What you’ll do as a Principal Subcontracts Administrator

Provide strategic, cradle-to-grave subcontract leadership from solicitation planning through subcontract closeout on complex, high-value, and high-risk programs Serve as a trusted advisor to Program Managers and Division Leadership on subcontract strategy, risk mitigation, and compliance Lead the development of subcontracting strategies, including subcontract type selection (FFP, CPFF, T&M, CR, etc.), pricing approach, and flowdown methodology Independently negotiate complex subcontract terms and pricing, including cost/price analysis, equitable adjustments, and resolution of performance or compliance issues Ensure all subcontracts and subcontract actions are fully compliant with FAR, DFARS, prime contract requirements, CPSR standards, and internal policies Review, approve, and guide preparation of all required subcontract documentation, including sole source justifications, price/cost analyses, and negotiation memoranda Provide formal and informal training to Program Managers and other program support staff on subcontracting processes, compliance requirements, and best practices Prepare and disseminate critical subcontract status updates, risk assessments, compliance findings, modifications, deviations, claims, terminations, and closeout actions Stay current on regulatory changes, legislation, and industry best practices, proactively advising leadership on impacts and implementation Lead efforts to identify and resolve systemic subcontracting issues, developing innovative solutions and process improvements Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships with division leadership and subcontractors Mentor and provide technical oversight to Senior and Junior Subcontracts Administrators, serving as a subject matter expert Support Small Business Subcontract Plan development, execution, and reporting, including audit and CPSR support activities

 

 Principal Subcontracts Administrator Requirements

Demonstrated expert-level experience in a cradle-to-grave government subcontracting environment, from solicitation strategy through closeout Advanced knowledge and practical application of FAR, DFARS, and government subcontracting regulations A distinguished track record of managing multi-million-dollar, mission-critical portfolios. Proven expertise in negotiating complex subcontract terms and pricing Extensive experience with CPSR-compliant subcontract file documentation and audit support Experience managing subcontracts in a high-volume and/or highly complex program environment In-depth experience with wide range of subcontract types, including CPFF, FFP, T&M, and CR Strong ability to independently interpret prime contract requirements and translate them into compliant subcontract actions Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat for document creation, analysis, and file management Demonstrated ability to apply advanced subcontracting principles to competitive and non-competitive procurements, cost/price evaluation, post-award administration, dispute resolution, equitable adjustments, and closeout

Principal Subcontracts Administrator Preferences

Advanced experience with SharePoint-based subcontract file management and workflows Experience using Deltek Costpoint Experience serving as a lead or subject matter expert during CPSRs or internal compliance reviews

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or equivalent 8-10+ years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree 7+ years of related experience with a Master’s degree 10+ years minimum of related experience in lieu of a degree

 

REMOTE WORK NOTICE: This position is available for fully remote or hybrid work consideration if candidate is located near the Washington, DC, Raleigh, NC or Albuquerque, NM areas.

 

Company & Division Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

 

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. We realize that employee ownership produces greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as employee owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Our motto is “Engineering and Science That Matters for Fun & Profit” and we live our core values of Passion, Freedom, Service and Growth every day. For additional information and an opportunity to join our unique team, please visit our website at www.ara.com.