Contract Specialist - DIRECT HIRE

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in federal service (or equivalent in the private sector, state/local government, or non-profit sector).

Specialized experience is defined as experience performing pre-award and post-award contracting functions across various procurement methods. Qualifying experience includes:

• Conducting market research and drafting acquisition plans.
• Preparing complete solicitation packages incorporating standard contract clauses and special provisions.
• Evaluating technical quotes or proposals and analyzing bids for responsiveness and price acceptability.
• Performing price analysis and cost evaluations to support price reasonableness determinations.
• Participating in or leading contract negotiations regarding pricing, delivery schedules, and terms.
• Administering active contracts, including monitoring contractor performance, processing contract modifications, and reviewing contract files for administrative closeout. To qualify for the GS-09 on Education alone, you must have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in federal service (or equivalent in the private sector, state/local government, or non-profit sector). Specialized experience is defined as experience independently performing pre-award and post-award contracting functions across a variety of procurement methods and contract types. Qualifying experience includes:
• Advising technical program staff on Statement of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statement (PWS) development and formulating acquisition strategy plans.
• Preparing, soliciting, evaluating, and awarding commercial supplies and services using simplified acquisition procedures and purchasing methods.
• Evaluating technical proposals and cost/price data to determine price reasonableness and establish competitive ranges.
• Conducting contract negotiations on price, delivery schedules, and contract terms and conditions.
• Administering active contracts, including evaluating technical progress reports, issuing contract modifications, investigating performance issues, and executing contract closeouts. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Contracting/Procurement: Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques, or requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations) for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration. Cost Estimation and Analysis: Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods used to determine, estimate, and analyze costs, including determining life cycle costs, application of cost models, and evaluation of cost realism. Negotiation: Works with others towards an agreement that may involve exchanging specific resources or resolving differences. Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

As a Contract Specialist, you will: Reviews requirements package, clarifies requirements with program office, and assists in developing acquisition plans and milestones. Selects appropriate contract types and drafts solicitation incorporating standard FAR and TAR clauses and special provisions. Evaluates bids, quotes, and proposals; performs price/cost analysis; conducts negotiations; and recommends contract awards.

Monitors post-award contractor performance, processes contract modifications, and executes administrative contract closeouts. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in awarding and administering contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), specifically Parts 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.

Candidates should possess experience across a wide variety of contract types-including firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, and cost-reimbursement-for professional and technical services as well as research and development, alongside skill in conducting price analysis and detailed cost analysis. The breadth and depth of experience will be evaluated relative to the target grade level (GS-09 vs. GS-11). Knowledge of interagency acquisitions, grants, and cooperative agreements is desirable, though not required.