Contract Support Specialist

Na Ali'i Consulting & Sales, LLC.•,

2d•$90,000 - $102,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) advances U.S. security by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad, thereby protecting Americans at home. INL strengthens partner nations’ police, judicial, and corrections systems to reduce crime and illicit drug flows to the United States. Within INL, the Office of Security Assistance and Operations, Implementing Mechanisms Division (INL/SAO/IM) manages the mechanisms that support the Bureau’s foreign assistance objectives while prioritizing U.S. interests, including Bilateral Letters of Agreement and Inter-Agency Agreements, Federal Assistance awards such as grants and cooperative agreements, and the planning and execution of service and commodity procurements through Third Party Contracts and Personal Service Contracts.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience serving as a trusted business advisor to internal stakeholders
Strong oral communication skills sufficient to obtain information, present and defend recommendations, and clearly explain policies, procedures, and requirements
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences, including senior leadership and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
Strong written communication skills to produce procurement-related documents and routine business correspondence that are concise, logical, and grammatically correct
Ability to manage multiple priorities, adjust workload as circumstances change, and adapt to frequent shifts in tasking
Ability to provide consistently high-quality customer service to all levels of staff
Ability to work independently
Ability to identify opportunities to improve processes and operational efficiency
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams, and other relevant computer or web-based applications
Demonstrated knowledge of contracting principles and procedures sufficient to procure and administer contracts for a wide variety of supplies and services
Experience performing the full range of cradle-to-grave contracting activities
Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and/or the Department of State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR)
Experience with or knowledge of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) or United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, mission, and foreign assistance activities is required
Experience using the Department of State’s Global Financial Management System (GFMS), Regional Financial Management System (RFMS), or the Momentum Acquisitions contract writing suite
Knowledge of the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) and/or the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) is also required
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Secret Clearance required
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
A minimum of two years of acquisition experience or other relevant professional experience
Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers
Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer

Responsibilities

Performs the full range of cradle-to-grave contracting activities, primarily supporting INL’s third-party contracts portfolio, with additional support for commodity and other service requirements, including personal services
Serves as a business advisor to program office personnel by providing guidance and training in the development of complete and compliant procurement request packages
Provides acquisition-related guidance and training to other members of the INL/SAO/IM Contracts Unit
Assists in identifying and implementing strategic sourcing and category management efforts to streamline INL/SAO/IM contracting processes
Plans, develops, and executes acquisition-related training sessions for INL and other Department of State staff, including personnel from domestic offices and overseas posts
Assists in identifying and implementing office initiatives and special projects in support of continuous process improvement
Develops new industry sources based on projected INL requirements and, under the direction of the Contracting Officer, coordinates with industry associations, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, and the Small Business Administration to engage the vendor community and expand competition
Performs market research to assess the commercial availability of products and services and to identify the contracting approach that best satisfies program requirements
Recommends socioeconomic set-asides for procurement actions to ensure compliance with Department of State and Small Business Administration socioeconomic utilization goals
Prepares solicitations, recommends sources to be solicited, advertises solicitations, structures procurement schedules appropriately, and assists with the initial determination of offeror responsiveness and responsibility upon receipt of quotes
Analyzes contractor quotes to determine technical acceptability and price fairness and reasonableness, and forwards determinations and findings to the Contracting Officer for review and approval
Prepares and finalizes contract award documents for approval by the Contracting Officer
Completes the full range of post-award contract functions
Provides contract administration support by preparing unilateral and bilateral contract modifications to exercise optional periods of performance, add work within scope, de-obligate unliquidated obligation balances, and close out contracts
Coordinates with program officers, Contracting Officer’s Representatives, financial management analysts, and Contracts Unit staff to identify and validate contracts with unliquidated obligations, assists with obtaining release of claims documentation when balances are invalid, and drafts modifications to de-obligate unused funds
Retrieves and assembles relevant metrics, including award data, contractor staffing patterns, and contract information, for SAO and INL leadership
Maintains comprehensive documentation of all actions taken and files records in accordance with INL and Department of State policies