Small Business Liaison Officer

Textron Aviation has been inspiring the journey of flight for nine decades through the iconic and beloved Cessna and Beechcraft brands. We are passionate advocates of aviation, empowering people with the freedom of flight. As you join our legacy as a global leader in private aviation, you’ll have opportunities to try new fields, expand your skills and knowledge, stretch your abilities, and build your career. We provide a competitive and extensive total rewards package that includes pay and innovative benefits to support you and your family members – now and in the future, beginning day one.

About the role

The Small Business Liaison Officer has general overall responsibility of the Company’s Small Business Program and applicable SCM compliance activity. These items may include, but are not limited to, small business subcontracting plan creation, annual and semi-annual USG reporting requirements, associated policy and procedure review and maintenance, development and administration of applicable departmental and/or Company training, and support of internal and external small business and purchasing system audits.

Small Business outreach participation will be required to identify new potential small business partners/vendors along with the support of any active or potential Mentor-Protege programs and business development goals to support the increase of Small Businesses (SB) utilization across the Company. The Small Business Liaison Officer also assists with activities to support bid and proposal efforts related to U.S. Government prime contracts, developing SB strategies for USG solicitations and/or newly awarded prime contracts, and complying with the terms and conditions of awarded contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and execute the Company’s Master Subcontracting Plan along with Individual Subcontracting Plans (ISP) for all applicable FAR 12 and FAR 15 prime contracts, including the formulation of plan content and goal creation for each ISP.
• Monitor each ISP’s performance and report Individual Subcontracting Reports (ISR) timely to the government through the SAM.gov system on or before deadlines defined within the FAR.
• Operate in a self-directed environment to ensure supplier small business program and supply chain compliance efforts support overall company production and aftermarket strategies while fulfilling contractual obligations to internal and external customers, the USG, foreign government(s), and commercial customers.
• Coordinate with the Department of War (DoW), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and other government agencies to support requests for information, studies, or surveys related to compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain awareness of USG FAR/DFARS flowdown requirements, including emerging trends, regulatory changes, issues, or developments related to small business program and/or purchasing system compliance. Communicate this information clearly to internal teams to develop a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.
• Provide guidance on small business regulations and their impact on day-to-day transactions for procurement team members, contracts personnel, and purchasing system compliance.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure adequate involvement of small business concerns in solicitations and/or newly awarded prime contracts. Assist procurement teams in locating capable small businesses for current and future acquisitions.
• Collaborate with finance, SCM, and contracts teams to gather information for Individual Subcontract Reporting (ISR) and Summary Subcontract Reporting (SSR). Ensure timely and accurate reporting to the USG through SAM.gov and facilitate communications to confirm report receipt by deadlines.
• Conduct periodic meetings with management and/or prepare written reports on overall program status, communicating matters affecting the company’s ability to achieve compliance/goals identified on each ISP. Develop and improve reporting methods to align actuals with identified goals.
• Plan, conduct, promote, and/or attend small business outreach events (conferences, trade fairs) at national, regional, state, and local levels hosted by USG, SBA, and other organizations. Develop strong relationships with SBA, APEX Accelerators, Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations to accomplish outreach goals.
• Develop and administer applicable departmental and/or company training regarding Public Law 95-907 and FAR/DFARS regulations surrounding small business program requirements.
• Participate as an active member of state, regional, and local small business organizations; meet obligations to speak or join panels on related small business matters to demonstrate good faith efforts in sourcing small businesses.
• Develop supplier and small business relationships to align the supply base with overall supply chain strategies supporting the Company, small businesses, and compliance efforts. Coordinate introductory calls, facility visits, and serve as a liaison between small businesses and the Company.
• Conduct periodic internal procurement reviews to ensure compliance and best practices with small business procurement requirements, preparing for internal and external audits.
• Coordinate company activities during small business Subcontracting Program Compliance Reviews (SPCR) with Federal agencies and monitor compliance with updated FAR/DFARS regulations between audits.
• Manage supply chain administrative functions, including development of departmental work instructions, review and maintenance of policies and procedures, routine training, and internal supply chain audits. Provide guidance to procurement teams to ensure regulatory requirements for sourcing with small businesses are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field required.
• Minimum 2 years of related supply chain compliance or business experience.

Skills

• Excellent and personable verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, including openness to others’ ideas and willingness to try new approaches.
• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel and Access.
• Good analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail and strong program management abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when necessary.
• Strong sense of urgency, with the ability to manage competing demands, frequent changes, and time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Familiarity and experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Federal Government and prime contractor procurement procedures, and the USG acquisition lifecycle preferred.
• CSDP certification and/or prior small business liaison experience preferred.
• USG-related purchasing and/or compliance experience preferred.

Benefits

Join Textron Aviation’s Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Visit https://www.aircapitaloftheworld.com/taxcredits for more information.