[Remote] MREFC Funding Applications Consultant Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. QED Enterprises, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business delivering professional, technical, and advisory services to federal agencies. They are seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the preparation of Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) funding applications at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The role involves advising on the full lifecycle of MREFC proposals, reviewing applications for compliance, and providing expert guidance to project teams.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the full lifecycle of MREFC proposals, from early concept development through Readiness Reviews, National Science Board (NSB) approval, and construction authorization
• Review and assess MREFC funding applications for compliance with NSF policy, the Major Facilities Guide, and Research Infrastructure Office (RIO) expectations
• Lead or contribute to the development of Project Execution Plans (PEPs), including: – Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and dictionary development – Cost estimates aligned with the GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide – Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and schedule risk analysis – Risk registers and risk mitigation strategies – Governance, oversight, and management plans – Operations planning and transition-to-operations documentation
• Provide expert guidance to project teams on NSF expectations for design maturity, technical readiness, cost realism, and schedule credibility
• Support internal and external reviews, including CDR, PDR, FDR, and Independent Cost Reviews (ICRs)
• Advise on cooperative agreement structures, award terms, reporting requirements, and oversight mechanisms
• Develop templates, checklists, and compliance frameworks to streamline MREFC proposal development
• Engage with NSF program officers, RIO staff, and major facility operators to ensure alignment with current policy and best practices
• Train project teams and institutional leadership on MREFC processes, governance, and documentation standards

Skills

• 20+ years of relevant professional experience in federal major facility programs, large capital projects, or research infrastructure development, oversight, or proposal support
• Direct experience at NSF in roles involving the creation, review, or approval of MREFC funding applications, PEPs, or major facility oversight
• Deep knowledge of the NSF Major Facilities Guide (MFG) and its application to large research infrastructure projects
• Demonstrated expertise in: Cost estimating for large scientific or engineering facilities, Schedule development and analysis (IMS, critical path, schedule risk), Federal lifecycle review processes, Cooperative agreements and major facility governance
• Experience working with universities, FFRDCs, consortia, or large research operators
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills suitable for high-visibility federal deliverables
• Prior NSF authority to approve or recommend approval of MREFC proposals or major facility documentation
• Experience supporting or overseeing major NSF-funded facilities (e.g., observatories, computing centers, polar infrastructure, research vessels)
• Familiarity with GAO, OMB, and federal acquisition and oversight frameworks relevant to major capital projects
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, PMI-RMP, CCP, CCE, EVMP) or equivalent experience in project controls and risk analysis

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