In the highly specialized world of government contracting, finding qualified personnel who meet strict requirements presents unique challenges for companies supporting defense agencies. When a technical solutions provider encountered difficulties with their staffing needs for NAVSEA contracts, they sought expert assistance with their talent acquisition process. This case study examines how a strategic recruiting approach transformed a challenging situation into a successful partnership through specialized expertise in government contracting recruitment.
The Client
The Client is a Small Disadvantaged Business headquartered in Alexandria, VA. They are a technical solutions company specializing in Systems Engineering Services, Research and Development, Port and Harbor Operations, and other support activities for harbor operations.
The Client currently holds various prime contracts and subcontracts under NAVSEA’s Seaport Next Generation (NxG) Multi-Award Contract. These include engagements with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), TEAM SUBMARINE – TSUB Cybersecurity, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), and others.
The Problem/Opportunity
The Client faced significant challenges filling multiple Acquisition/Contracts Analyst roles with various NAVSEA program offices under the SeaPort NxG contract. These positions presented three key difficulties:
- Specialized Experience Requirements: Over ten (10) years of experience supporting sea or submarine program offices within NAVSEA, along with subject matter expertise in DoD acquisitions.
- Stringent Qualifications: Mandatory Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Program Management Advanced or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level I or II certifications, plus an active Secret security clearance.
- Compensation Barriers: The salary offered was below current market rates, making candidates unwilling to commute or relocate to the Washington Navy Yard performance location in Washington, DC.
These challenges resulted in low candidate interest and poor response rates to recruitment outreach.
The iQuasar Solution
iQuasar’s dedicated team of recruiters, known for their thorough and comprehensive approach, gathered all the client’s requirements and started an extensive search for the relevant candidates.
Our recruiters conducted an in-depth analysis and research for these Acquisition/Contracts Analyst positions. We used various licensed job sites, internal databases, AI, and sourcing tools to find qualified candidates for the vacant roles. Upon analyzing the market for these niche requirements, our team determined that the most suitable candidates for these roles would be Navy veterans and Reservists.
Given the short turnaround time (TAT) for this position, we began specifically targeting candidates with Navy experience, particularly veterans and Reservists, as they possessed the required years of experience and the necessary skill set for the role. The team also connected with numerous attainable candidates and utilized various referral tactics to contact them. We were able to secure multiple offers and placements for the submitted candidates.
How our solution created value for the Client
iQuasar’s dedicated team helped the Client fill various Acquisition/Contracts Analyst positions over the span of 3 years. The candidates offered were approved and onboarded. We were able to secure around 7 placements. Our team consistently filled various other positions on different contracts, helping the client expand their business. The Client not only became our trusted customer but also our trusted partner and added multiple resources to handle all the recruitment-related efforts.
