Subject Matter Expert (EBT Systems)

Title: Subject Matter Expert (EBT Systems and Policy)

Clearance: Public Trust (minimum)

Location: Remote / DC Metro (occasional UAT travel)

Type: 12 Month Contract

Key Responsibilities

The SME will perform the following duties in support of the Performance Work Statement (PWS):

EBT Systems & Policy Expertise

• Provide authoritative analysis and guidance on SNAP EBT operations, policy, and program integrity issues at the State and Federal levels.
• Advise FNA leadership and external stakeholders (State agencies, EBT host processors, retailers, third-party processors, card manufacturers, mobile wallet providers) on complex operational and technical matters.
• Analyze complex problems related to SNAP operations; develop recommendations, alternative solutions, and support project implementation plans.
• Contribute to modernization of EBT regulations, standards, and technical assistance materials.

Technical Assistance & Document Review

• Review and provide expert comments on Business Requirements Documents (BRDs), Detailed Design Documents, Project Workplans, and other technical documentation for PIN Solution Providers, Ecommerce Providers, Direct Connect retailers, Mobile Payments Pilots, Chip/CAV2 implementations, and EBT conversions.
• Participate in Joint Application Design (JAD) / Business Requirements Gathering sessions with States and stakeholders.
• Develop or update technical assistance documents and notices that support States and retailers with implementation of online purchasing, mobile payments, chip cards, and CAV2/expiration date features.

Testing, UAT & Implementation Support

• Review existing test scripts and develop State- or retailer-specific "What If" and end-to-end test scripts for Mobile Payments Pilot, Chip Card/CAV2, and conversion activities.
• Participate in and provide technical assistance during User Acceptance Testing (UAT) events (on-site or remote as required) for States and EBT Host Processors.
• Develop and manage end-to-end testing issue logs and UAT issue logs; track resolution of findings.
• Prepare UAT Summary Reports and Post-Implementation/Rollout/Conversion Summary Reports detailing findings, issues, and resolutions.
• Provide on-call technical assistance during conversion weekends (up to 20 hours) as required.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Participate in (and when appropriate lead) weekly and ad-hoc project conference calls with FNA, State agencies, EBT processors, POS manufacturers, card manufacturers, mobile wallet providers, credit card companies, and ANSI X9.58 committee members.
• Capture meeting minutes, action items, risks, and decisions; escalate issues as needed.
• Brief senior FNA management and external executives on complex policy and technical issues with clarity and authority.

3. Required Qualifications (Minimum)

Candidates must meet all of the following minimum qualifications as defined in the PWS for Key Personnel:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of functional expertise in SNAP EBT at the State or Federal level, with demonstrated ability to analyze and provide guidance on issues related to SNAP EBT, operational considerations, and concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems related to SNAP operations, make recommendations, develop alternative solutions, draft and support project implementation plans.
• Demonstrated ability to converse with and provide assistance to the highest levels of management regarding complex policy issues.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience with complex software systems interacting with large databases applicable to SNAP systems eligibility and EBT systems.
• A minimum of five (5) years of communication experience facilitating meetings and providing expert consultation on SNAP programs/policies.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency with ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance (fingerprint check required for short-term; full background investigation for personnel working 180+ days).

4. Preferred / Highly Desired Qualifications

Direct experience supporting SNAP Online Purchasing, Online PIN Solution Providers (e.g., Fiserv, WorldPay, Forage), Ecommerce platforms, or Direct Connect retailers.

Hands-on experience with Mobile Payments Pilot projects, EBT mobile wallet integration, or contactless/mobile payment technologies in a benefits program context.

Experience with Chip Card (EMV), CAV2, and/or card expiration date implementation for EBT or similar payment systems.

Prior involvement in State EBT host processor conversions or large-scale EBT system modernization efforts.

Familiarity with ANSI X9.58 standards, POS device certification, or payment network requirements relevant to SNAP.

Experience developing or reviewing test scripts and participating in formal UAT for federal or State benefit systems.

Active Public Trust or higher clearance with USDA or another federal agency.

PMP, CSM, or other relevant project/delivery certifications (beneficial but not required for the SME role).

5. Core Competencies

• Deep domain knowledge of SNAP program rules, EBT transaction processing, and program integrity controls.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills applied to complex multi-stakeholder technical environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior executives and produce clear technical documentation.
• Comfort operating in a high-visibility, deadline-driven federal consulting environment with frequent conference calls and document review cycles.
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively with Project Managers, Systems Analysts, and government COR/technical staff.