation, data preparation, dashboard support, website/content management, quality assurance testing, and coordination activities. The individual should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment requiring attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting senior technical and program personnel.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, supporting technology-enabled solutions, and helping mission-focused teams deliver high-quality products.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Technical Specialist II provides technical and production support across strategic communications, data visualization, dashboard operations, website updates, technical documentation, and program execution activities.

The contractor will support GSA’s Center for Emerging Building Technologies (CEBT) by assisting with the preparation, maintenance, testing, and delivery of technical products and technology-enabled solutions. Responsibilities include supporting dashboard operations, preparing and validating data, maintaining documentation, performing quality reviews, assisting with website and content updates, and coordinating technical deliverables.

The position supports activities identified in the SOW including:

  • Lab Measurement & Verification (M&V) Support
  • Technical Report Communications
  • Pilot-to-Portfolio (P2P) Support
  • OE and OFM SME Dashboard Development and Maintenance
  • Office of Engineering Support Activities

The role will help ensure technical information is accurate, accessible, organized, and ready for stakeholder consumption. The contractor will leverage tools such as Microsoft Office applications, collaboration platforms, content management systems, dashboard platforms, and accessibility validation tools.


Key Responsibilities / Expected Activities

The Technical Specialist II will:

  • Support technical teams with preparation, formatting, and quality review of technical reports, presentations, dashboards, and communication materials.
  • Assist with collecting, organizing, validating, and preparing data supporting measurement and verification (M&V) activities.
  • Support dashboard development, enhancement, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.
  • Perform functional testing of web-based dashboards, data visualizations, and digital products to verify usability and accuracy.
  • Maintain technical documentation including user guides, system documentation, process documentation, and operational procedures.
  • Assist with website content updates, document publishing, and digital content management activities.
  • Support Section 508 accessibility reviews of documents, presentations, websites, and digital communication products.
  • Prepare meeting materials, agendas, briefing packages, status reports, and technical coordination documentation.
  • Capture meeting discussions, action items, decisions, and follow-up activities.
  • Support technical report reviews by tracking comments, updates, revisions, and stakeholder feedback.
  • Assist with preparing executive-ready communication materials, including presentations, fact sheets, summaries, and knowledge products.
  • Support Pilot-to-Portfolio (P2P) activities through preparation of deployment materials, newsletters, webinars, and knowledge-sharing products.
  • Assist senior technical personnel with coordination of concurrent project activities, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Identify issues, document risks, and escalate technical concerns to appropriate team members.
  • Support continuous improvement activities by recommending enhancements to processes, tools, templates, and workflows.

Job Features

Job CategoryIT
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in: | Information Technology | Computer Science | Information Systems | Data Analytics | Engineering | Communications | Business Administration | Related technical discipline
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum 3 years of professional experience supporting technical, analytical, communications, or information technology projects. | Experience supporting federal government programs or complex organizational initiatives. | Experience preparing technical documentation, reports, presentations, or knowledge products. | Experience supporting data preparation, analysis, reporting, or visualization activities. | Experience supporting website, dashboard, application, or digital platform maintenance.
TECHNICAL SKILLSCandidates should possess experience with several of the following: | Microsoft Office Suite: | Word | Excel | PowerPoint | Teams | SharePoint | Data preparation and analysis activities | Dashboard support and testing | Website/content management systems | Technical documentation development | Quality assurance and testing procedures | Accessibility standards, including Section 508 concepts | Digital collaboration platforms | Version control and document management practices.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSFederal contracting experience supporting agencies such as GSA, DOE, DHS, or other civilian agencies. | Experience supporting energy, building technology, engineering, sustainability, or innovation programs. | Experience working with data visualization tools such as: | Microsoft | Power BI | Tableau | Excel advanced analytics | Experience supporting web platforms using: | SharePoint | Content Management Systems (CMS) | HTML/CSS concepts | Experience developing executive briefings and technical communication products. | Knowledge of WCAG and Section 508 accessibility requirements. | Experience supporting Agile teams or technology development environments. | Certifications such as: | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA Security+ | Microsoft certifications | ITIL Foundation | Agile/Scrum certifications.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTAbility to successfully pass a federal background investigation. | Prior experience supporting federal government programs requiring Public Trust suitability. | No security clearance is anticipated for this position.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us! Ascension is seeking a Technical Specialist II to provide technical execution support for a federal strategic communications and technology innovation program support...

12+ Months, Full-Time
Lakewood, CO
Posted 2 months ago

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a highly skilled Senior Programmer / Data Visualization Lead to support the General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Engineering (OE), and Technology and Innovation Branch in developing, enhancing, and maintaining mission-critical web-based dashboards, data visualization tools, and analytical solutions that support technology evaluation, portfolio management, and executive decision-making.

The ideal candidate is a technically proficient professional who combines software development expertise, data visualization capabilities, and analytical problem-solving skills to transform complex program data into intuitive, actionable dashboards and digital products. This individual will play a key role in helping GSA leadership and program stakeholders understand performance trends, technology deployment progress, resource utilization, and program outcomes through effective data-driven solutions.

The successful candidate will bring experience designing and maintaining interactive dashboards, integrating disparate data sources, improving user experiences, and supporting government stakeholders through reliable technical solutions. The candidate should be comfortable working independently, managing competing priorities, troubleshooting technical issues, and translating business needs into scalable technology solutions.

This role is ideal for a developer who enjoys working at the intersection of software development, data analytics, visualization, and mission support, helping federal programs improve transparency, reporting, and strategic decision-making.


Summary of Contractor Role

The Senior Programmer / Data Visualization Lead will provide technical development and data visualization support for GSA's Office of Engineering and Technology Innovation Branch. The position will support the continuous development, operation, enhancement, and maintenance of web-based dashboards, including the Office of Engineering (OE) and Office of Facility Management (OFM) Subject Matter Expert (SME) Dashboard.

The contractor will design, develop, test, troubleshoot, and enhance dashboard functionality; support data integration activities; develop visualization products; maintain technical documentation; and provide user support to ensure reliable operation of digital platforms.

The role will support requirements including:

  • Dashboard development and enhancement
  • Web-based application development
  • Data visualization and reporting
  • Data integration and management
  • KPI tracking and performance reporting
  • User support and troubleshooting
  • Technical documentation
  • Accessibility-compliant digital solutions

The position supports GSA's need to maintain centralized visibility into SME activities, project assignments, workload distribution, operational performance metrics, technology deployment tracking, and portfolio analysis.

The ideal candidate is:

  • A detail-oriented developer who takes ownership of technical solutions
  • A proactive problem solver who can identify issues and recommend solutions
  • Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision
  • Skilled at balancing technical requirements with user needs
  • Able to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Experienced supporting federal programs requiring documentation, accessibility, and quality standards

Expected Day-to-Day Activities

The Senior Programmer / Data Visualization Lead will:

  • Design, develop, enhance, and maintain web-based dashboards and visualization applications supporting federal program operations.
  • Develop interactive data visualizations, reports, and analytical tools that convert complex datasets into actionable insights.
  • Build and maintain dashboard functionality supporting KPI tracking, performance reporting, and portfolio analysis.
  • Integrate data from multiple sources to support accurate reporting and visualization capabilities.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues affecting dashboard functionality, system performance, and user experience.
  • Perform application testing, validation, and quality assurance activities before deploying enhancements.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation including system architecture, configuration information, user guides, and operational procedures.
  • Support responsive web design, content updates, and user experience improvements.
  • Collaborate with program managers, analysts, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
  • Provide user support, technical assistance, and training support for dashboard users.
  • Apply accessibility best practices, including Section 508/WCAG considerations, when developing digital products.
  • Participate in project meetings, technical discussions, and solution design sessions.

Job Features

Job CategoryData Analysis and Analytics
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical discipline.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum of 8 years of professional experience supporting software development, application development, dashboard development, data visualization, or related technical solutions. | Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining web-based applications, dashboards, or data visualization platforms. | Experience analyzing business requirements and translating them into technical solutions. | Experience supporting enterprise applications or government mission-support systems.
TECHNICAL SKILLSWeb application development | Dashboard development | Data visualization tools | Data integration methodologies | Database concepts and data modeling | JavaScript, HTML, CSS, or similar web technologies | SQL/database querying | Data reporting and analytics solutions | User interface/user experience (UI/UX) principles | Software testing and troubleshooting | Microsoft Power BI | Tableau | SharePoint | Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps / Power Automate) | SQL Server | Azure-based solutions | Content Management Systems (CMS)
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSFederal government consulting experience | Experience supporting GSA, DOE, DHS, or other federal agencies | Experience developing executive dashboards and performance management tools | Experience supporting Section 508 and WCAG accessibility requirements | Experience supporting technology evaluation programs | Experience creating decision-support tools for senior leaders | Experience working in Agile development environments | Experience documenting technical solutions and standard operating procedures
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTAbility to obtain and maintain a federal Public Trust suitability determination. | Prior experience supporting federal agencies requiring background investigations or suitability reviews.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us! Ascension is seeking a highly skilled Senior Programmer / Data Visualization Lead to support the General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Engineering (OE), an...

12+ Months, Full-Time
Lakewood, CO
Posted 2 months ago

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a highly skilled Senior Technical Writer / Strategic Communications Specialist who can transform complex technical information into clear, compelling, and accessible communications products for executive leaders, federal stakeholders, technical audiences, and the public.

The ideal candidate is a creative and analytical communications professional who can bridge the gap between highly technical engineering and technology evaluation information and meaningful decision-ready content. This individual will support the General Services Administration’s Center for Emerging Building Technologies (CEBT) by translating Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory measurement and verification (M&V) reports, technology evaluations, and program findings into executive summaries, technical reports, infographics, briefing materials, newsletters, webinars, and other strategic communications products.

The successful candidate should possess strong technical writing abilities, visual communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex concepts in a manner understandable to both technical experts and non-technical decision-makers.

This role is ideal for a professional who enjoys working at the intersection of:

  • Technical writing
  • Strategic communications
  • Data storytelling
  • Graphic design
  • Federal program support
  • Accessibility-compliant communications
  • Technology innovation

Summary of Contractor Role

The Senior Technical Writer / Strategic Communications Specialist will support Ascension’s delivery of strategic communications services for GSA’s Technology and Innovation Branch and Office of Engineering. The contractor will develop, edit, format, and manage communications products that communicate emerging building technology evaluations, measurement and verification results, and program outcomes.

The role requires an individual capable of reviewing complex technical reports, extracting key findings, and producing polished deliverables including:

  • Four-page Findings Summary Documents
  • One-page infographics
  • Executive briefing materials
  • Technical summaries
  • Newsletters
  • Web content
  • Webinar materials
  • Press releases
  • Conference submissions
  • Articles
  • Program communications

The contractor will collaborate with engineers, analysts, program managers, DOE National Laboratory personnel, and federal stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy, accessibility compliance, and effective communication.

The position requires someone who is self-directed, organized, comfortable working with ambiguity, and capable of managing multiple communication deliverables while maintaining quality standards.

The contractor will support tasks including technical report communications, strategic communication vehicle development, M&V outcome communications, technology selection support, and program process support. The SOW specifically requires development of executive-ready summaries, infographics, Section 508-compliant materials, webinars, publications, and communication products supporting technology adoption.


Expected Day-to-Day Activities

The contractor will:

  • Analyze complex technical reports, research findings, and engineering documentation to identify key messages and outcomes.
  • Translate technical information into clear executive-level summaries and stakeholder communications.
  • Develop four-page Findings Summary Documents and one-page infographic products.
  • Create and edit briefing decks, newsletters, articles, talking points, and presentation materials.
  • Develop visually compelling communication products using established branding standards.
  • Design graphics, charts, diagrams, and visual storytelling products to communicate technical findings.
  • Review technical documents for clarity, accuracy, consistency, grammar, and formatting.
  • Coordinate reviews and incorporate stakeholder feedback into final deliverables.
  • Ensure communications products meet Section 508 accessibility requirements.
  • Prepare website content updates and digital publications.
  • Support webinar development through agenda creation, presentation development, speaker coordination, and follow-up materials.
  • Participate in stakeholder meetings, capture outcomes, and prepare meeting summaries.
  • Collaborate with technical experts, engineers, analysts, and program managers.
  • Maintain version control of documents and communication products.
  • Apply quality control processes consistent with Ascension’s ISO 9001:2015 quality management approach.

Job Features

Job CategoryCommunications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Technical Writing, English, Marketing, Graphic Design, Information Design, Engineering Communications, or related field.
REQUIRED SKILLSMinimum of 5 years of professional experience in technical writing, strategic communications, scientific communications, engineering communications, or related discipline. | Demonstrated experience translating complex technical information into executive-level communications.
TECHNICAL SKILLSMicrosoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) | Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent design tools | Document formatting and publishing workflows | Visual communication and infographic development | Editing and proofreading | Accessibility standards including Section 508/WCAG principles
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience supporting federal agencies or government contractors. | Experience communicating scientific, engineering, energy, technology, or research-related information. | Experience supporting DOE, GSA, DHS, or other federal mission programs. | Experience developing technical communications for executive audiences. | Experience creating data visualizations and infographics. | Experience managing web content using CMS platforms. | Knowledge of federal accessibility requirements. | Experience producing webinar materials and virtual event communications. | Experience with emerging technologies, sustainability, energy efficiency, or building technology programs.
SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTAbility to successfully complete federal client suitability requirements, if required. | Prior federal government experience preferred. | Public Trust eligibility preferred but not required unless directed by the Government.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us! Ascension is seeking a highly skilled Senior Technical Writer / Strategic Communications Specialist who can transform complex technical information into clear, compel...