Business Development Lead

Company Description

Akicita Federal specializes in supporting Federal Agencies efforts by providing a range of services and solutions critical to protecting the country and ensuring the safety of its citizens. These services include intelligence gathering and analysis, cybersecurity, emergency management and response, and medical support. Based on a rich cultural heritage as part of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Akicita Federal stands out for its dedicated approach to national safety and security.

Key Responsibilities

Pipeline Development & Market Intelligence

• Identify, qualify, and track federal contracting opportunities across civilian and defense agencies aligned with company capabilities
• Monitor
  
  , agency forecasts, and procurement trends to build a robust opportunity pipeline
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify gaps and positioning strategies
• Develop and maintain a weighted pipeline with win probability assessments
• Collaborate with leadership to refine target agency list and capability alignment
• Leverage 8(a), ISBEE, and IEE certifications to identify set-aside opportunities

Proposal Development & Submission

• Lead end-to-end proposal development process from opportunity identification through submission
• Develop compelling win themes, discriminators, and technical approach narratives
• Write, edit, and coordinate proposal sections including technical, management, and past performance volumes
• Ensure compliance with RFP/RFQ requirements and federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS)
• Manage proposal schedules, color reviews (Pink, Red, Gold), and production timelines
• Coordinate with technical subject matter experts, capture managers, and subcontractors
• Maintain proposal library and reusable content repository

Pricing & Cost Strategy

• Develop competitive pricing strategies for various contract types (FFP, T&M, Cost-Plus, IDIQ)
• Collaborate with finance team to build accurate cost models and labor rate structures
• Analyze pricing against IGCE (Independent Government Cost Estimate) and market benchmarks
• Prepare price-to-win analyses and recommend bid/no-bid decisions
• Ensure pricing compliance with government cost accounting standards
• Support contract negotiations and clarification responses

Partner & Teaming Development

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with prime contractors, teammates, and subcontractors
• Negotiate teaming agreements, NDAs, and subcontractor arrangements
• Position Akicita Federal as both a prime contractor and strategic subcontractor
• Develop mentor-protégé relationships under the 8(a) program
• Maintain CRM system with partner relationships and teaming history

Capture Management

• Lead capture planning for high-priority opportunities ($1M-$200M)
• Conduct capability assessments and gap analyses
• Develop capture plans including win strategy, competitive analysis, and customer intelligence
• Schedule and facilitate customer meetings and agency engagement activities
• Build relationships with contracting officers, program managers, and technical evaluators

Required Qualifications

Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of federal business development, capture, or proposal management experience

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Federal Expertise: Deep understanding of federal procurement processes, FAR/DFARS, and contract vehicles (GSA, GWACs, IDIQs)

8(a) Knowledge: Familiarity with SBA 8(a) program regulations and set-aside opportunities

Proposal Skills: Proven track record of successful proposal submissions with measurable win rates

Writing: Exceptional written communication skills with ability to craft compelling narratives

Pricing Acumen: Experience developing competitive pricing strategies and cost models

Relationships: Established network within federal agencies and contractor community

Tools: Proficiency in CRM system, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• APMP certification (Association of Proposal Management Professionals)
• Shipley training or equivalent proposal methodology
• Experience with specific agencies aligned to company capabilities
• Previous experience with companies in the 8(a) program preferred
• Government contracting certifications (CPCM, CFCM, etc.)

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and opportunity qualification
• Relationship building and networking
• Persuasive writing and storytelling
• Project management and deadline orientation
• Collaboration and cross-functional leadership
• Resilience and adaptability in competitive environments
• Data-driven decision making

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to shape the growth trajectory of a certified small business
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Collaborative and mission-focused culture