Contract Specialist - DIRECT HIRE

Summary

This position is established to perform a variety of functions related to the procurement of supplies and services, ranging from Simplified Acquisitions to more complex multi-million dollar negotiated acquisitions. Contracts/cooperative agreements are awarded and administered for support of the programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Duties

The Contract Specialist: Exercises responsibility for the procurement of contract requirements which are often among the most complex and difficult procurements conducted by the DOT, frequently involving critical and/or sensitive program efforts and multi-million-dollar funding commitments. Conducts post-award conferences; monitors and reports on contractor's performance; resolves performance deficiencies; conducts all required actions with respect to contract termination; and prepares all supporting documentation (e.g. D &F's, Sole Sources Justification). Evaluates proposed contract modifications, analyzes cost and price proposals with respect to modifications, contract changes, and claims; negotiates and prepares contract changes, modifications, and claim settlements. Exercises responsibility for administration of all contracts, which the employee negotiates. Such administration functions are specialized, and often complex. Performs price/cost analyses. Analyzes commercial pricing practices applicable to the commodities and the latest economic developments pertaining to increased material, labor, or transportation costs as reflected in the current price indexes. Analyzes cost and pricing data submitted by offerors to substantiate direct and indirect costs and profit The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in the full range of acquisition planning, contract award, contract negotiation, and contract administration techniques.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience serving as the primary technical authority interpreting contract provisions for mission-critical acquisitions. Experience providing guidance to senior agency officials and external contractor executives to resolve contractual disputes or performance issues. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Contracting/Procurement - Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques, or requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations) for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration. Acquisition Strategy - Knowledge of the principles and methods for developing an integrated acquisition management plan that describes the business, technical, and support strategies, including the relationship between the acquisition phases, work efforts, and key program events (for example, decision points, contract awards, test activities). Oral Communication (‡) - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Basic Requirements for GS-13 and Above A. Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions, including at least 4-years experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position. B. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. C. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. This also applies to positions at the same grade in the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met. However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver under Paragraph D. D. Waiver: When filling a specific vacant position, the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this Paragraph D, the senior procurement executive must document for the record the basis of the waiver. If an individual is placed in a position in an agency on the basis of a waiver, the agency may later reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency without additional waiver action.

Requirements

• •You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify
• •Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date
• •Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• •Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position