Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.
Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.
These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.
Contracting Officer, Award Programs
In this role, you will be responsible for the cradle-to-grave implementation and operationalization of awards selected for funding within Natcast's innovative semiconductor research and development programs. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the selection process and managing the lifecycle of contracts with performers, from negotiation through execution and closeout.
Every day, you will work closely with program managers, legal teams, and award recipients to oversee contract execution, monitor compliance, and address any issues that arise throughout the contract lifecycle. Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of Natcast's award programs and ensuring they align with our mission to advance U.S. leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
To thrive in this role, you must have a strong background in contract management, excellent negotiation skills, and a thorough understanding of federal contracting regulations. You should be detail-oriented, proactive, and able to navigate complex contractual situations while maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.
Natcast is a trailblazing non-profit entity established under the CHIPS Act to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium. As a key component of the CHIPS and Science Act, Natcast is poised to drive innovation, set standards, and re-establish U.S. leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing. By convening the brightest minds from government, industry, and academia, Natcast is tackling the most pressing challenges in the domestic semiconductor ecosystem head-on.
The Contracting Officer for Award Programs plays a vital role in Natcast's mission by ensuring the effective and compliant execution of our research and development awards, directly contributing to the advancement of semiconductor innovation in the United States.
Responsibilities:
Participate in the award review process to ensure selection integrity and address contract-related questions
Negotiate and execute contracts with award recipients, ensuring inclusion of appropriate terms and conditions
Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual issues, resolving sticking points such as IP, fees, and flowdowns
Oversee long-term contract execution, monitoring formal deliverables and compliance
Intervene when contractual issues arise, including lack of compliance with terms and conditions or potential grounds for termination
Negotiate contract changes as needed, including no-cost extensions and additional phases
Manage contract closeout processes, ensuring all reporting and close-out conditions are met
Ensure compliance with Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) terms and conditions for the CHIPS R&D program
Collaborate with program managers on technical issues while maintaining focus on contractual aspects
Develop and maintain contract templates and standardized processes to streamline award management
Stay current with federal contracting regulations and best practices, implementing changes as necessary
Required Skills and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, or a related field
5+ years of experience in contract management, preferably in a government or non-profit setting
Strong knowledge of federal contracting regulations and best practices
Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills
Proven ability to manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office suite
Preferred Qualifications:
Certification in Contract Management (e.g., CPCM, CFCM)
Experience with research and development contracts in the technology or semiconductor industry
Familiarity with Department of Commerce and NIST contracting requirements
Knowledge of intellectual property issues in research and development contracts
If you are a skilled contracting professional with a passion for supporting innovation and research in the semiconductor industry, we encourage you to apply for this position. Join us in our mission to advance U.S. semiconductor leadership by ensuring the effective and compliant execution of our critical research and development awards.
Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know.
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