Junior Contract Specialist (Smithsonian) at Aalis Management Consulting in Washington, DC, USA

Job description

• Aalis Management Consulting is seeking a Junior Contract Specialist to support a federal cultural institution in Washington, D.C. This role offers hands-on experience in federal contracting and procurement and is ideal for early-career professionals eager to grow within a FAR-based environment.
• The Junior Contract Specialist will support the full acquisition lifecycle-from pre-award through closeout-working closely with contracting officers, program staff, and vendors. The government client is committed to providing training and mentorship to support ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support the Simplified Acquisition Program (SAP), managing procurements from cradle to grave
• Assist with IDIQ task orders, purchase orders, and related contract actions
• Conduct market research and assist with acquisition planning in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• Support the procurement of art collections, including documentation and vendor coordination
• Assist with procurement activities related to galas and special events
• Prepare and review contract files, modifications, and supporting documentation
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper recordkeeping throughout the acquisition process

Requirements

• 2 – 4 years of experience in federal contracting or acquisition support
• Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or willingness to learn
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Coursework or experience in contracting, acquisition, business, or public administration
• Federal contracting certifications (FAC-C, DAWIA, or similar) - a plus, not required
• Experience supporting SAP, IDIQs, or purchase orders

Skills

Required

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• Simplified Acquisition Program (SAP)
• IDIQ task orders
• Purchase orders