Ascension LLC is seeking a Senior Acquisition Specialist / Lead (Procurement Advisor) to serve as a strategic advisor and lead acquisition expert supporting federal procurement lifecycle activities. This role is critical to ensuring that acquisition strategies, documentation, and execution align with federal regulations, mission priorities, and program outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a senior-level acquisition professional with deep expertise in FAR-based contracting, acquisition planning, and procurement advisory services, capable of leading complex acquisition efforts from pre-award through post-award phases. This individual will play a key role in shaping acquisition strategies, improving procurement processes, and supporting program offices in achieving compliant, efficient, and mission-aligned contracting outcomes.

This role directly supports enterprise-level acquisition operations and contributes to improving procurement efficiency, reducing risk, and enhancing program performance across federal initiatives.

Position Summary

The Senior Acquisition Specialist / Lead will provide end-to-end acquisition lifecycle support, including acquisition planning, SOW/PWS development, market research, evaluation support, and process improvement initiatives. The role requires a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional who can operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous federal environment while advising stakeholders and leading acquisition efforts.

The ideal candidate brings:

• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS (if applicable), and federal procurement policies
• Experience supporting program offices, CORs, and contracting officers
• Ability to translate mission needs into acquisition strategies and documentation
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

This individual must be self-driven, solutions-oriented, and capable of managing multiple acquisition actions simultaneously while maintaining compliance and quality.

Ascension brings proven experience supporting acquisition lifecycle management, business process improvement, and program support across DHS and DOE environments, delivering measurable improvements in procurement efficiency and compliance .

Key Responsibilities / Day-to-Day Activities

• Lead acquisition planning activities, including development of acquisition strategies and timelines
• Develop Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), and Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs)
• Conduct market research and vendor analysis to support acquisition decisions
• Support source selection activities, including evaluation criteria development and proposal reviews
• Advise program managers, CORs, and contracting officers on acquisition best practices and compliance requirements
• Coordinate acquisition package development and ensure completeness and accuracy
• Track acquisition milestones and maintain acquisition lifecycle documentation
• Facilitate acquisition review boards, strategy sessions, and stakeholder meetings
• Analyze procurement processes and recommend improvements for efficiency and compliance
• Develop briefing materials, reports, and executive-level presentations
• Ensure all acquisition activities comply with FAR and agency-specific policies
• Support post-award activities, including contract administration and performance monitoring
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies across acquisition lifecycle activities