Alternate Contractor Program Manager (CPM)

Description

The Alternate Contractor Program Manager (ACPM) serves as the fully qualified and Government-approved backup to the Contractor Program Manager (CPM) for the SPAS Subject Matter Expert (SME) Course Instructors Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). The ACPM is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted program execution, continuity of leadership, and sustained quality of performance during any period when the CPM is unavailable.

The ACPM possesses equivalent authority, qualifications, and operational knowledge as the CPM and is capable of assuming full responsibility for daily contract operations, Government coordination, instructor oversight, and quality control activities without degradation to performance. The ACPM is not a passive backup. This role is a risk-mitigation control for the Government-ensuring leadership continuity, schedule integrity, and instructional quality across hundreds of courses annually. A strong ACPM materially reduces operational risk, strengthens evaluator confidence, and directly supports sustained mission delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Continuity of Operations & Government Interface

• Serve as the acting Program Manager in the absence of the CPM, with full authority to act for the Contractor on all daily contract matters.
• Interface directly with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Alternate COR (ACOR), and Government Technical Monitors (GTMs) to maintain uninterrupted execution of BPA Orders.
• Ensure seamless transition of responsibilities during CPM absences, leave, or surge periods.

Operational & Program Management Support

• Support planning, scheduling, and execution of SPAS courses across in-person, virtual, and blended delivery modalities.
• Assist in managing instructor assignments, course schedules, and coordination with SPAS Course Chairs/Coordinators.
• Monitor task execution to ensure services are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with BPA requirements.

Instructor Oversight & Workforce Continuity

• Support recruitment, vetting, onboarding, and management of Course Instructors and guest speakers.
• Participate in instructor evaluations, classroom observations, and performance reviews.
• Ensure primary and backup instructor coverage is maintained to prevent course disruptions.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Support implementation and execution of the Quality Control Plan (QCP).
• Assist in monitoring performance indicators, identifying deficiencies, and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with NFATC curriculum standards, Section 508 requirements, and Department of State policies.

Reporting & Stakeholder Coordination

• Assist in preparing monthly activity reports, annual status reports, and other required deliverables.
• Participate in weekly coordination meetings, after-action reviews, and continuous improvement discussions with Government stakeholders.
• Maintain situational awareness of course budgets, schedules, and performance risks.

Administrative & Security Support

• Support contractor personnel badging, public trust processing, and system access coordination.
• Ensure continuity of contractor availability during NFATC core hours and during high-tempo training periods.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum five (5) years managing a federal contract or six (6)+ years of progressively responsible management experience within a government or government-support environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting education, training, or adult learning programs.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills with multiple Government stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and operate effectively under time constraints.

Highly Desired Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Prior experience supporting Foreign Affairs agencies (e.g., Department of State, USAID, Intelligence Community).
• Familiarity with overseas operations, embassy environments, or cross-cultural/global workforces.

Work Location & Availability

• Available during NFATC core hours (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST, Monday-Friday).
• Onsite presence at NFATC as required during planning phases, in-person course delivery, or when acting as CPM.
• Capable of assuming full-time CPM duties on short notice.

Clearance / Suitability

• Public Trust required (Government-sponsored).
• No security clearance required