Southwest Research Institute · 20 hours ago
ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST - SPECIALIST - Small Business Program
San Antonio, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
1+ years expSouthwest Research Institute is committed to promoting small business participation and ensuring supplier compliance with Federal requirements. The Associate Specialist will establish relationships with small business suppliers, collaborate with procurement teams, and manage subcontracting plans to support organizational objectives.
Innovation ManagementMarket ResearchMechanical EngineeringNon ProfitProduct Research
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Establish, develop, and sustain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with small business suppliers to support organizational objectives and ensure alignment with company goals
Collaborate with procurement and buying teams to identify opportunities for small businesses and actively advocate for initiatives that advance organizational small business goals
Develop, implement, and manage subcontracting plans to meet small business participation requirements in accordance with client, contract, and regulatory standards
Partner with technical stakeholders to support small business objectives by identifying opportunities through targeted market research and supplier analysis
Assist in the planning, execution, and promotion of outreach events in coordination with relevant associations and external organizations, as business needs require
Partner with business development and proposal teams to support proposal activities, including identifying qualified small businesses and drafting, reviewing, and updating Small Business Subcontracting Plans
Provide training, guidance, and subject-matter expertise to internal stakeholders on small business subcontracting requirements, compliance expectations, and best practices
Review Small Business Subcontracting Plans and deliver strategic recommendations to strengthen small business participation and enhance proposal competitiveness
Track and analyze subcontracting performance metrics, including small business utilization, and prepare required government reports such as SF 294 and SF 295
Participate in outreach events, workshops, and networking activities to promote small business engagement, support organizational objectives, and maintain compliance with subcontracting and development requirements
Qualification
Required
Requires a Bachelors degree in Business, Contract Management, Supply Chain, or a related field
1-3 years: Demonstrated experience in business outreach and development, building strategic partnerships, resolving conflicts with tact, negotiating agreements, and maintaining productive, professional relationships with diverse stakeholders
1-3 years: Working knowledge of federal contracting regulations and systems (FAR, DFARS, eSRS), with the ability to analyze and clearly present market research, business strategies, and performance metrics to internal and external stakeholders
1-3 years: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Adobe, with excellent organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally across diverse technical and business audiences
1-3 years: Proven proactive problem-solver with a resourceful, results-oriented mindset, demonstrating initiative and adaptability while delivering effective solutions in dynamic environments
A valid/clear driver's license is required
Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section
Preferred
Masters degree is preferred
Company
Southwest Research Institute
Southwest Research Institute is an independent organization benefiting the government and others through innovative science and more.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$19.47MKey Investors
NASAUS Department of EnergyARPA-E
2025-03-11Grant· $3M
2023-06-09Grant· $2M
2022-12-14Series Unknown· $1.61M
Leadership Team
Walter D. Downing
Executive Vice President and COO
Alan Stern
Associate Vice President
Recent News
2026-01-13
2025-12-17
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