Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. 

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters.  Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF).  Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for an Acquisition Policy & Process Analyst.

SPA is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Acquisition Policy & Process Analyst to support the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration (SAF/SQ) in Arlington, VA. SAF/SQ has overall responsibility for Department of the Air Force (DAF) space systems acquisition and architectures oversight as well as integration of allied, civil, and commercial space capabilities into United States Space Force (USSF) architectures. These responsibilities are carried out in close collaboration with the Chief of Space Operations (CSO) and the USSF staff. SAF/SQ also serves as the Space Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) and oversees and directs the activities of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO), Space Systems Command (SSC), and the Space Development Agency (SDA). SAF/SQ’s guiding objectives are to (1) drive speed into space acquisitions; (2) make our space architecture more resilient; (3) integrate our space architecture with other war fighting domains; (4) drive program management discipline across our acquisitions; and (5) ensure that space and ground acquisitions are time phased to optimize operational availability. Achieving these objectives requires a workforce with broadly diverse and deep skills in system engineering, acquisition oversight, program management, architecture analysis, program planning and budgeting, and executive level communications and support.

The Acquisition Policy & Process Analyst supports the SAF/SQ organization by developing and implementing policy and processes to support the DAF space and DoD acquisition oversight processes. The successful candidate will establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and other stakeholders of the organization, both internally and externally. You should thrive in a work environment with high expectations and be able to manage diverse assignments with attention to details.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Support Space Acquisition Executive (SAE) oversight and decision-making activities, PEO program execution, and oversight efforts of space systems.
• Study, analyze, and provide recommendations on requirements, space acquisition strategies, program documentation, program phase transition plans, supplemental information, and program execution.
• Provide honest broker assessments of policy compliance for space programs approaching milestone decisions.
• Track for compliance with stated program direction and identify issues.
• Review and provide recommendations on existing and proposed space acquisition and capability area policies and implementation.
• Review and evaluate the impact of national, DOD, JCS, and civil government policies and activities that affect space acquisition programs and capability areas.
• Maintain historical space acquisition policy and process documentation and developing summary documents/briefings and training material.
• Provide short notice, quick-reaction analyses of critical programmatic issues in the context of Congressional, OSD Staff, Joint Staff, HQ USAF/USSF, Major Air Command (MAJCOM)/Field Command (FLDCOM), coalition, and international activities.
• Support the HAF review process - Air Force Requirements Oversight Council (AFROCs), Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessment (JWCAs), Defense Acquisition Boards (DABs), Congressional cycle, Acquisition Strategy Panels (ASPs), Air Force Review Board (AFRBs), Configuration Steering Board (CSB), Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports, etc.
• Perform the Secretariat function for ASPs, ARBs, and CSBs.
• Review and document Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Monitor on-going studies, analyses, and developmental work relevant to space acquisition policy. 
• Any other tasks closely associated with the performance of duties listed above and as coordinated with the COR.

About the Must Haves

• Active TS security clearance with SCI eligibility
• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 7 years of relevant work experience
• Available for at least 50% in-person support at the Pentagon
• Experience working on the HQ DAF staff, acquisition organization staff, or in a program management role
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to plan, track, and maintain due dates for multiple tasks and products central to the organization’s business processes
• Exemplary writing and editing skills
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing work environments while maintaining flexibility and versatility
• Experience working successfully with senior executives at multiple organizational levels
• Experience fostering stable and productive working relationships that communicate expectations and promote cooperation
• Experience communicating effectively and concisely using a variety of styles and techniques appropriate to the audience