This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Duties

As a Contract Specialist at the GS-1102-14 some of your typical work assignments may include: Plans the overall approach to meet contracting program objectives for procuring a variety of complex requirements involving highly specialized procurements of significant importance to the Agency. Performs market research/analysis to determine availability of the requirement; analyzes market trends, commercial practices, conditions, and technological advances, and selects appropriate contracting techniques and procedures to solve any acquisition problems. Analyzes difficult contracting issues and determines recommended course of action, which often departs from previous approaches. Provides business advice and assistance to technical personnel involved in development of the statement of work or data requirements. Reviews procurement requests for adequacy and compliance with administrative, regulatory, and procedural requirements and consistency with current market practices and conditions. Reviews and evaluates procurement requests for which previous experience and cost data are less directly applicable, such as applied research, the development of prototype equipment, competitive sourcing, or complex services. Reviews procurement requests to determine whether, based on market analysis, the requirement can be performed by small businesses. Actively solicits Small Business/Small Disadvantaged Business (SB/SDB) participation and obtains subcontracting plans. Develops evaluation criteria to use in determining source selection and "best value" request for proposal which include utilization of past performance data and technical qualifications for awards other than lowest price. Resolves problems that limit competition and modifies clauses that discourage potential bidders. Serves as the point of contact for assigned procurements. Procures more complex and/or diversified commodities, services, and/or research and development. Determines appropriate method of procurement, e.g., sealed bidding or negotiation using a wide range of contracting methods and contract types. Contracts assigned contain a variety of complexities such as: special handling provisions or other specialized terms and conditions, unfavorable market conditions, and limited competition or sole source due to urgency or quantity. Determines the competitive range. Conducts any necessary conferences to discuss, develop, or revise offer received; performs price or cost analysis; plans and conducts negotiations on price, technical requirements, terms, and conditions of the contract; develops and effects persuasive acquisition strategies so as to convince those initially opposed to agree to contractual positions. Recommends award and prepares final contract to include appropriate standard clauses and special provisions and incentives, such as cost and performance incentives. Secures all regulatory clearances. Documents reason for decisions and justifies basis for award. Executes post-award contract performance management actions on a group of contracts, such as those with cost reimbursement and/or those with incentive arrangements. Evaluates contractor performance for compliance with terms and conditions of contracts and ensures timely submission of technical progress reports and performance metrics. Makes field site visits, taking appropriate action to expedite delivery or performance when required by mission changes, monitoring the contractor's use of government-furnished property, and drafting change orders as necessary. Obtains additional funds or de-obligates funds when the contractor performance varies significantly from original estimates. Negotiates and prepares contract modifications caused by changes in technical requirements, quantities, ordering un-priced options, and similar issues. Analyzes price and cost elements of proposed changes and obtains audit when required. Analyzes complex contract administration problems, e.g., disputes and labor violations. Prepares cure and/or cause notices. Prepares contract termination actions and negotiates settlements including determining allowable costs, agreeing on termination inventory, and determination of profit. Prepares negotiation memoranda to explain rationale and methods used in arriving at the final settlement and prepares full documentation for cases requiring formal review. Prepares replies to other involved agencies, appeal boards, or congressional inquiries. Analyzes difficult issues and when appropriate, recommends the best alternative course of action. Represents the interest of the organization in meetings and various contacts outside the agency on a variety of issues that often are not well defined. Provides training to contractors and customers on contractual language, legal responsibilities, and opportunities. Prepares letters, memoranda, documents, or reports that support contractual actions or recommendations. Researches and recommends appropriate action or interpretation of issues.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Occasional Travel
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
• Recruitment Incentives: Authorized, https://www.dtra.mil/Careers-Opportunities/DTRA-Opportunities/
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Required
• Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance
• Must consent to and pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic drug testing thereafter.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-14, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. 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 Federal service 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. Specialized experience as listed below: Managing the life cycle of a contract or vehicle from development through closeout. Developing alternatives and executing procurement instruments for acquiring supplies and services, as well as, managing all aspects of the life cycle of a contract or other vehicle ( e.g. orders, basic ordering agreements, etc.) Applying statutory and policy procurement-related requirements; supporting attainment of government socio-economic objectives; conducting market research; acquisition planning; cost and price analysis; solicitation and selection of sources; preparation, negotiation, and award of contracts through various methods to include negotiation; and perform all phases of contract administration to include property management, and terminate or close out of contracts. Applicant must demonstrate a knowledge of contracting methods, negotiation techniques and contract types sufficient to perform pre-award, post-award, and price/cost analysis functions to procure complex and/or diversified supplies and services. The methods of procurement will be affected by such factors as the availability of competition, program technical, schedule and cost requirements/risks and the need to locate and develop sources. Procurements will include both conducting competitively negotiated procurements and negotiating in a sole source environment. Specific contract vehicles include but are not limited to full and open competition, other than full and open competition, Board Agency Announcements , and task orders via competitive Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. The majority of contracts will be cost reimbursement. Knowledge of post award procedures sufficient to administer complex cost type contracts which may require day-to-day negotiations of significant contract changes and monitoring special provisions. Directing contract management and oversight for all acquisition strategies, plans, procedures, and contracts from development through final closeout. Providing expert consultation services to Management concerning acquisition planning, development, and progress. Developing local policies and procedures for a wide range of contracting actions; AND B. 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.; OR C. 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.; OR 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. 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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Contacts

• Address Defense Threat Reduction Agency 8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD MSC 6201 FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201 US
• Name: DTRA Servicing Team
• Phone: 614-692-0259
• Email: [email protected]