Contractor Compliance and Relationship Manager - Transportation Research Board

Job Description Summary:

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) are private, non-profit institutions that serve as the nation’s premier source of independent, objective, and expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and the world. Each of the Academies (the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine) consists of members elected by peers in recognition of distinguished achievement in their respective fields. Academy members are among the world's most distinguished scientists, engineers, physicians, and researchers, with more than 300 members counted among Nobel laureates.

About the Cooperative Research Program:


The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is one of seven divisions of the National Academies and provides leadership in transportation improvements and innovation through trusted, timely, impartial, and evidence-based information exchange, research, and advice regarding all modes of transportation. TRB mobilizes expertise and knowledge to anticipate and solve complex transportation challenges accomplished through the hard work and dedication of more than 8,500 volunteers and a staff of 120 professionals.

Through its Cooperative Research Program (CRP) division, TRB manages over 600 research projects at any given time in the areas of highways, transit, airports, and behavioral traffic safety. TRB publishes approximately 800 peer-reviewed research papers per year and maintains the largest transportation research bibliographic database in the world with over 1.3 million records.    

Sponsors of TRB include State Departments of Transportation; the U.S. Department of Transportation and its agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; the Department of Energy; the Environmental Protection Agency; and a number of transportation-related foundations and non-profit organizations.

Position Summary:

This is a pivotal time to join TRB as the National Academies embark on transformational changes to better serve the nation while preserving their firm commitment to and reputation for being the gold standard for quality. The Contractor Compliance and Relationship Manager reports to the CRP Deputy Director and works closely with program managers, 30 technical project managers, and financial partners to monitor CRP contracting activities, establishing and nurturing strategic relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders. The primary focus will be monitoring Subawards, collaborating with the Office of Contracts and Grants (OGC), and collaborating with contractors, suppliers, and partners to achieve the CRP’s objectives and strategic goals.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Contractor Compliance and Relationship Management

• Collaborate with the Office of Contracts and Grants (OGC) for responsibilities related to management of contracts and Subawards

• Monitor activities of Subawardee to confirm that the Subaward is in compliance and used for authorized purposes; review financial and performance reports required by the Subaward.

• Provide a consistent optimal contractor experience, including supporting contractors and managing compliance.

• Develop collaborative partnerships with technical project managers and NASEM Procurement Services and Subaward Administration unit to serve contractors best.

• Connect with new prospects interested in conducting research and support them concerning CRP processes.

• Ensure that CRP's activities are within the guidelines, regulations, and ethical expectations of NASEM and CRP’s contractors.

• Monitor CRP contracts from initiation to closeout and report infractions, review contract issues for possible risks and liabilities.

• Contribute to drafting, negotiating, and executing contracts and other legal agreements.

• Serve as a point of contact for contractors, partners, and staff to address contractual issues in collaboration with the CRP management team and project managers.

• Maintain records of contracts and other legal agreements, with a particular focus on monitoring continual compliance adherence

• Create, modify, update, and implement the CRP’s Procedural Manual

• Develop risk management strategies to address contractor underperformance.