**Organization Overview**
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries.
**Opportunity **
Abt Associates seeks a Pricing Associate to develop, manage, and lead large complex business proposals within the Global Business Development Unit (GBDU). Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the business proposal. Lead and manage internal cost team members and teaming partners on the development and completion of required business proposal components. Develop and lead training sessions on the business proposal process as well as other capacity building training related to pricing. Mentor and provide guidance to the proposal team to help ensure compliance with Abt pricing policies, client requirements and US Government regulations.
**Key Responsibilities**
1. Independently lead and develop complex business proposals as requested by the Division which includes the following responsibilities:
* Lead and communicate a clear and compelling direction for all proposal team members (internal and external) on cost component requirements, roles and responsibilities, and timelines. Prepare, compile, and disseminate business proposal packages. Hold proposal team to timelines for delivery of results to ensure timely submission of proposals.
* Develop cost strategies with Division Senior Management and the technical team in terms of competitive differentiators; team/staffing structure; cost share/cost leveraging; target net revenue and profit/fee; budget scenarios to determine overall partner shares, risk management, etc. Effectively represent Abt interests to the cost effort.
* Review and analyze solicitations for required business proposal components. Identify any discrepancies in cost requirements for clarification by the Offeror. Create a Compliance Matrix for the business proposal to ensure completion of all required business proposal components.
* Collaborate with internal departments (Human Resources, Global Operations Control, Contracts, Subcontracts, Security, Legal, IT and Government Audit and Compliance) as necessary to identify any potential risks with Abt policies and operations as well as to ensure receipt of most recent information for use in the business proposal.
* Design and populate intricate detailed spreadsheets for a variety of contract types, such as T&M;, CPFF, and FFP, to comply with bid requirements and Abt’s cost accounting standards. Spreadsheets should include error checks, profitability and staffing mix analyses. Anticipate future consequences and trends in proposing costs.
* Coordinate closely with the technical team and Proposal Manager to ensure business proposal aligns with the technical proposal approach and proposed staffing.
* Lead Initial Pricing Strategy and Green Team reviews before final business proposal submission. Obtain appropriate final approvals from Senior Corporate Management, Division Vice President, and departments as appropriate.
* Organize all sections of the cost proposal and shepherd it thru production to delivery. Accomplish this by carefully preparing each section of the cost proposal and checking for completeness and accuracy (certifications, budget, and budget notes).
* Negotiate with Contracting Officers as required for any questions arising from cost submissions.
* Completion of cost/pricing checklist for each business proposal as required by each division for audit files.
* Review budget spreadsheets of pricing colleagues prior to their Green Team Reviews and their proposal files to ensure compliance of audit documentation.
2. Training and Mentoring on costing principles:
* Design and lead formal business proposal training courses, at both basic and advanced levels as requested by the divisions. Costing/pricing training could include developing basic budgets or training on costing tools and templates as well as pricing processes.
* Guide and mentor division staff working on business proposals on project management and administration fundamentals and its relevance in the development of project budgets.
3. Maintain, through periodic review and study, an in-depth knowledge of FARs, AIDARs, allowance profiles, and other regulations that directly affect proposal strategies and budgets, and serve as a valuable resource of this information for the Divisions.
**Other Prerequisites**
* Financial management, contract administration, and direct project management on government contracts similar to those managed by Abt and with similar Abt clients such as USAID, DFID, MCC, World Bank, Gates, HHS, HUD, ED, USDA, etc. is required.
* Also required is in-depth knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations, business development and client relationship experience, and strong analytical and computer skills, especially spreadsheet and financial analysis.
* Ability to work independently and close attention to detail required.
**Minimum Qualifications**
8-10 years of experience with a Masters degree in business administration, finance, or related field OR 10-12 years of experience with a BA/BS in business administration, finance, or related field, OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
**This position is located in **
**US-MD-Bethesda **
Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.