Contract Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is part of the Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy.

As a Contract Specialist, you will manage all aspects of the functional area of contract management, often as a team leader, including contract formation, solicitation, negotiations, cost and price analysis, award, contract administration, termination and close-out for a variety of contracts which frequently require special handling or other specialized terms and conditions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions, including at least 4-years experience in contracting or related positions.

At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position.

and A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000.

This also applies to positions at the same grade in the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met.

However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver under Paragraph D.

Waiver: When filling a specific vacant position, the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience.

With respect to each waiver granted under this Paragraph D, the senior procurement executive must document for the record the basis of the waiver.

If an individual is placed in a position in an agency on the basis of a waiver, the agency may later reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency without additional waiver action.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following: Conducting and leading contract negotiations and modifications, including the development of pre-negotiation strategies, evaluating proposals, and resolving highly contentious issues to secure favorable terms and conditions for the organization.

Performing in-depth analysis of contractor proposals and performance, utilizing various cost and price analysis techniques to determine reasonableness and contractor capability.

Providing advice and consultation to senior management and program officials on complex acquisition issues, contract administration, and procurement policies, guiding strategic decisions and ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience.

Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations.

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. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages.

If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) office works to discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation's energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations.

Through forward-looking research and technology development, our team of talented and diverse experts provides technology solutions for today and options for tomorrow.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S.

We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans.

As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement.

Veterans shape the future of energy As a Contract Specialist, you will: Plan procurements, defining objectives, and preparing acquisition plans for highly specialized and significant systems or programs.

Perform comprehensive pre-award and post-award contract management, from initial planning and solicitation through negotiation, award, administration, and closeout.

Analyze proposals, review cost breakdowns, and utilize various techniques to determine the reasonableness of pricing and to support negotiation objectives.

Coordinate with various internal and external stakeholders, and conduct negotiations for complex contracts, modifications, and settlements.

Serve as the technical authority, advising program officials and management on procurement policies, procedures, and contract-related issues.

Apply federal procurement laws, agency regulations, and legal precedents throughout the contracting process.