Contract Specialist

Smithsonian Institution • Washington, DC

17d

About The Position

The Contract Specialist serves in a senior, non-supervisory role in the Architect Engineering and Construction (AEC) division of the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management. The division manages bidding and contractor selection and ensures compliance with directives and federal regulations for contracts involving renovations, construction, architecture, engineering, maintenance, and services.

The position manages acquisition projects such as new museum research facility construction; architect/engineering studies, site analysis, design, and engineering; and renovation or major restoration of historic buildings. It oversees preparation and execution of contracts, monitors compliance on awarded construction contracts, and acts as the contract administrator for assigned projects. The specialist develops project-specific contract vehicles and pricing strategies, advises senior management on acquisition matters and process improvements, and provides contracting guidance throughout contract administration.

Requirements

• Complete mandatory agency training prescribed for progression to GS-13 or higher contracting positions.
• At least four years of experience in contracting or related positions, including at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower level.
• A four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, including or supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in a combination of accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service, independently managing and executing acquisition projects involving new construction, historic building restoration and renovation, and/or architecture/engineering services.
• Specialized experience applying contracting policies, regulations, and procedures; overseeing complex acquisition activities; and providing expert contracting advice and guidance to management.
• For promotion candidates, meet qualification requirements including one year of time-in-grade at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Pass a pre-employment background investigation.
• Maintain a bank account for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Submit a resume of no more than two pages that describes relevant experience; applicants qualifying through foreign education must provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Complete specialized acquisition projects involving new museum research facility construction, architect/engineering studies and services, or renovation and major restoration of historic buildings.
• Monitor construction compliance for contracts that have been awarded.
• Manage and oversee preparation and execution of contracts for new construction, building restoration and renovation, and architect/engineering services.
• Serve as an expert in contracts for technical and non-technical services, equipment, and supplies.
• Develop contract vehicles and pricing strategies tailored to project needs, including IDIQ, job order, design-bid-build, design-build, firm-fixed-price, GMP, and phased contracting approaches.
• Advise senior management on acquisition and contracting matters, policies, procedures, regulations, and process improvements.
• Act as the overall contract administrator for assigned projects.
• Establish and maintain electronic contract files.
• Conduct on-site inspections and evaluate project progress.
• Provide contracting advice and guidance during contract administration, including contract modifications, claims and dispute resolution, and terminations for default or convenience.
• Coordinate contractual actions to ensure the Smithsonian Institution receives the agreed-upon work.

Benefits

• Federal Government comprehensive benefits package, with information provided for flexible spending accounts, health insurance, leave, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and retirement program.
• Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized, subject to availability and approval.

What This Job Offers

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