Contract Specialist (Direct Hire)

Full Job Description

This position is established to perform a variety of functions related to the procurement of supplies and services, ranging from Simplified Acquisitions to more complex multi-million dollar negotiated acquisitions.

Contracts/cooperative agreements are awarded and administered for support of the programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

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 requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include Experience in interpreting contract provisions for contractors and for officials of the agency, providing appropriate advice and guidance.

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.

Acquisition Strategy - Knowledge of the principles and methods for developing an integrated acquisition management plan that describes the business, technical, and support strategies, including the relationship between the acquisition phases, work efforts, and key program events (for example, decision points, contract awards, test activities).

Oral Communication (‡) - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.

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/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Major Duties:

As a Contract Specialist, you will: Exercises responsibility for the procurement of contract requirements which are often among the most complex and difficult procurements conducted by USMMA, frequently involving critical and/or sensitive program efforts and multi-million-dollar funding commitments.

Conducts post-award conferences; monitors and reports on contractor’s performance; resolves performance deficiencies; conducts all required actions with respect to contract termination; and prepares all supporting documentation (e.g.

D & F's, Sole Sources Justification).

Evaluates proposed contract modifications, analyzes cost and price proposals with respect to modifications, contract changes, and claims; negotiates and prepares contract changes, modifications, and claim settlements.

Exercises responsibility for administration of all contracts, which the employee negotiates. Such administration functions are specialized, and often complex. Performs price/cost analyses.

Analyzes commercial pricing practices applicable to the commodities and the latest economic developments pertaining to increased material, labor, or transportation costs as reflected in the current price indexes.

Analyzes cost and pricing data submitted by offerors to substantiate direct and indirect costs and profit.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the full range of acquisition planning, contract award, contract negotiation, and contract administration techniques.