Director, Federal Contracts

Director, Federal Contracts

As Director, Federal Contracts, you will oversee the complete lifecycle of federal contracts, from crafting proposals to finalizing agreements. You will ensure compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and other applicable statutes. You will manage negotiations, contract changes, and strategic guidance for federal contracting opportunities. You will lead and develop the Contracts Team, create policy, and establish strategic processes and procedures that scale with growth. You will serve as a key decision-maker on contracts below specified thresholds and a strategic partner to senior leadership on major contract activities.

Strategic Risk and Compliance Leadership

Lead the full lifecycle of federal contracts, including proposal review, contract negotiation, execution, compliance, and closeout. Ensure adherence to FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific acquisition regulations. Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract matters with government clients and prime / subcontractors. Establish and maintain robust contract compliance programs tailored to cybersecurity and classified work. Proactively mitigate risk through analysis and negotiation of favorable contract language. Coordinate with legal counsel on complex contracting issues. Develop and enforce internal contracting policies and procedures aligned with regulatory standards and best practices.

Proposal and Business Development Support

Lead contract review and risk assessment for all solicitations (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs), and coordinate responses with capture, pricing, and business development teams. Contribute to pricing strategy and cost proposal development in collaboration with pricing and BD leads. Maintain contract-specific templates, negotiation guides, and compliance matrices. Subcontract and Vendor Management

Draft, negotiate, and manage subcontracts, teaming agreements, NDAs, and consulting agreements. Ensure subcontractor compliance with flow-down requirements, cybersecurity standards, and reporting obligations. Establish performance monitoring processes and review mechanisms for subcontractors.

Internal Leadership & Department Oversight

Directly lead the Contracts Team, including performance management, recruitment, training, and mentorship. Define and communicate roles, responsibilities, and authorities within the contracts function. Collaborate cross-functionally to support effective contract execution and alignment with program objectives. Develop and lead internal training on federal acquisition regulations, ethics, and emerging compliance obligations.

Audit, Reporting & Data Integrity

Lead or support internal and external contract-related audits (DCAA, DCMA, Inspector General). Ensure accurate and timely entry of contract data into ERP systems (e.g., Unanet, Deltek). Monitor performance, burn rates, and deliverables via real-time reporting dashboards.

Stakeholder Communication & Representation

Represent the company in all contract negotiations, including modifications, disputes, and award protests. Liaise with government contracting officers, legal representatives, partners, and internal leadership. Provide regular briefings and recommendations to executive leadership on contract risks, opportunities, and performance.

Minimum Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship

Favorable Background Check

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Minimum 15 years of experience in federal contracting, including 5+ years in a management or leadership role

Preferred Qualifications

CFCM or CPCM certification

Master's degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field

Extensive knowledge of NIWC Atlantic and Pacific contracting operations

Experience with IDIQ, CPFF, T&M, GSA Schedules, and OTA vehicles

Strong regulatory knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and related acquisition regulations

Demonstrated success in managing complex negotiations and high-value contracts

Proficiency in Deltek

Company Overview

Adapt Forward is a cybersecurity solutions provider for some of the nation's most valuable information systems. Leveraging advanced threat assessment technology and experience in building high-level information security infrastructure, we develop adaptive solutions uniquely tailored to our customers' business objectives to protect sensitive data against sophisticated threats in an increasingly complex security environment.

Summary of Benefits

Comprehensive Physical Wellness Package, including Medical, Dental, Vision Care, plus Flexible Spending Accounts for health- and dependent-care are included in our standard benefits plan.

401k Retirement Plan with Matching Contribution is immediately available and vested.

Annual Training Budget to be used for conference attendance, school enrollment, certification programs, and associated travel expenses.

Eleven Federal Holidays, plus three weeks of PTO / vacation / sick leave that accrues at a rate of ten hours per month.

Employee Assistance Program : Counseling / legal assistance and other employee well-being programs are also offered.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.