Supervisory Contract Specialist - DIRECT HIRE

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Office of Procurement, Immediate Office of the Superintendent, United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Maritime Administration (MARAD).

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include: Experience managing acquisition planning and procurement execution by preparing solicitation packages, leading negotiations for high-dollar contracts ($125M or more), and applying Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) policies to ensure compliance and mission readiness.

Experience administering and overseeing contract performance, including processing modifications, exercising options, evaluating contractor performance, resolving disputes, and maintaining documentation and tracking systems to support timely awards and renewals.

Experience supervising and developing a procurement workforce by assigning work, providing acquisition policy guidance, implementing process improvements, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to meet established program goals.

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.

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/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Major Duties:

As a Supervisory Contract Specialist, you will: Serve as the principal technical authority for acquisition: oversee and manage acquisition activities, provide authoritative interpretation and implementation guidance on the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and related policies, and establish overall contractual strategy.

Lead strategic acquisition planning and solicitation development: plan, develop, and implement acquisition strategies and prepare acquisition planning and solicitation documents for complex procurements.

Exercise delegated contracting authority and manage contract administration: award and administer contracts in accordance with applicable laws and policies, including contract modifications, option exercises, dispute resolution, and contractor performance evaluation; ensure proper documentation and regulatory compliance.

Provide strategic leadership of the procurement workforce: plan and prioritize work, assign duties, develop SOPs and training, streamline policies and processes, and oversee staff performance and workforce development to optimize procurement operations.

Represent the Office and lead negotiations and stakeholder engagement: serve as lead negotiator in complex, high-dollar contract negotiations; represent the Academy in meetings with contractors, program offices, legal counsel, and other agencies; lead special acquisition projects and identify management improvements and cost-savings.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned acquisition leader with proven experience managing complex, high-value negotiated procurements and authoritative knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

You will lead strategic acquisition planning, negotiate major contracts, and drive process improvements that reduce costs and strengthen compliance across the Academy.

Successful applicants will have strong supervisory experience developing a high-performing procurement team and will confidently represent the Academy with senior officials, interagency partners, and industry stakeholders.