Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME)

This position is part of a bid process associated with a Statement of Work. Candidates are encouraged to submit their information and resumes highlighting their relevant experience.

Hive Group is seeking an Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as a senior level technical advisor supporting acquisition and grants offices in all phases of the federal acquisition lifecycle. This role requires a deep knowledge of federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and Department of Commerce (DOC) procurement policies, and demonstrated experience advising on complex, high-value contracts. The SME will provide strategic, compliance-driven guidance to Contracting Officers, Specialists, and Program stakeholders, ensuring acquisition planning, solicitation, evaluation, award, and post-award processes meet all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise on all phases of the federal acquisition lifecycle, including planning, market research, solicitation development, source selection, negotiations, award, and post-award contract administration.
• Support the development, review, and editing of Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), and Determinations and Findings (D&Fs).
• Assist in acquisition planning activities, including procurement strategy, contract type selection, small business coordination, milestone development, and market research documentation.
• Provide support in the use of contract writing system (PRISM) for developing solicitations, modifications, and award documentation.
• Prepare or review pre-award documents including Justifications for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC), Brand Name Justifications, and Source Selection Plans.
• Provide guidance and technical input for the drafting, posting, and amending of solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs) on SAM.gov and other portals.
• Assist with proposal evaluations (technical and cost), document evaluation reports, and draft price negotiation memoranda.
• Support Contracting Officers during negotiations, discussions, and pre-/post-award debriefings.
• Review award packages to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with FAR and CAM guidance.
• Provide post-award support including contract modifications, invoice review, performance assessments (CPARS), and contract closeout.
• Monitor acquisition file integrity and support documentation tracking to ensure audit readiness and compliance with file maintenance standards.
• Mentor and train junior acquisition staff and government stakeholders as needed; provide subject matter input for policy and procedure development.
• Stay current on changes to FAR, agency regulations, and procurement best practices; advise stakeholders on their implementation.
• Attend internal and external meetings, working groups, and strategy sessions in support of acquisition planning and execution.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Contract Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of direct federal acquisition experience, including significant experience supporting civilian agencies.
• Expert level knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Commerce Acquisition Manual (CAM) procurement guidance.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex acquisitions (e.g., IT, professional services, construction) above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.
• Proficiency using federal acquisition systems, including PRISM, FPDS-NG, and SAM.gov.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing acquisition documents and policy recommendations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote and hybrid team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, especially related to file documentation and compliance.
• Experience supporting pre-award planning, evaluation panels, negotiation support, and post-award administration.