Contract Specialist, GS-1102-12/13 DH

This Contract Specialist position is located in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF promotes and advances scientific progress in the US by sponsoring scientific and engineering research and education; much of this research is sponsored through contracts. This announcement will close at 11:59 PM ET on the listed closing date, or once 150 applications have been received, whichever occurs first.

Major duties

As a Contract Specialist you will: Manage the acquisition lifecycle for contracting activities for research, services, and equipment, including pre-award/acquisition planning oversight, post-award administration, and close out. Conduct competitive source selection, including prepare request for proposals, coordinate technical evaluations, and support source selection decisions. Negotiate contract terms and conditions, cost/price, and establish negotiation objectives. Perform and document cost analysis. Advise program staff and stakeholders on procurement planning and contract matters. Apply knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations and other applicable laws, policies, precedence, and procedures to conduct risk management and resolve complex procurement challenges. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY MEET THE INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE, AS NOTED BELOW.

GS-12 Specialized Experience: I possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal service performing pre- and post-award contract functions, including cost/price analysis, negotiation, and administration of contracts.

GS-12 - Basic Qualifications: A. 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field; OR B. 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.

GS-13 Specialized Experience: I possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service independently performing pre- and post-award contract functions, including cost/price analysis, negotiation, and administration of complex contracts.

GS-13 - Basic Qualifications: A. Completed 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 of experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience MUST have been specialized experience at or equivalent to the work at the GS-13 level described further below in this qualifications section. -AND- B. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field 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. (Transcripts must be provided)

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

Experience refers to paid/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/experience that translates directly to paid work. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position requires specific coursework to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official or unofficial transcript which list courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) do not clearly demonstrate this, you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen. Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding. Selectee may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period. A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.

Additional Requirements:

• You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
• You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire and any external assessment that is included.
• All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

It is NSF policy that personnel employed at, or Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) individuals detailed to, NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General.

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for situational telework. Situational telework may be approved on an occasional basis in accordance with agency policy, supervisory approval, and operational requirements. Selected candidates interested in telework, or other workplace flexibility arrangements, should discuss available options with the selecting official. Participation in telework is voluntary and requires an approved telework agreement.