Project Manager/Senior Analyst (15.30-DHS)

OCT Consulting is a business management and technology consulting firm that provides support to Federal Government clients. We provide consulting services in the areas of Strategy, Process Improvement, Change Management, Program and Project Management, Acquisition/Procurement, and Information Technology.

Responsibilities and Duties

OCT is seeking a Project Manager/Senior Analyst to lead a critical acquisition management support contract for the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Program Accountability and Risk Management (PARM). This key personnel position requires a seasoned professional who will serve dual roles: providing direct analytical support to PARM's mission-essential functions (75% of time) while managing contract performance and team delivery (25% of time).

Day to day responsibilities include:

Project Management (25% of effort)

Team Leadership & Administration

• Assign, monitor, and evaluate work performed by 3 additional FTEs supporting PARM requirements
• Provide management, direction, quality assurance, and leadership for all contract deliverables
• Review all work products before delivery to ensure compliance with SOW quality standards
• Coordinate with Government COR and PARM stakeholders on performance requirements

Contract Management

• Serve as primary interface between contractor team and Government officials
• Maintain contract compliance with all SOW requirements and deliverable schedules
• Prepare and deliver monthly status reports by 5th business day of each month
• Lead quarterly status meetings with COR and Contracting Officer
• Manage transition-in activities within 30 days of award

Quality Assurance

• Implement and maintain Quality Control Plan per SOW Section 4.6
• Ensure all deliverables are error-free (spelling, grammar, format, numerical accuracy)
• Verify deliverables meet timeliness requirements (2-hour tasker response, 2-day meeting materials)
• Provide training and guidance to contractor personnel on Government requirements

Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with multiple PARM divisions simultaneously under hybrid/matrix support model
• Communicate with Government stakeholders across DHS via meetings, working groups, and written communications
• Maintain professional relationships with other vendor employees and Government personnel
• Available via teleconference, email, and MS Teams during business hours
• Respond to technical problems within 4 hours of notification

Senior Analyst Responsibilities (75% of effort)

Acquisition Program Analysis

• Review and analyze DHS major and non-major acquisition programs
• Assess program compliance with DHS MD 102-01 and acquisition instructions
• Evaluate program scope, cost, schedule, and risk management practices
• Provide written recommendations and analysis for CAO decision-making
• Support acquisition governance boards and milestone reviews

Executive Support

• Develop memoranda documenting decisions of Government oversight officials
• Support development of Congressional reports, testimony, and briefing materials
• Prepare white papers and executive-level correspondence
• Create materials for external Government agencies and DHS executives
• Research Congressional activity, GAO reports, and OMB guidance

Strategic Analysis

• Conduct research on acquisition policies, regulations, and best practices
• Identify gaps, risks, and trends in acquisition program performance
• Apply critical thinking to moderately complex acquisition issues
• Provide recommendations on systemic acquisition management improvements
• Analyze source system data and program artifacts

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Develop and maintain spreadsheets, charts, and acquisition dashboards
• Compile and synthesize information from disparate sources
• Track and consolidate responses to data calls and audit findings
• Support DHS Executive Secretariat tasker management (2-hour turnaround)
• Create visualizations for executive-level briefings using Power BI

Meeting Support

• Provide administrative and technical support for acquisition reviews
• Prepare agendas and handouts (2 days prior to events)
• Document meeting notes and action items (distributed within 2 days)
• Coordinate logistics for symposiums, training, and working groups

**Remote, but commutable within the Greater DC Metro area**

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration, or related field
• PMP Certification (Active and Current)

Experience

Minimum 8 years of experience with:

• Overseeing cost, schedule, and performance requirements of major acquisition programs
• Managing projects within major acquisition programs
• Supervising personnel in a government contracting environment
• Federal acquisition lifecycle and governance processes

Demonstrated experience in:

• DHS acquisition policies and procedures (highly preferred)
• Title 41 U.S.C. § 1702 compliance requirements
• Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) processes
• Acquisition Review Boards and milestone decision gates
• Congressional reporting and audit response

Technical Skills

Advanced Proficiency Required:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Visio)
• Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
• Data visualization tools (Power BI preferred)
• Executive-level briefing development
• Technical writing and editing

Working Knowledge Required:

• Federal acquisition regulations and policies
• Risk management frameworks
• Performance measurement and metrics
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• AI tools for analysis and reporting

Communication Skills

• Exceptional written communication for executive-level products
• Strong verbal presentation skills for senior leadership briefings
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Experience with plain language standards for government documents
• Proven ability to meet aggressive deadlines without compromising quality

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with DHS PARM or similar acquisition oversight office
• Current DHS suitability determination or security clearance
• Master's degree in relevant field
• Additional certifications (FAC-P/PM, DAWIA, Agile/Scrum)
• Experience with DHS Management Directives, particularly MD 102-01
• Knowledge of DHS components and their acquisition programs
• Experience with Executive Secretariat processes
• Familiarity with OASIS+ contract vehicle

Key Competencies

Leadership

• Team building and motivation
• Conflict resolution
• Decision-making under pressure
• Resource optimization

Analytical

• Root cause analysis
• Trend identification
• Risk assessment
• Data-driven recommendations

Organizational

• Multi-stakeholder coordination
• Priority management
• Deadline management
• Detail orientation

Interpersonal

• Executive presence
• Diplomatic communication
• Cultural sensitivity
• Client relationship management

Working Conditions

• Primarily remote work from vendor facility
• Occasional travel to Washington, DC area (less than 10%)
• Standard office environment when onsite
• Must maintain home office with reliable internet for remote work
• Government-furnished equipment provided (laptop, software, network access)

OCT offers competitive compensation packages and a full suite of benefits which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Retirement savings 401K plan provided by an industry leading provider with 3% employer contributions of the employee's gross salary
• Paid Time Off and Standard Government Holidays
• Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term disability benefits
• Training Benefits and professional development opportunities
• Performance-based bonuses tied to business development success

Salary Range: $110,000-$180,000 yearly commensurate with experience and education

About OCT Consulting

OCT Consulting LLC provides professional services and information technology solutions to the Federal government and commercial clients. Founded in 2013, we bring the advantage of agility in operations along with a management team with a track record of leading successful engagements at major Federal government agencies.

At OCT, we are committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all individuals, recognizing that merit and qualifications are the foundation of our hiring, promotion, and development practices. We believe in creating a work environment where employees can thrive based on their abilities, skills, and achievements. Our practices ensure fair treatment and equal access to opportunities for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, or other personal characteristics. We are dedicated to providing career growth and professional development based on individual merit and fostering a workplace where everyone's contributions are valued and recognized.