Contracts Manager Federal

Akicita Federal, LLC, a dynamic and expanding 8(a) small business serving federal agencies, is seeking a motivated Contracts Manager to join their team on a remote basis. This role is integral to the company's growth strategy, focusing on identifying and securing new federal contract opportunities. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating the complexities of federal procurement, with a strong emphasis on proposal development and a proactive approach to building valuable relationships.

The Opportunity

This position is designed for an ambitious individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses a keen eye for opportunity. You will be at the forefront of Akicita Federal's expansion efforts, actively seeking out and responding to federal solicitations. A significant aspect of this role involves the rapid development and submission of compelling proposals, often under tight deadlines. Beyond securing new work, you will also play a crucial part in managing awarded contracts, ensuring compliance, and maintaining positive relationships with government agencies. A portion of your time will be dedicated to strategic outreach, fostering partnerships with other small businesses and potential teaming partners.

As a Contracts Manager, your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied and critical to the company's success. You will be expected to:

• Identify and respond to a high volume of federal contract opportunities, with a particular focus on small business and 8(a) set-aside solicitations.
• Author, assemble, and submit proposals efficiently, often requiring the ability to complete a full proposal within a short timeframe, such as one to two days.
• Manage awarded contracts effectively, serving as the primary point of contact for government agencies. This includes handling contract modifications, ensuring ongoing compliance with all regulations, and preparing necessary reports.
• Dedicate approximately a quarter of your working time to cultivating teaming relationships and partnerships with other small businesses within the federal contracting landscape.
• Collaborate closely with the internal recruiting team to ensure successful staffing for newly awarded contracts.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to streamline workflows and enhance productivity, with an expectation of speed and innovation in proposal generation, moving away from manual, from-scratch processes.

What They're Looking For

Akicita Federal is searching for a candidate with a proven track record in federal contracting. Essential qualifications and attributes include:

• A minimum of three years of experience in federal contracting, encompassing areas such as contracts management, proposal writing, capture management, or program management.
• A robust understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), various set-aside programs, and the overarching federal procurement process.
• The ability to work with and embrace AI tools to accelerate your work, or a strong eagerness to become proficient in their use.
• A preference for submitting a high volume of strong proposals rather than spending excessive time on perfecting a single one.
• While not mandatory, an existing network of relationships with federal agencies or other contractors would be considered a significant advantage.

In South Africa, roles like Contracts Manager within the government sector or for companies serving government entities can offer competitive remuneration, often with opportunities for growth into senior management or specialised procurement roles. The skills developed in managing complex contracts and navigating regulatory frameworks are highly transferable across various industries.

• 3+ years in federal contracting: contracts management, proposal writing, capture, or program management
• Solid understanding of the FAR, set-aside programs, and the federal procurement process
• An existing network of agency or contractor relationships is a strong plus
• You're comfortable with AI tools, or eager to become a power user
• You'd rather submit ten good proposals than polish one forever