Contract Specialist

As a Contract Specialist, you will accomplish procurement and administration of contracts for supplies for the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). The incumbent performs work in a developmental capacity in support of the planning, awards, and administration of basic procurements inclusive of all types under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Procurements may involve the use of a variety of contract types to meet mission requirements. This is not a remote position

Major duties

As a Contract Specialist, you will: Plans, awards, and administer simple and complex procurements which may involve the use of a variety of contract types under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Plans negotiation strategies; coordinates procurement action with necessary personnel and executes necessary procurement awards to support the mission and operational needs of the Agency. Explores new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at equitable, effective, and efficient contract arrangements. Maintains skills in oral and written communication (including necessary computer proficiency) and is responsible for attention to detail in all work assignments.

Qualifications

Applicants MUST meet both the Basic Requirement and Specialized Experience as outlined below for each grade level. BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. 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. In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement above, applicants must also meet the Specialized Experience listed below. 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 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: To qualify for the GS-07, applicants must have either: One (1) full academic year of graduate education or law school or superior academic achievement - OR - One (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include at least one (1) of the following: Assist/coordinate contracting activities, i.e. obtain wage information, request audit reports or pre-award surveys, and/or obtain clearances. Perform administrative work, preferably within the contract/procurement setting Create and/or maintain contract files To qualify for the GS-09: applicants must have either: Two (2) full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D. - OR - One (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include at least one (1) of the following: Perform price or cost analysis Draft procurement documentation (i.e. conducting market research or performance work statements) Analyze contract bids or quotes To qualify for the GS-11, applicants must have either: Three (3) full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree - OR - One (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include the following: Contracting functions, i.e. pre-award, post-award, negotiation, and/or closeout, in any of the following: supply, service, information technology (IT), construction, Architect-Engineer (A&E) contracts, and/or interagency agreement (IAAs). "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.

Education

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. 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. At the GS-11 grade only, the Federal Acquisition Contracting-Certification (FAC-C) Professional via the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI), or the Defense Acquisition University (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Professional certificate is required and must be maintained by the incumbent. If the incumbent does not hold this certification at the time of appointment to the GS-11, it must be obtained within 12 months.