Contract Specialist

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Sacramento, CA

4d

About The Position

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is recruiting Contract Specialists through a Direct Hire Authority solicitation for positions in the competitive service. Multiple vacancies may be filled at duty locations specified in the announcement, and management may select at any announced grade level. The incumbent manages full-lifecycle pre-award and post-award civil works procurement actions. The position has promotion potential to GS-12; promotion is not automatic and depends on meeting qualification requirements and supervisory recommendation.

The role supports regional civil works, construction, and service requirements. The Contract Specialist works with technical teams on acquisition planning and contracting strategies, prepares and evaluates solicitations and proposals, conducts cost or price analysis, negotiates contract terms and prices, and administers awarded contracts. Post-award work includes monitoring contractor performance, reviewing invoices, conducting site visits, negotiating modifications, resolving disputes or claims, and completing closeouts or terminations.

The position may require a suitability or fitness determination based on a background investigation and may require a one-year probationary period. Temporary duty or business travel may be required up to 10% of the time. Situational telework may be authorized at management’s discretion and/or under agency policy. Employees selected at GS-11 or GS-12 must obtain DAWIA Professional Certification in Contracting within 36 months of entry. Employees at GS-12 must submit a confidential financial disclosure report upon entry and annually thereafter. Direct deposit is required. Permanent Change of Station costs and recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees, unless exempt under the stated DoD or military service provisions for qualifying personnel who occupied specified contracting positions or specialties on or before September 30, 2000.
• U.S. citizenship; applicants must provide proof of citizenship.
• Meet the specialized-experience requirement for the grade level sought: GS-07 requires one year equivalent to GS-05 in at least three specified areas; GS-09 requires one year equivalent to GS-07 in at least three specified areas; GS-11 requires one year equivalent to GS-09 in at least three specified areas; GS-12 requires one year equivalent to GS-11 in at least three specified areas.
• For GS-07, qualifying experience areas include assisting with basic market research; assembling standard solicitation packages and contract files; reviewing invoices and payment requests; or maintaining contract files and tracking milestones and deadlines.
• For GS-09, qualifying experience areas include assisting with solicitations, amendments, and public notices; conducting price analyses of competitive quotes or bids; drafting routine contract modifications; or monitoring contractor performance and addressing routine delivery or service issues.
• For GS-11, qualifying experience areas include developing pre-award documentation; conducting cost and price analyses on non-competitive proposals; participating in or leading negotiations or preparing negotiation documentation; or managing multi-year contracts, modifications, equitable adjustments, claims, or disputes.
• For GS-12, qualifying experience areas include performing pre-award, post-award, and closeout work; serving as a lead contracting representative or guiding stakeholders through evaluation and award; participating in high-value negotiations, modifications, profit analysis, or audits; or handling defaults, terminations for convenience, or major claims.
• Qualifications must be met by the announcement’s closing date.
• If using foreign education, provide an evaluation establishing equivalency to education from an accredited U.S. program, or evidence of full credit for the courses at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Employees selected at GS-11 or GS-12 must obtain DAWIA Professional Certification in Contracting within 36 months of entry.
• A suitability or fitness determination based on a background investigation may be required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform acquisition planning and develop contractual strategies with technical teams to support regional civil works, construction, and service requirements.
• Draft solicitation packages, analyze proposals, and conduct cost or price analyses to ensure compliant, fair, and reasonable contract awards.
• Plan, prepare, and lead negotiations for competitive and sole-source actions to establish technical terms and pricing objectives.
• Administer contracts after award by monitoring contractor performance, reviewing invoices, and conducting site visits to verify compliance.
• Negotiate contract modifications and resolve complex disputes or claims.
• Execute contract closeouts or terminations for convenience or default.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on the position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level