Contract Specialist

Department of the Navy Headquarters•Groton Submarine Base, CT

About The Position

The Contract Specialist will serve with the Department of the Navy and perform pre-award functions for procurements involving complex contracts for supplies and services. The role analyzes and evaluates cost or pricing data to determine price reasonableness when historical data and pricing precedents are available but may not directly apply. It also administers complex contracts through termination actions, final delivery and payment, closeout, and retirement; resolves contract audit recommendations in a timely manner while protecting the Government's interests; and serves as the point of contact for assigned procurements. The position is covered by the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA), requiring certification in the assigned Acquisition Functional Area and category within established timeframes. The employee must obtain and maintain the required interim and/or final security clearance. Travel from the normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS locations, including remote or isolated sites, may be required, and may involve extended travel on military and commercial aircraft. Vacancies may be filled at any listed grade level, and advancement from a lower grade is not guaranteed.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen and be determined suitable for federal employment.
Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
New Department of the Navy employees must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Current federal employees applying for GS jobs generally must meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.
Must obtain certification in the assigned Acquisition Functional Area and category within established DAWIA timeframes.
Must obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance before entering on duty; failure may result in withdrawal of an offer or removal.
Must meet the Department of Defense qualification requirements for GS-1102 contracting positions and applicable Title 10 requirements.
Must meet the basic education requirement of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees, unless an applicable stated exemption applies.
GS-7 qualification: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5, including assisting with pre-award supply and service procurements, reviewing contract issues and settlement proposals, and developing assignments under close supervision; qualifying education may substitute as described in the announcement.
GS-9 qualification: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, including assisting with negotiation of pre-award prices, terms, and conditions; preparing an initial Navy position on protests and rendering or recommending decisions on contract claims; and performing less difficult Contract Specialist duties under closer supervision. Qualifying graduate or law education may substitute as described in the announcement.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
The appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement is subject to 5 U.S.C. 3326.
May be required to travel from the normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS locations, including remote or isolated sites, and must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-award functions for procurements involving complex contracts for supplies and services.
Analyze and evaluate cost or pricing data elements to determine price reasonableness.
Administer complex supply and service contracts, including termination actions, through final delivery and payment, contract closeout, and retirement.
Resolve contract audit recommendations in a timely manner while protecting the Government's interests.
Serve as the point of contact for assigned procurements.