Contract Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for success in the position. Qualifying experience includes administering federal contracts for a variety of services or commodities; analyzing contracting issues to recommend or implement improved methods and operating procedures; performing procurement functions to ensure applicable guidelines and regulations are met; and providing procurement or contracting advice and guidance.
• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees, unless the applicant meets the stated exemption for certain DoD civilian employees or military members with qualifying contracting experience on or before September 30, 2000. Transcripts must be attached when relying on education for this basic requirement.
• The experience requirement must be met through experience alone; education cannot be substituted for the required experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET SCI clearance and complete a counterintelligence scope polygraph exam.
• Must meet NSA personnel security requirements outlined in NSA/CSS Policy 5-1.
• Must meet the applicable DAWIA certification level for the Contracting Career field, Professional, or be capable of achieving it within three years.
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Must file an OGE Form 450 upon appointment and annually thereafter; the posting also states that an OGE Form 278 or OGE Form 450 may be required upon entry and annually thereafter.
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination based on a background investigation.
• A three-year trial or probationary period is required or may be required.
• Must comply with the Drug Testing Designated Position requirements and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program.
• May be required to travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft up to 10% of the time.
• May be recalled to duty and required to work outside normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Nice To Haves

• Relocation or recruitment incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate; a service agreement is required if an incentive is authorized.

Responsibilities

• Plan the overall approach to meet contracting program objectives for a variety of requirements with multiple complexities.
• Analyze difficult contracting issues and determine, recommend, or implement courses of action, which may depart from previous approaches and may involve extremely stringent time frames.
• Provide contracting advice and assistance to technical personnel developing performance work statements, statements of work, or data requirements.
• Formulate negotiation strategies.
• Negotiate and prepare contract modifications.
• Prepare pre-negotiation positions and memoranda based on audit and/or technical recommendations.
• Execute post-award contract performance management actions on assigned contracts.
• Evaluate contractor performance for compliance with contract terms and conditions, and ensure timely submission of technical progress reports and performance metrics.
• Provide business advice, guidance, training, and assistance to team members, technical or program personnel, functional commanders, and/or contractors on contractual language, legal responsibilities, acquisition, and business-related issues.
• May serve as a warranted contracting officer at the discretion of the Command Acquisition Executive or delegate.

Benefits

• The posting states that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package; specific benefits depend on the position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized, subject to Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that the move is in the Government's interest.