Supervisory Contract Specialist (Direct Hire)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters • Huntsville, AL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The NASA Office of Procurement is hiring Supervisory Contract Specialists to plan, direct, and supervise office activities covering all pre-award and post-award aspects of the acquisition program. The position leads assigned activities at a selected NASA location and provides strategic direction for a diverse portfolio of contracts and agreements for commercial and non-commercial goods and services, while maintaining effective communications and high-quality work products.

The supervisor oversees procurement, administration, and closeout for major service, research and development, and/or spaceflight hardware contracts. The role provides administrative and technical supervision, establishes strategic objectives, and defines technical work requirements and milestones. The position also participates in organization and Agency procurement management, including strategy, assessment, and succession planning; presents programs of significant interest to senior representatives; and advises Center and Agency stakeholders on business and industry practices, complex contract requirements, and unprecedented contracting issues involving national interests.

The position includes the full range of supervisory responsibilities, such as assigning and evaluating work, recommending personnel actions, taking disciplinary actions, identifying training needs, and developing employees. The selectee will have a designated home Center and may support programs or projects at other NASA Centers using virtual tools. The position is not designated as remote, and the selectee is required to work onsite at the selected duty location. Work from an approved duty location may be authorized based on mission needs and supervisory approval, consistent with Agency policy.

Requirements

• One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level, including leading or managing a team of contract specialists on acquisitions and pre-award/post-award issues; making authoritative decisions and providing expert technical guidance on procurement matters involving large-dollar contracts; and advising senior leaders and contracting officers on unprecedented contracting issues, procedures, and policy interpretations.
• Meet the mandatory basic requirement of completing agency-prescribed training for progression to GS-13 or higher contracting positions, including at least four years of contracting or related experience, with at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower level.
• A four-year course of study leading to at least a bachelor's degree, including or supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in a combination of specified fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
• Meet the GS-15 certification or training requirement: possess a valid Level III FAC-C, FAC-C (Professional), Level III DAWIA, or DAWIA Professional certification; or meet the stated mandatory training and contracting-experience requirements for the applicable certification.
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or person who owes allegiance to the United States.
• Meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Provide a resume with a clear, detailed narrative in the applicant's own words describing how the specialized-experience requirements are met.
• Work onsite at the selected duty location.
• The position may require a one-year probationary period and a one-year supervisory probationary period.
• The position may be subject to pre-employment background investigation or a higher-level clearance; financial disclosure, drug testing, and travel requirements may also apply depending on duty location and NASA Center requirements.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and supervise office activities covering pre-award and post-award aspects of the acquisition program.
• Lead assigned activities at a NASA location and provide strategic direction for a diverse group of contracts and agreements for commercial and non-commercial goods and services.
• Supervise procurement, administration, and closeout of major service, research and development, and/or spaceflight hardware contracts.
• Provide administrative and technical supervision, establish strategic objectives, and define technical work requirements and milestones.
• Participate in organization and Agency procurement management, including strategy, assessment, and succession planning.
• Present programs of significant interest to senior representatives and professionally defend the Center and Program Managers in controversial contractual actions.
• Provide authoritative advice to Center and Agency stakeholders on business and industry practices, complex contract requirements, and unprecedented contracting issues involving national interests.
• Assign and evaluate work, recommend personnel actions, take disciplinary actions, identify training needs, and develop employees.
• Recommend, develop, and implement policies and procedures for procuring supplies and services for construction or research and development projects, using formal advertising or negotiation procedures to evaluate contract price proposals and policies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

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