U.S. Government Proposal & Contracts Specialist

Azenta Inc. At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships. All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity Job Title U.S. Government Proposal & Contracts Specialist Job Description How You’ll Add Value: The U.S. Government Proposal & Contracts Specialist identifies relevant federal contracting opportunities through SAM.gov and coordinates the preparation and submission of proposals. This individual works independently of the existing sales team and partners closely with an external government contracting consultant to evaluate opportunities, understand solicitation requirements, organize response materials, and submit approved proposals on time. The role focuses on U.S. federal opportunities aligned with Azenta’s sample repository, laboratory sample processing, temperature-controlled storage, cryo-storage, cold-chain logistics, sample relocation, and related sample management services. This is a hands-on specialist position focused on opportunity research, proposal preparation, submission coordination, and disciplined follow-through—not territory sales or independent consulting. Leadership retains bid/no-bid and pricing approval, and authorized reviewers retain responsibility for contractual commitments. What You’ll Do: Monitor SAM.gov for federal contracting opportunities aligned with Azenta’s Sample Repository Services capabilities Screen solicitations for service fit, eligibility requirements, scope, deadlines, required documentation, and submission complexity Prepare concise opportunity summaries for leadership and consultant review to support bid/no-bid decisions Partner with the external government contracting consultant to clarify solicitation requirements, develop response outlines, and review proposal completeness Prepare and assemble responses to RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, including proposal narratives, required forms, supporting documents, and attachments Obtain technical information and approved pricing from designated internal subject-matter experts as needed, without relying on the existing sales team to manage opportunities or develop proposals Maintain proposal calendars and submission checklists, tracking required inputs, review milestones, internal approvals, and final deadlines Monitor solicitation amendments, agency questions and answers, and clarification deadlines; incorporate applicable updates into proposal materials. Submit internally approved responses according to solicitation instructions and retain submission confirmations and complete proposal records Coordinate procurement correspondence and agency follow-up with the consultant, escalating substantive contractual questions and proposed commitments to authorized internal reviewers Maintain an organized opportunity tracker showing review status, bid decisions, submission dates, pending responses, awards, and unsuccessful bids Provide regular updates on relevant opportunities identified, proposal quality and completeness, on-time submissions, and outcomes; capture lessons learned with the consultant to improve future responses What You Will Bring: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience; a strong preference for science-related degree 2+ years of experience in federal proposal coordination, government procurement support, or contract administration Experience reviewing SAM.gov opportunities and interpreting government solicitation instructions, required documents, and submission deadlines. Experience preparing, assembling, or submitting government proposals or procurement responses Strong writing, proofreading, document preparation, and communication skills. Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and coordinate effectively with an external government contracting consultant Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience maintaining proposal files, checklists, and opportunity trackers Working familiarity with federal procurement terminology and processes; experience supporting FAR-based solicitations preferred Life sciences, laboratory services, or sample management experience preferred. Scientific sales experience, territory management experience, and an established customer network are strongly preferred Competencies: Detail-oriented researcher who can review lengthy solicitations and clearly identify requirements, deadlines, and questions requiring further review Clear, concise writer who can organize source information into complete, consistent, and well-structured proposal materials Self-directed specialist who manages priorities independently and works effectively with an external consultant and designated subject-matter experts Acts with integrity, accountability, and discretion when handling proposal information, approvals, procurement communications, and company commitments Highly organized coordinator who maintains accurate records, follows through on outstanding inputs, and meets competing submission deadlines Demonstrates sound judgment, recognizes the limits of delegated authority, and applies consultant feedback and lessons learned to improve proposal quality Your Working Conditions:  Primarily office-based (Plainfield, IN) focused on opportunity research, proposal preparation, and submission management Occasional U.S. travel may be required for internal meetings or government contracting activities, expected at up to 10% Must be able to manage time-sensitive solicitation deadlines and coordinate reviews with the external consultant and designated internal approvers. This role has no assigned sales territory or indiv