Service Contract Officer - Entry

The Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) encourages applications for an entry-level Service Contract Officer! The Service Contract Officer is responsible for protecting University interests relating to the business of University Service Activities. Support of University Service Activities is performed throughout the life of the contract and often starts prior to the contract being awarded. Below provides an example of contract life cycle support that may be provided by this position: Reviewing Requests for Proposals ("RFPs"), broad agency announcements ("BAAs"), and other announcements in support of proposal development identifying issues related to the anticipated award prior to proposal submittal; Reviewing and analyzing proposals to ensure compliance with Federal and non-Federal rules and regulations, as well as compliance with University policies and procedures; Ensuring that University commitments are in accordance with legal, regulatory, and University requirements, and that standard processes are approved and properly documented; Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and sub-agreements with outside sources (e.g. Federal agencies, industry, other universities, and foundations, collectively "Sponsors"); Recognizing and addressing Federal and University compliance issues; Determining that a contract is ready for signature; and Providing input and guidance on contract interpretation and administration throughout the contract term. The expertise provided by the Service Contract Officer includes a) a knowledge of Federal regulations, State statutes, University policy, standard processes and project requirements; b) an understanding of the administrative processes and procedures for the preparation and/or review of contract documents and templates, both internal and external to the University, including consistency of provisions and terms within the contract documents (i.e., statement of work, contract, attachments), c) a basic knowledge of cost accounting standards and specific requirements for Federal awards; d) an ability to identify and address potential risk and/or contractual issues; e) an ability to guide PIs, DRAs, and other University personnel through business decisions related to contracts; f) an ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, and meet multiple deadlines; g) an ability to provide prompt and effective customer service to University partners; and h) an ability to represent the University to Sponsors and provide liaison with internal departments, (e.g. Budget and Fiscal Planning, Office of Research Integrity, Research Financial Services, Technology Transfer, Export Control, academic departments, centers, and institutes). This position is charged with serving as an Authorized Organizational Representative facilitating the negotiation and execution of contract documents to support sponsored project proposals and awards, with a focus on Service Agreements, on behalf of the University, while protecting the legal and business interests of the University. The Service Contract Officer will represent the University and work directly with Sponsors: Federal and non-Federal sponsors, State agencies, businesses, foundations, and other universities. This position is responsible for a specific set of University clients including a variety of institutes, schools, and academic departments. The Service Contract Officer works directly with PIs, DRAs, and students to ensure that contracts reflect the Sponsor and University requirements, and that they are processed and completed in a timely manner. The Service Contract Officer collaborates with other campus departments and external sponsors to address issues and solve problems during proposal review and evaluation when requested, and during the contract negotiation and execution process as well as throughout the contractual term.