Acquisition Pathway Policy Expert

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. 

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM.  SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have a near-term need for an Acquisition Pathway Policy Expert to provide onsite support out of Alexandria, VA.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with the interpretation of statutes, strategic guidance, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Inspectors General (IG) reports, DoD Directives and Memoranda, and DoD Policy guidance to develop and revise acquisition policies, directives, instructions, manuals, guidance, or memoranda. Draft responses to queries from Congress and officials throughout DoD and the Executive Branch. Provide expertise on matters relating to acquisition and the integration and protection of technologies that enable capability for the warfighter. The candidate will monitor commercial and whole of government best practices to identify and apply acquisition innovations to the DoD acquisition enterprise. In this capacity, they will assist in the translation of acquisition objectives into specific policies and programs, with measurable goals and an implementation strategy, which they can effectively execute. Will exercise initiative in perceiving emerging problems and recommending actions to resolve them. Their expertise will assist in the development of new and innovative acquisition approaches, and support the design of online content, acquisition guidebooks, the acquisition glossary, and other publications to inform the defense acquisition workforce. Will organize and lead cross-functional teams with OSD and Service stakeholders, and translate broad national security objectives into recommended guidance.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience
• Expertise in the development, coordination, and publication of defense acquisition policies, guidance, and business practices across the Services, including Middle Tier of Acquisition Pathways and related functional policies
• Possess analytic expertise regarding Defense and Services acquisition policies, including DoD 5000-series policies, functional policies and pathway policies
• Experience and comfort with engaging with senior personnel, developing recommendations, and providing professional written or verbal assessments and correspondence supporting policy. Including proficiency with MS Office products
• Active DoD Secret clearance and able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance

Desired

• Five or more years of experience in Defense Acquisition Policy analysis
• Top Secret clearance
• Five or more years of experience supporting a Headquarters-level DoD organizations
• Strong working knowledge of the Correspondence and Task Management System (CATMS)