Contract Specialist (Direct Hire)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters•Huntsville, AL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The NASA Office of Procurement seeks Senior Contract Specialists to perform procurement planning, negotiation, and contract administration in support of NASA programs. The Office of Procurement is structured to support mission partners regardless of location. The announcement may be used to fill positions across the NASA Office of Procurement. Selectees will have a designated home center and may support programs or projects at any NASA center using virtual tools and capabilities, but must work onsite at the selected duty location. The Senior Contract Specialist performs pre-award and/or post-award functions for complex supply, service, research, and construction contracts requiring extensive contract and subcontract administration. The role develops contract documentation and instruments, coordinates procurement objectives with mission partners, plans and conducts negotiations, and provides expert guidance and mentorship to less experienced personnel. The specialist also builds collaborative relationships across acquisition stakeholders to advise on solution-based alternatives for achieving procurement objectives.

Requirements

Meet the mandatory basic education requirement, specialized experience and/or directly related education requirements, and certification or training requirements, unless covered by an exception.
For GS-14, have at least one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to GS-13, including work with complex contracts and pre- or post-award contracting actions for supplies and services.
Use negotiation techniques to negotiate prices, terms and conditions, contract modifications, and settlements with industry representatives and/or other government agencies.
Advise senior leadership and junior contracting officers on unprecedented contracting issues, contracting procedures, and policy interpretations.
Lead and/or mentor junior contract specialists on acquisitions and pre- and post-award issues.
Meet the certification or training requirement: possess a valid Level III FAC-C or FAC-C (Professional), Level III DAWIA certification or DAWIA Professional; or satisfy the specified mandatory Level III FAC-C training and experience requirements.
The basic requirement includes agency-prescribed mandatory contracting training, at least four years of contracting or related experience (including at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower level), and a four-year course of study leading to at least a bachelor's degree that includes or is supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in specified business-related fields.
U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or allegiance to the United States is required.
Meet the qualifications requirements by the announcement closing date.
Work onsite at the selected duty location.
The position may require a one-year probationary period and may be subject to a pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance.
If not currently certified but otherwise eligible, apply for certification within 30 days after starting; certification or training requirements may be subject to the stated waiver and time limits.

Nice To Haves

Experience recommending, developing, and implementing policies and procedures for procuring supplies, services, construction, or research and development projects using formal advertising or negotiation procedures to evaluate contract price proposals and policies.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-award and/or post-award functions for a variety of supply, service, research, and construction contracts.
Manage contracting for complex procurements requiring extensive contract and subcontract administration.
Develop contract-related documentation, including incremental funding modifications, change orders, contract extensions, contractor performance evaluations, and reviews and approvals of contractor financial reports and other submissions.
Develop sound contract instruments and make decisions regarding contract type, pricing and other provisions, source selection, acquisition method, determinations and findings, documentation, and the propriety of cited funds.
Coordinate with mission partners to develop overarching procurement objectives and construct contractual instruments, including pricing arrangements, subcontracting goals, and set-aside policies.
Plan and coordinate negotiation strategies, evaluate proposals with the negotiation team, and conduct negotiations with contractors to establish prices and terms.
Provide authority for pre- and post-award contractual actions and offer expert advice, guidance, mentorship, and training to less experienced personnel.
Maintain collaborative relationships across acquisition stakeholders and provide expert procurement consultation on solution-based alternatives.