Lead Contracts Specialist (fully remote work options)

Job Description

• CDM Smith delivers advanced solutions that enable the U.S. government - civilian and military - to protect lives, communities, and the environment. We have served the federal government since our founding more than 75 years ago, helping to address some of the nation's highest-priority needs: revitalization of aging facilities and infrastructure, restoration of contaminated lands and waterways, redeployment of our armed forces, and enhanced preparedness for natural and manmade hazards - from coast to coast, Alaska to Puerto Rico, Germany to Afghanistan, and Djibouti to Guam.
• The position can be based out of any CDM Smith office, in the U.S. nationwide. We offer in office, hybrid, or remote working environments allowing for flexible work options.**

We currently have an opening for a Lead Contracts Administrator in our Federal Group. This position will focus on ensuring compliance with both corporate policies and procedures as well as government regulations as defined in our contract requirements. The Lead Contract Administrator supports CDM Smith's Federal Group by serving as a subject-matter expert on federal contract administration and by leading the management of complex, moderate-to-high-risk prime and subcontract agreements across the full contract lifecycle-from pre-award through closeout. This position ensures compliance with corporate policies and procedures as well as applicable statutes, regulations, and agency-specific acquisition requirements. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting Department of Defense/War (DoW) agencies and possess strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific acquisition regulations. Duties & Responsibilities

• Contract Leadership & Compliance
• Serves as the lead on complex contracts of moderate to high risk.
• Applies expert knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency- and DoW/Army-specific acquisition regulations to support company compliance and risk management.
• Provides strategic contractual and regulatory advice to project managers, program managers, business line leadership, and executives.
• Performs detailed reviews of solicitations, contracts, task orders, modifications, and other agreements to identify risk, compliance, and business issues.
• Advises management on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensures organizational compliance with contract terms, applicable laws, and regulations.
• Maintains accurate and complete contract files in the Contracts Lifecycle Management (CLM) System in accordance with company policy and audit requirements.
• Pre-Award & Proposal Support
• Supports pursuits and proposals by reviewing solicitations, identifying risks, and advising on compliance and pricing strategies.
• Assists with drafting questions to the Government regarding identified solicitation and contract risks.
• Prepares and reviews teaming agreements (TAs), joint venture agreements, master service agreements, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
• Assists in preparing contract-related sections of proposals, including representations and certifications, fee determinations, and cost/price narratives.
• Participates in negotiations of prime contracts, subcontracts, task orders, and modifications.
• Leads or supports pre-award internal kick-off meetings and transition from sales to execution.
• Post-Award Administration
• Supports project teams in complying with contractual and administrative requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with project enrollment in internal financial and contracting systems.
• Coordinates with client contract administration staff (e.g., Contracting Officers, Contract Specialists, DCMA) to process authorizations, modifications, and amendments and to resolve contractual issues.
• Tracks funding ceilings, deliverables, options, and performance milestones.
• Prepares and reviews contractually significant correspondence and notices.
• Assists in the preparation and submission of Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), claims, and other complex contract actions.
• Partners with finance and project controls to monitor contract performance, burn rates, and funding status.
• Supports audits, internal reviews, and government reporting requirements (e.g., DCAA, DCMA).
• Risk Management, Training & Collaboration
• Coordinates with Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, Insurance, HR, IT, Sales, Finance, and Project Controls to address contractual issues.
• Participates in compliance with Truthful Cost or Pricing Data and Services Contract Act requirements, as applicable.
• Assists with subcontracting compliance, flow-downs, and consent requirements in coordination with subcontract administrators.
• Develops