Kaiva Tech, LLC is seeking an Acquisition & Procurement Subject Matter Expert (FAR Policy & Regulatory Advisor)
Position Summary
The Acquisition & Procurement Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as a senior Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) authority and trusted advisor, responsible for providing expert interpretation, regulatory guidance, and policy development support across the federal acquisition lifecycle.
This position is dedicated primarily to FAR interpretation, regulatory analysis, and acquisition policy development, requiring deep expertise in applying FAR provisions to complex and often ambiguous scenarios. The SME will leverage former Contracting Officer/Procurement Analyst experience and judgment to inform agency policies, ensure regulatory alignment, and strengthen acquisition governance frameworks.
The role plays a critical part in translating statutory and regulatory requirements into actionable policies, procedures, and guidance, supporting agency-wide consistency, compliance, and audit readiness. The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of direct FAR interpretation experience, including demonstrated success in developing acquisition policy and reviewing agency supplements for regulatory alignment.
Key Responsibilities
1. FAR Interpretation & Regulatory Advisory
- Serve as the lead authority on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) interpretation, providing expert analysis and definitive guidance on complex, ambiguous, or high-risk regulatory matters.
- Apply former Contracting Officer-level/Procurement Analyst expertise and judgment to interpret FAR provisions and advise on appropriate application across agency acquisition activities.
- Provide written and verbal advisory support to leadership on regulatory intent, compliance risk, and defensible interpretation of FAR requirements.
- Analyze proposed acquisition approaches, policies, and procedures to ensure alignment with FAR, statutory requirements, and agency supplements (e.g., EDAR).
- Support responses to audits, protests, and oversight inquiries, ensuring positions are grounded in well-reasoned FAR interpretation.
2. Policy Development & Regulatory Implementation (Primary)
- Lead the drafting, revision, and implementation of acquisition policies, directives, and procedures explicitly grounded in FAR interpretation and regulatory requirements.
- Translate FAR updates, Executive Orders, and OMB memoranda into clear, actionable agency policy, internal controls, and standardized procedures.
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policy guidance, acquisition playbooks, and governance frameworks.
- Produce formal policy memoranda, interpretive guidance, and decision papers for senior leadership.
- Support and/or lead development of rulemaking documentation, including NPRMs and Final Rules.
3. Agency Supplement Review & Regulatory Alignment
- Conduct comprehensive reviews of agency acquisition supplements (e.g., EDAR) to ensure alignment with FAR, statute, and federal acquisition policy.
- Perform regulatory gap analyses, identifying inconsistencies, redundancies, or conflicts between FAR and agency-level guidance.
- Provide recommendations and draft revisions to harmonize agency supplements with FAR intent and updates.
- Support ongoing maintenance and modernization of agency-specific acquisition regulations and frameworks.
4. Acquisition Governance & Compliance Oversight
- Establish and support governance frameworks that ensure consistent and compliant interpretation of FAR across the organization.
- Conduct independent compliance and policy reviews, focusing on regulatory adherence and policy effectiveness.
- Provide expert input into internal controls, audit readiness, and oversight processes related to acquisition policy.
- Identify systemic risks and recommend enterprise-level corrective actions to strengthen acquisition governance.
5. Stakeholder Advisory & Workforce Enablement
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, Contracting Officers, legal counsel, and program offices on FAR interpretation and policy implications.
- Deliver training, workshops, and interpretive guidance on FAR application, regulatory updates, and policy changes.
- Mentor acquisition personnel to enhance organizational capability in FAR-based decision-making and compliance.
6. Regulatory Research, Analysis & Thought Leadership
- Conduct advanced research and analysis on emerging acquisition policy trends, FAR updates, and regulatory changes.
- Develop white papers, briefs, and strategic recommendations to inform leadership decision-making.
- Provide forward-looking insights to support continuous improvement and modernization of acquisition policy frameworks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expert-level mastery of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
- Ability to translate FAR into actionable policy and procedures.
- Strong knowledge of agency supplements (e.g., EDAR).
- Experience exercising Contracting Officer-level judgment.
- Strong analytical, writing, and advisory skills.
- Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and AI Large Language Models.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
- 10+ years of federal acquisition experience focused on FAR interpretation and policy.
- Former Contracting Officer and Procurement Analyst experience required.
Certifications
- Active or Prior DAWIA Level III, FAC-C Professional or Level III equivalent preferred.
- NCMA CFCM or equivalent preferred.
- Active or Prior Contracting Officer Warrant preferred.