Contract Specialist

The Contract Specialist at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, plays a critical role in advancing biomedical research through strategic procurement of scientific and technical services. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of acquisitions, they facilitate contracts that support cutting-edge research in aging biology, translational medicine, and precision diagnostics. Their portfolio primarily encompasses research and development services in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, ensuring alignment with NIA’s mission to extend healthy human lifespan through evidence-based innovation. They work closely with scientific program officers and technical evaluators to define requirements, evaluate proposals, and administer performance-based contracts that meet rigorous federal standards. The Contract Specialist collaborates with a diverse range of contractors, including academic research institutions, nonprofit research organizations, and private-sector firms specializing in preclinical and clinical research support. While no single contractor dominates the award profile, the procurement pattern reflects a preference for highly qualified entities with demonstrated expertise in aging-related biological systems, biomarker discovery, and data analytics for longitudinal health studies. Relationships are typically project-driven, with an emphasis on technical merit, compliance with NIH grant and contract regulations, and the ability to deliver scalable research infrastructure. This specialist maintains a consistent focus on full and open competition, with 100% of procurements designated as non-set-aside. There is no preferential treatment for socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, reflecting a mission-driven approach prioritizing scientific capability over socioeconomic criteria. Small business participation occurs organically through competitive bidding rather than targeted set-asides. The primary NAICS code 541715 governs all acquisitions, underscoring a deep specialization in research and development services within the life sciences. Procurements center on contract research organizations, bioinformatics platforms, laboratory automation systems, and clinical trial support services—all tailored to the unique demands of aging research, including longitudinal data collection, geriatric biomarker validation, and intervention efficacy studies.