APFIT Project Manager

About the role

The APFIT Project Manager will help manage the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) pilot program. Initiated in Fiscal Year 2022, APFIT provides procurement funding ($10M–$50M) for innovative projects ready to transition from development into operational use, focusing on small business or non-traditional performers to accelerate production and reduce procurement timelines. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) conducts an annual competitive down-select process evaluating impact to the warfighter, sustainment support, and broader DoD applicability. Awards are coordinated with Services, Combatant Commands, Defense Agencies, or other organizations and have included undersea sensors and satellite manufacturing/launch.

Responsibilities

• Lead the solicitation, evaluation, and selection of technology initiatives delivering warfighting capabilities to address time-critical gaps in high-priority DoD missions.
• Develop relationships with key DoD program offices to solicit viable proposals.
• Assess technology maturity during project solicitation to qualify potential APFIT selections prior to down-selection.
• Prepare call-for-proposals materials and serve as the primary point of contact for industry and government inquiries about the APFIT selection process.
• Lead all phases of the APFIT down-selection process to identify innovative projects for procurement funding.
• Build project solicitation materials.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience providing leadership and technical direction to teams solving complex technical, management, and administrative problems.
• Experience interfacing with personnel at all levels of the DoD (Services, DoD Agencies, OSD, Joint Staff, Program Offices).
• Expert knowledge of DoD Acquisition and Acquisition Pathways.
• Experience building and managing acquisition documentation, interfacing with contracting and financial managers, and assisting with monitoring program execution.
• Experience overcoming systemic technology transition challenges associated with the DoD acquisition “Valley of Death.”
• Executive presence with highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop high-quality, professional briefings and written reports to succinctly capture key issues for DoD decision-makers and Congress.
• Self-starter able to take initiative and accomplish work independently with minimal guidance.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Experience in system acquisition, including development, integration, production, and fielding of capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Active TOP SECRET clearance with Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI).
• U.S. Citizenship required.