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Ascension is seeking a senior-level Socio-Economic Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep, practical experience designing, evaluating, and advising on local, small business, and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) preference programs in public-sector procurement environments.

This role is critical to ensuring that M-NCPPC’s socio-economic business preference programs are legally defensible, data-informed, operationally feasible, and aligned with Maryland procurement law and best practices. The SME will serve as a trusted advisor to the project team, providing expert judgment, validation of analytical findings, and applied insight throughout both phases of the work.

The ideal candidate brings:

• Demonstrated expertise in supplier diversity, small business programs, and MBE frameworks
• Experience translating disparity studies, utilization data, and benchmarking into actionable program structures
• Credibility with procurement professionals, legal reviewers, and community stakeholders
• The ability to operate effectively in an advisory capacity without assuming day-to-day project management responsibility

This position is well-suited for an experienced practitioner who prefers focused, high-impact advisory work and is comfortable operating in a part-time, milestone-driven consulting role.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Socio-Economic SME provides subject-matter leadership and expert advisory support across the design and implementation planning of M-NCPPC’s two-phase socio-economic business preference program:

• Phase I: Local and Small Business Preference Program
• Phase II: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Preference Program

Working under the direction of Ascension’s Project Lead and in coordination with the Prime Contractor, the SME will review analyses, validate assumptions, advise on policy and regulatory considerations, and support stakeholder-facing activities where senior expertise is required.

The role is not responsible for drafting all deliverables but is accountable for ensuring technical accuracy, legal defensibility, and alignment with proven socio-economic program models. The SME is expected to anticipate risks, identify gaps, and recommend practical solutions grounded in real-world implementation experience.

The ideal candidate is:

• Highly analytical yet pragmatic
• Comfortable working with incomplete or evolving information
• Confident providing constructive challenge and expert recommendations
• Self-directed and able to manage time effectively with minimal supervision

What This Role Is Expected to Solve, Resolve, or Support

• Reduces program risk by ensuring preference program designs are grounded in precedent and law
• Strengthens defensibility of program recommendations prior to legal and executive review
• Bridges the gap between analytical findings and implementable policy decisions
• Ensures stakeholder engagement outputs reflect best practices and equity principles
• Supports the translation of disparity study findings into compliant, actionable program elements

Tools and Processes Used

• Review of procurement and vendor utilization datasets (summary-level)
• Benchmarking matrices and comparative jurisdictional analyses
• Draft program frameworks, eligibility criteria, and compliance models
• Regulatory redlines and policy concept papers (review and advisory input)
• Virtual collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, document review platforms)

Position Responsibilities and Anticipated Activities

The SME’s activities are milestone-driven and may include, but are not limited to:

• Advise on the design of Local/Small Business and MBE preference program structures
• Review and validate utilization analyses, benchmarking results, and needs assessments
• Interpret disparity study findings and advise on appropriate remedial program elements
• Evaluate proposed eligibility criteria, thresholds, and compliance mechanisms
• Assess alignment of program concepts with Maryland procurement law and Title 14 requirements
• Provide expert input on certification pathways, reciprocity considerations, and reporting models
• Participate in select internal and external stakeholder sessions as a senior technical resource
• Support executive briefings by reviewing key messages and recommendations
• Identify risks related to implementation, enforcement, or stakeholder acceptance
• Recommend refinements to improve clarity, feasibility, and long-term sustainability

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a Training & Communications Specialist with demonstrated experience designing and delivering public-sector training, outreach, and implementation guidance for compliance-driven programs. This role is critical to ensuring that M-NCPPC internal staff, vendors, and external stakeholders clearly understand and consistently apply the Local/Small Business Preference Program (Phase 1) and the MBE Preference Program (Phase 2).

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of instructional design, stakeholder communications, and change enablement experience, particularly in environments where new policies, regulations, or program rules must be operationalized across diverse audiences. This role is not purely instructional; it directly supports program adoption, risk reduction, and implementation success by translating complex policy and regulatory requirements into accessible, accurate, and actionable training and communications materials.

This position is well suited for professionals with experience in supplier diversity programs, procurement training, workforce or compliance training, or government program rollout communications, who are comfortable working independently while coordinating closely with program leadership and subject matter experts.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Training & Communications Specialist supports Training and Materials, with direct linkage to Phase 1 program adoption and Phase 2 MBE outreach and implementation readiness. The Specialist is responsible for developing, refining, and delivering training content and communications that ensure stakeholders understand program purpose, eligibility requirements, compliance expectations, and operational impacts.

This role requires a detail-oriented, organized professional who can synthesize regulatory and program design inputs from subject matter experts and convert them into clear training curricula, workshop materials, job aids, FAQs, slide decks, and written guidance. The Specialist must be capable of tailoring content for multiple audiences, including procurement staff, internal program administrators, vendors, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is self-directed, responsive, and comfortable working in an evolving environment where materials are refined as program decisions are finalized. The role directly supports risk mitigation by reducing misunderstanding, inconsistent application, and implementation friction during program rollout.

What this role is expected to solve/support:

• Reduces confusion and misinterpretation of new preference program requirements
• Supports consistent application of Local/Small and MBE preference rules
• Improves staff and vendor readiness prior to program launch
• Enables effective change management through structured communications
• Ensures training materials are accurate, accessible, and aligned with adopted policies

Tools and processes commonly used:

• Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• Virtual training platforms (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom)
• Learning support artifacts (job aids, FAQs, checklists)
• Basic accessibility and document formatting standards (e.g., Section 508–aware practices)

Position Activities (Anticipated Responsibilities)

The following activities are representative of the work performed over the duration of the role and may vary by phase and milestone:

• Develop training curricula and session outlines aligned to approved program requirements
• Translate program policies, procedures, and regulatory language into clear instructional content
• Create training materials including slide decks, facilitator guides, participant handouts, and job aids
• Prepare written communications such as FAQs, implementation guidance, and outreach summaries
• Support delivery of internal staff workshops and vendor-facing training sessions
• Coordinate with program leads to ensure materials reflect final policy and regulatory decisions
• Adapt materials based on stakeholder feedback and evolving implementation needs
• Ensure consistency of messaging across training, outreach, and written communications
• Document training sessions and materials for reuse and reference during implementation

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Role Summary

The Systems Engineering SME provides direct technical advisory support to CG-SID-9 for Call Order 1 by supporting systems engineering policy oversight, technical reviews, and acquisition milestone activities.

This role ensures that systems engineering considerations are properly integrated into acquisition planning and decision-making, and that technical analyses produced for CG-SID-9 are rigorous, defensible, and aligned with federal acquisition standards.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Review and assess systems engineering documentation
• Support acquisition reviews and milestone decisions
• Identify technical risks and gaps
• Develop technical briefings and recommendations
• Advise CG-SID-9 leadership on best practices
• Support Red Team and Senior Review activities

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Role Summary

The Systems Engineering SME provides direct technical advisory support to CG-SID-9 for Call Order 1 by supporting systems engineering policy oversight, technical reviews, and acquisition milestone activities.

This role ensures that systems engineering considerations are properly integrated into acquisition planning and decision-making, and that technical analyses produced for CG-SID-9 are rigorous, defensible, and aligned with federal acquisition standards.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Review and assess systems engineering documentation
• Support acquisition reviews and milestone decisions
• Identify technical risks and gaps
• Develop technical briefings and recommendations
• Advise CG-SID-9 leadership on best practices
• Support Red Team and Senior Review activities

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Role Summary

The Deputy Project Manager directly supports the Project Manager and assists CG-SID-9 staff with the day-to-day execution of Call Order 1 activities. This role focuses on coordination, tracking, documentation, and operational execution that enables CG-SID-9 to manage multiple acquisition efforts efficiently.

The Deputy Project Manager reduces administrative burden on government staff by maintaining structure, follow-through, and visibility across acquisition support activities.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Track schedules, deliverables, risks, and action items
• Prepare status reports, briefings, and documentation
• Coordinate meetings and follow-up actions
• Support acquisition documentation development
• Maintain SharePoint sites and records
• Interface with PMOs and contractor staff

Role Summary

The Project Manager serves as the primary contractor lead supporting the USCG Office of Acquisition Support and Systems Engineering Policy & Processes (CG-SID-9) under Call Order 1. This role is responsible for overseeing all contractor activities that support CG-SID-9’s acquisition governance, systems engineering policy oversight, and program management support functions.

The Project Manager enables CG-SID-9 leadership to execute complex acquisition responsibilities by maintaining delivery discipline, resolving coordination challenges across stakeholders, and ensuring acquisition support activities remain compliant, timely, and defensible. This individual is expected to anticipate risks, manage competing priorities, and provide trusted advisory support to senior acquisition officials.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all Call Order 1 contractor activities
• Serve as the primary interface with CG-SID-9 leadership and COR
• Coordinate acquisition governance, reviews, and briefings
• Maintain schedules, risks, and performance tracking
• Oversee development and quality of acquisition documentation
• Facilitate working groups and decision-support meetings
• Direct and mentor Deputy Project Manager and SMEs

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension LLC is seeking a Website Design Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the University of Maryland’s initiative to equip undercapitalized entrepreneurs with professionally designed, mobile-optimized websites. The SME will deliver end-to-end website development services tailored to an entrepreneur’s business stage and digital maturity, including planning, design, CMS configuration, SEO setup, analytics integration, e-commerce configuration (as applicable), revisions, launch, and training.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, highly organized digital designer/developer with strong creative and technical skills. They must be self-driven, proactive, and comfortable working independently with minimal supervision. The role requires a resourceful professional who can:

• Quickly assess business needs
• Translate expectations into high-quality website deliverables
• Guide non-technical entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle
• Communicate clearly, manage multiple priorities, and anticipate issues

This SME will ensure entrepreneurs receive a website they can confidently manage post-launch. Tools needed include CMS platforms (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Squarespace), design tools, and analytics platforms (Google Analytics or CMS-native tools).

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake discovery sessions to assess entrepreneur goals, digital maturity, and required website features.
• Recommend the appropriate website package (3–10 pages; with or without e-commerce).
• Gather, organize, and prepare client-provided content (text, photos, links).
• Design mobile-optimized, professional website layouts consistent with the entrepreneur’s brand and business goals.
• Build websites using CMS platforms such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify.
• Configure CMS settings, navigation menus, templates, and responsive formatting.
• Set up basic or advanced SEO settings depending on the package tier.
• Integrate analytics tools (Google Analytics or platform-level tracking).
• Create e-commerce components where applicable (product listings, payment gateways, checkout flows).
• Manage and complete 1–3 rounds of revisions per package requirements.
• Test website functionality across browsers and device types.
• Train the entrepreneur on how to update content independently post-launch.
• Prepare post-launch documentation and instructions.
• Submit monthly status updates and progress notes in NeoSerra CRM.
• Communicate clearly with entrepreneurs to manage expectations and maintain engagement.
• Ensure on-time delivery of all project milestones.

We are seeking an experienced Acquisition & Contracting Instructor (COMAR/FAR) to support Montgomery County’s Office of Procurement by designing and delivering high-quality educational content for local businesses seeking to navigate federal, state, and local government contracting.

This contractor will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and instructor for both Monthly Education Programs and a 12-Month Cohort Training Program, supporting curriculum development, workshop delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Scope of Work & Responsibilities:

Training Program Management & Delivery

Design and deliver monthly educational training sessions (in-person, virtual, or hybrid).
Deliver instruction for Cohort Training Program(s) (12-month program; 10 in-person workshops).
Develop learning objectives, course modules, lesson plans, presentations, handouts, and exercises.
Ensure instructional content aligns with federal contracting regulations, COMAR, state/local procurement policies, and best practices.
Incorporate real-world examples, case studies, templates, checklists, and actionable tools.

Curriculum Design & Content Development

Build and refine the annual training calendar with the Program Director.
Contribute subject-matter expertise in procurement, compliance, market research, proposal development, and contract administration.
Ensure training supports entrepreneurs, small businesses, and experienced contractors seeking to improve government contracting readiness.

Program Leadership & Quality Assurance

Collaborate with the Training & Cohorts Director on program strategy and session planning.
Support selection and coordination of additional instructors/SMEs from federal, state/local, and corporate sectors.
Maintain consistent teaching quality across all workshops and sessions.
Participate in iterative topic planning based on attendee feedback and emerging procurement trends.

Data, Reporting & Evaluation

Work with the Data Lead to integrate pre-/post-training surveys, assessments, and outcome evaluation.
Use survey findings and performance metrics to refine curriculum monthly.
Provide timely reports and insights on participant performance, attendance, and engagement.

Marketing & Outreach Support

Collaborate on messaging and promotion for monthly programs and cohort activities.
Assist with marketing content development (short bios, course descriptions, quotes, etc.).
Represent the program professionally at county events, the annual Procurement Conference, and community workshops.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension LLC is seeking a Clerical Support Specialist to provide administrative, documentation, communications, and coordination support to the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) under the Transit Business, Organization, and Program Development IDIQ.

This position plays a key role in assisting analysts, planners, managers, and leadership with routine administrative tasks, document preparation, data entry, tracking, scheduling, records management, and coordination across multiple Task Orders issued through MTA’s Office of Planning.

Because the Clerical labor category represents lower annual hours and sporadic workload across TOs, this position is recommended as part-time and shared across multiple task areas and TOs rather than dedicated to a single role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Administrative & Document Support

• Prepare, format, proofread, and package technical documents, memos, meeting notes, and deliverables.
• Maintain document repositories and file structures within SharePoint or other MTA-provided systems.
• Update templates, forms, and trackers to support TO deliverable production.

2. Scheduling & Meeting Coordination

• Schedule meetings, coordinate availability across MTA divisions, and manage virtual meeting logistics.
• Prepare agendas, meeting summaries, attendance logs, and distribute follow-up actions.
• Support coordination for focus groups, working sessions, or planning meetings.

3. Data Entry & Tracking

• Enter data into spreadsheets, databases, reporting logs, and operational trackers.
• Maintain simple performance logs, action item lists, intake forms, and activity trackers.
• Support quality checks on data collected by analysts, planners, or operations teams.

4. Communications & Stakeholder Support

• Assist in preparing communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate email distributions, announcements, and document sharing.
• Maintain contact lists, distribution groups, and project communications channels.

5. Compliance, HR & Organizational Support

• Support the preparation of administrative materials for compliance (Title VI, ADA, drug/alcohol program documentation).
• Assist with workforce data entry, job documentation, and HR process coordination.
• Support recordkeeping for organizational development and policy review tasks.

6. Task Order Support

• Assist with collecting inputs for TO cost proposals, scheduling, and documentation.
• Maintain TO-level logs including deliverable calendars, quality checklists, and document submission confirmations.
• Provide clerical support to cross-functional team members based on TO requirements.

Daily Activities

Assist with meeting arrangements and follow-up notes.

Update trackers, logs, and spreadsheets.

Format and finalize planning, scheduling, and operational documents.

Organize shared folders and maintain version control.

Support communication between MTA staff, project teams, and Ascension personnel.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension LLC is seeking a Data Analyst to support the Maryland Transit Administration under the Transit Business, Organization, and Program Development IDIQ contract. This role provides core analytical, data quality, and reporting support across all planning, organizational development, mobility, compliance, and performance-related activities.

The Data Analyst will work as part of a cross-functional analytic and planning team supporting multiple Task Orders from MTA’s Office of Planning. Responsibilities include cleaning and structuring transit datasets, preparing KPI reports, performing operational analysis, supporting Title VI/ADA compliance documentation, building data tables and maps, and maintaining standardized analytic workflows.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Cleaning, Validation & Preparation

• Collect, clean, and validate datasets from APC, AVL, GTFS, fare systems, schedules, HR systems, and operational logs.
• Standardize data formats, handle missing/erroneous values, and maintain documentation of data quality processes.
• Prepare datasets for dashboards, planning analysis, compliance projects, and executive reporting.

2. Transit Operations Analysis

• Support analysis of ridership trends, load factors, headway adherence, service reliability, and trip-level performance.
• Assist with evaluations of fixed-route, paratransit, and microtransit operations.
• Produce analytic inputs used for run-time validation, scheduling review, or route design enhancements.

3. KPI Tracking & Performance Reporting

• Develop charts, tables, and basic dashboards for the Tangible Results Program.
• Track metrics for service quality, labor utilization, workforce capacity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
• Assist senior analysts with compiling monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting packages.

4. GIS & Mapping Support

• Prepare maps and spatial layers for route performance, demographic equity, mobility patterns, and capital projects.
• Support geospatial data preparation for Title VI, ADA, and service development studies.

5. Federal Compliance Support

• Assist in preparing datasets for Title VI service equity analysis.
• Support ADA operations reporting such as trip denials, on-time performance, and service coverage.
• Compile compliance-related datasets for procurement, safety, or HR projects.

6. Real Estate & Benefits Analysis Support

• Provide analytic inputs for cost-benefit analyses, station access evaluation, and planning studies.
• Support mapping and data preparation for land-use and capital planning work.

7. Organizational Development & HR Data Analysis

• Assist with staffing analyses, workforce capacity reporting, and job classification support.
• Prepare data supporting HR policy updates, talent acquisition, and position reviews.

8. Task Order & Deliverable Support

• Support the development of technical inputs for TO proposals (LOE tables, data requirements, scheduling assumptions).
• Prepare structured datasets, technical appendices, visualizations, and summary tables for deliverables.
• Maintain standardized analytic scripts, templates, and documentation.

Daily Activities

• Collect and clean datasets from multiple MTA systems.
• Prepare tables, charts, and visualizations.
• Update KPI dashboards and performance trackers.
• Assist in creating memos, reports, and presentations.
• Conduct field validation when needed.
• Coordinate with planners, schedulers, and senior analysts.

Ascension LLC seeks a Senior Transit Data Analyst to support the Maryland Transit Administration under the Transit Business, Organization, and Program Development IDIQ. This role provides advanced-level analytical, technical, and data governance support across service development, mobility management, performance measurement, federal compliance, and integrated planning systems.

The Senior Transit Data Analyst will serve as a technical lead responsible for transforming raw operational data from multiple transit systems into meaningful insights that inform agency decision-making. This role supports recurring Task Orders and works closely with planners, operations personnel, schedulers, HR analysts, and performance management teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Transit Operations and Mobility Data Analysis

• Analyze operational data from APC, AVL, farebox, GTFS, ride checks, and scheduling systems.
• Identify performance trends in on-time performance, headway adherence, run times, trip success/failures, and route productivity.
• Support paratransit and mobility datasets including trip patterns, eligibility impacts, productivity, and service reliability.

2. KPI Development & Performance Management (Tangible Results Program)

• Produce dashboards, forecasts, and scorecards using Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools.
• Develop performance indicators for route design, scheduling, workforce management, and service reliability.
• Support internal and external reporting to MTA leadership.

3. Data Governance & Integrated Data Systems Support

• Conduct data cleaning, transformation, normalization, and validation across multiple sources.
• Develop repeatable data pipelines, documentation, and metadata standards.
• Support integration of planning, HR, IT, operations, and financial datasets into MTA’s management systems.

4. Service Development & Planning Technical Support

• Provide analytic inputs for route optimization, service changes, service design alternatives, and performance modeling.
• Prepare maps, charts, and forecasts to support planning studies.
• Conduct comparative analyses for pilot services or operational adjustments.

5. Federal Compliance Support

• Prepare datasets for Title VI equity analyses including ridership, demographics, service changes, and mapping outputs.
• Support ADA service monitoring, drug/alcohol compliance tracking, and procurement documentation analysis.
• Ensure analytic documentation aligns with federal guidance.

6. Real Estate, Capital, and Benefits Analysis

• Model benefits, costs, and impacts of capital projects, station area improvements, or access enhancements.
• Provide geospatial and statistical inputs for capital planning evaluations.

7. Organizational Development & HR Strategy Support

• Analyze workforce data, job task patterns, staffing levels, and HR performance metrics.
• Support talent acquisition, HR classification projects, and organizational improvement initiatives.
• Assist with development of process automation and reporting tools.

8. Task Order Execution & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide input to Task Order scopes, LOE estimates, and deliverable structures.
• Prepare technical memos, visualizations, datasets, and presentation materials.
• Collaborate with planners, managers, schedulers, field supervisors, HR staff, IT teams, and leadership.

Daily Activities

• Clean, transform, and validate datasets for analysis.
• Develop dashboards, GIS maps, and analytic models.
• Create technical summaries, interpretation notes, and briefings.
• Assist senior planning and operations staff with data-driven problem solving.
• Prepare TO deliverables and track progress for active assignments.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension LLC is seeking a full-time Management Professional to support the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) on the Transit Business, Organization, and Program Development IDIQ contract. This individual will deliver cross-functional management consulting, organizational development, project coordination, business performance analysis, policy support, and HR strategy services across MTA’s Office of Planning and multiple operating divisions.

This is a critical mid-to-senior-level consulting role responsible for driving internal business improvements, facilitating cross-department coordination, preparing performance documentation, supporting compliance functions, and developing processes that strengthen transit operations, workforce management, and organizational efficiency.

With 2,600 hours allocated to this labor category, the Management Professional can be staffed as full-time for the full 3-year IDIQ, and can also serve as a dual-role with the Project Manager category if needed.

Key Responsibilities

1. Organizational Development, Business Consulting & Process Improvement

• Conduct efficiency studies, workflow mapping, and business process improvement analyses.
• Support development of organizational structures, staffing models, and workload assessments.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and develop solutions to improve service delivery and management workflows.

2. KPI Tracking, Program Monitoring & Performance Management

• Support the MTA Tangible Results Program through data collection, metric tracking, scorecard development, and reporting.
• Develop executive-level dashboards summarizing program performance, strategic goals, and key indicators.
• Monitor program milestones, prepare status reports, and track deliverables for multi-division initiatives.

3. Integrated Planning & Data System Support

• Assist with data governance efforts including development of documentation, standard operating procedures, and data handling workflows.
• Collaborate with IT, planning, and operations teams to support integrated management data systems.
• Conduct data validation, normalization, and synthesis for cross-functional reporting.

4. Mobility Management, Scheduling & Operations Process Support

• Collect, analyze, and evaluate operational and mobility-related data (fixed route, paratransit, microtransit).
• Provide process support for scheduling assessments, service studies, and operational reviews.
• Prepare analysis to inform service planning decisions, operational improvements, or strategic initiatives.

5. Real Estate, Benefits Analysis & Capital Program Support

• Assist with project documentation for capital planning, real estate planning, land-use coordination, and benefit-cost analysis.
• Support preparation of materials for planning studies, feasibility analyses, or transit access improvements.

6. Federal Compliance (Title VI, ADA, Drug/Alcohol, Procurement)

• Assist with preparation, documentation, and data support needed for federal compliance reviews.
• Support development of Title VI analyses, ADA reporting, procurement compliance documentation, and related internal processes.

7. Human Resources Strategy & Workforce Initiatives

• Conduct position analysis, staffing studies, and job classification support.
• Support recruiting strategy, HR policy updates, and talent acquisition initiatives.
• Assist with workforce planning, skills gap analysis, and development of HR documentation.

8. Task Order & Cross-Functional Project Support

• Develop inputs for Task Order proposals including LOE, cost calculations, schedules, and deliverable outlines.
• Serve as cross-functional project coordinator for assigned initiatives.
• Prepare meeting materials, briefing decks, organizational charts, and technical memos.

Daily Activities

• Analyze data, document workflows, and prepare summary reports.
• Coordinate project meetings, track deadlines, and follow up on action items.
• Prepare internal and external communications, technical deliverables, and presentation materials.
• Support multi-disciplinary planning, operations, HR, real estate, and compliance teams.
• Assist senior staff in interpreting data and producing recommendations.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!Ascension LLC is seeking a full-time Transportation Manager to support the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) under the Transit Business, Organization, and Program Development IDIQ. This position is a core delivery role that supports MTA’s Office of Planning and multiple operational divisions through recurring task orders. The Transportation Manager will oversee service development projects, operational planning, mobility management, performance analytics, organizational initiatives, and compliance-driven improvements.

This position is ideal for a senior transportation operations professional experienced in managing service reliability, supervising planning and scheduling tasks, leading mobility service improvements, and coordinating multi-division initiatives in a large transit agency environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Transit Service Development & Operations Management

• Evaluate existing bus and mobility services, analyze operational performance, recommend route adjustments, and support service optimization.
• Conduct on-time performance reviews, headway analysis, run-time assessments, and productivity monitoring.
• Lead coordination between field operations, planning, schedulers, and customer service to resolve service issues.

2. Scheduling, Mobility & Process Management

• Support fixed-route and paratransit scheduling, running time adjustments, and block-building.
• Help implement process improvements for dispatch, scheduling, and control center coordination.
• Oversee the verification and integration of AVL, APC, GTFS, ITS, and telematics data to support operational decisions.

3. Performance Management & KPI Tracking

• Support MTA’s Tangible Results Program by collecting, monitoring, and reporting KPIs related to service quality, cost efficiency, and operational performance.
• Manage data and reporting workflows in coordination with planning, IT, and operations staff.
• Develop dashboards, performance scorecards, and reporting templates for executive and board-level updates.

4. Federal Compliance (Title VI, ADA, Drug/Alcohol, DBE/Procurement)

• Support operational data preparation for Title VI service equity analyses and ADA service compliance.
• Ensure operational procedures meet required policy and documentation standards.
• Track indicators that affect compliance across scheduling, service cuts/adjustments, customer impacts, and policy changes.

5. Organizational Management & HR Strategy

• Assist with workforce planning studies, staffing assessments, and resource allocation.
• Support talent acquisition activities such as job task analyses, position reviews, and improving internal HR processes.
• Provide operational expertise to inform HR-led workforce initiatives.

6. Integrated Planning & Data Systems Support

• Collaborate with IT and planning teams to support the development of integrated data systems and planning tools.
• Improve data governance, documentation, reporting processes, and data architecture for transit operational systems.

7. Real Estate, Benefits Analysis & Reporting

• Support operational input for station area planning, transit access improvements, cost-benefit studies, and land-use coordination.
• Provide operational perspectives for capital planning project assessments.

8. Task Order Management & Delivery Coordination

• Draft technical inputs to Task Order proposals (scope, deliverables, LOE).
• Lead assigned TOs, manage deadlines, oversee cross-functional staff, and ensure timely deliverables.
• Interface with multiple MTA divisions, project leads, and stakeholders throughout delivery.

Daily Responsibilities

Draft TO proposals and track project progress.

Analyze operational performance and develop corrective action recommendations.

Review run times, detours, operational changes, and scheduling impacts.

Support planning and service development meetings.

Monitor daily transit data from APC, AVL, farebox, and incident reports.

Prepare briefing decks, memos, and operational summaries.

Engage with planning, scheduling, operations, HR, real estate, and compliance teams.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension LLC seeks a full-time Senior Transportation Professional to support the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) as part of its Transit Business, Organization, and Program Development IDIQ. This individual will provide advanced-level analytic, operational, planning, and program support across multiple MTA divisions, working under on-call Task Orders issued by the Office of Planning.

The Senior Transportation Professional will serve as a senior technical contributor, supporting transit service development, operational analysis, scheduling and mobility management, data governance, KPI-driven performance analysis, federal compliance work, real estate and benefits evaluation, and strategic workforce initiatives. This role plays a pivotal part in translating data, field insights, and policy objectives into actionable improvements that advance MTA’s operational and organizational goals.

With an estimated 3,400 hours allocated to this labor category, this position is ideally suited as a full-time, long-term role for the full 3-year contract period.

Key Responsibilities

1. Service Development & Technical Planning

• Conduct route-level and system-wide operational analyses.
• Evaluate service reliability, headways, travel times, and productivity metrics.
• Support route optimization, ridership forecasting, and geographic analysis using GIS tools.
• Prepare technical recommendations for service changes, new routes, restructures, and performance improvements.

2. Mobility Management & Scheduling Support

• Assist with scheduling-related data collection and evaluations of run times, block structures, and operator assignments.
• Support ADA paratransit service analyses including eligibility impacts, trip patterns, performance metrics, and operational constraints.
• Conduct comparative assessments of fixed route and demand-response mobility performance.

3. Performance Measurement & KPI Development

• Support the Tangible Results Program by preparing data analyses and performance dashboards.
• Track on-time performance, service quality, labor utilization, cost metrics, and operational KPIs.
• Produce recurring reports, scorecards, and executive-level summaries.

4. Integrated Planning & Data Systems

• Assist with development of integrated planning and management data systems.
• Conduct data governance work through cleaning, validating, normalizing, and documenting data sources.
• Support integration of APC, AVL, GTFS, farebox, and scheduling data into unified analytic workflows.

5. Real Estate & Benefits Analysis

• Provide technical support to planning, real estate, and capital program teams.
• Perform benefit-cost assessments for transit improvements, including ridership impacts, accessibility improvements, TOD areas, and station-area conditions.
• Assist with project development analysis and reporting.

6. Federal Compliance Support

• Prepare and analyze data for Title VI equity analyses (service and fare).
• Support ADA service reviews, drug/alcohol compliance documentation, procurement compliance tracking, and other federal oversight processes.
• Assist with public involvement material preparation and technical summaries.

7. Organizational Development & HR Strategy Support

• Participate in efficiency studies, staffing assessments, and process improvement analysis.
• Support job task analysis, position reviews, and workforce development initiatives.
• Assist with data-driven HR decision-making related to operations divisions.

8. Task Order Management & Cross-Functional Support

• Provide technical inputs to Task Order proposals including LOE, cost estimates, and scope components.
• Support coordination across planning, operations, HR, IT, real estate, and compliance teams.
• Prepare deliverables, briefings, memos, and technical reports.

Daily Activities

Work with schedulers, planners, and operations supervisors on cross-functional issues

Analyze transit performance data (APC, AVL, GTFS, operational logs).

Conduct field verification of service patterns and operational constraints.

Prepare charts, maps, tables, and dashboards for planning and executive audiences.

Support technical tasks for TOs under direction of a Senior Transportation Planning Manager or Transportation Manager.

Draft technical documentation and summarize complex data insights.

Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

At Ascension, LLC, we exist to elevate the missions that protect, strengthen, and transform our nation. We are a results-driven, people-centered consulting firm serving federal, state, and local agencies with excellence in program management, data analytics, business process optimization, workforce development, and mission-support services. Our work empowers our clients to modernize operations, enhance public safety, and deliver meaningful impact to the communities they serve.

Our vision is simple: build trusted partnerships that help government organizations operate smarter, faster, and more effectively—every single day. We believe in continuous improvement, thoughtful innovation, and the disciplined pursuit of better. As a growing 8(a) and woman-owned small business, we approach every engagement with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ mission success.

At Ascension, we value professionals who are lifelong learners, problem-solvers, and builders. People who bring courage, curiosity, and accountability to their work. People who take ownership, deliver measurable results, and collaborate as trusted teammates. Here, you’ll do more than perform tasks—you’ll shape solutions, strengthen institutions, and help drive meaningful change across government.

If you want to grow, innovate, and make an impact with a company that is evolving continuously to meet the needs of our customers and protect our homeland, Ascension is the place to rise.

We are looking for a Transportation Manager who provides operational, supervisory, and analytical support for transit planning, service design, and scheduling. This role focuses on transportation system effectiveness and operational improvements.

Transportation Manager Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Conduct evaluations of transit routes, schedules, and workforce utilization.
• Provide operational insight to planning and service development studies.
• Support mobility, paratransit, or demand-response planning projects.
• Supervise task-level staff and contribute to multi-disciplinary project teams.