Open to opportunities

Nick Granato

@nickgranato

Message

Senior contracts and procurement leader specializing in defense, federal acquisition, and complex negotiations.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior contracting or procurement roles in defense/federal programs where I can lead acquisition strategy, reduce risk, and accelerate mission delivery.

I am a senior contracts leader with 18+ years directing complex defense and national security portfolios across development, production, and sustainment programs. I consistently align contract strategy with enterprise objectives, lead high-stakes negotiations, and deliver disciplined lifecycle execution in FAR/DFARS/HSAR environments.

As a trusted advisor to executive and program leadership, I have directed multi-hundred-million to multi-billion dollar portfolios, accelerated acquisition timelines, and strengthened contractual risk posture through clear governance, workforce development, and audit-ready compliance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Contracting & Acquisition Leader

Current

Department of Homeland Security

Jul 2024 - Present (1 year 7 months)

Direct a remote organization of 18 contracting professionals overseeing contract strategy and execution for mission-critical procurements; accelerated acquisition timelines by 40% and ensured FAR/HSAR compliance on high-value programs.

Contract Lifecycle Management Acquisition Strategy Negotiation Risk Mitigation Pricing Strategy Program Management

Division Chief, Business Systems Contracting

U.S. Air Force

Apr 2019 - Jul 2024 (5 years 3 months)

Directed a $1.3B acquisition portfolio and provided senior guidance on contract structure and pricing for a $1B contract writing system, leading proposal strategy, negotiations, and lifecycle execution for major IT and modernization programs.

Contract Management Proposal Strategy Pricing Posture Negotiation Portfolio Management IT Acquisitions

Branch Chief, B-52 Contracting

U.S. Air Force

Jan 2019 - Apr 2019 (3 months)

Directed contract administration strategy for $28B in B-52 modernization programs, advising leadership on contract structure, funding risk, and performance obligations for major engine and radar upgrades.

Contract Administration Risk Assessment

Supervisory Contracting Officer

U.S. Air Force

Dec 2016 - Jan 2019 (2 years 1 month)

Independently led over 350 contract actions across CPFF, CPAF, FFP, FPIF, and T&M vehicles, strengthened FAR/DFARS compliance, and managed the warrant program qualifying 100+ Contracting Officers.

Contract Administration Workforce Development CPFF CPAF FPIF FFP T&M Process Improvement Training

Contracting Officer

U.S. Air Force

Mar 2013 - Dec 2016 (3 years 9 months)

Led full-lifecycle sourcing for 400+ contract actions across GWACs, IDIQs, and commercial vehicles and negotiated high-value IT and mission systems procurements exceeding $80M.

Sourcing Negotiation Contract Formation IT Acquisitions Commercial Contracting

Contracting Specialist

U.S. Air Force

Mar 2009 - Mar 2013 (4 years)

Supported acquisition planning, solicitation development, proposal evaluation, and contract administration across federal contracting activities to enable mission delivery.

Contract Administration Federal Contracting Compliance Documentation

Aircraft Engine Mechanic

U.S. Air National Guard

Sep 2003 - Sep 2009 (6 years)

Maintained and repaired F-16 engines supporting mission readiness and Foreign Military Sales; led process improvements that enhanced parts readiness and reduced aircraft downtime.

Aircraft Maintenance F 16 Systems Process Improvement Supply Readiness Quality Assurance Technical Troubleshooting