As a Contract Specialist, you will be performing the full range of pre-award and post-award functions for contracts for cloud services, telecommunications, information technology (IT) systems and professional services.
These positions are located in the Federal Acquisition Service, Contracting Division. This office is responsible for awarding and administering contracts for products and services needed by the federal community. Contracts are for highly technical IT products and services, professional IT services and non-IT professional services. This position will be primarily supporting external client agencies via Assisted Acquisition Services and potentially supporting internal GSA organizations such as the Office of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement (CASE), Integrated Award Environment (IAE), Common Acquisition Platform (CAP), National Marketing and Communication (NMCD), and Office of Strategy Management.
GSA has been repeatedly named as one of the 'Best Places to Work' in the Federal Government'. LEARN MORE about why you should choose GSA.
Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
Life insurance coverage with several options
Sick leave and vacation time, including 10 paid holidays per year
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
Flexible work schedules and telework
Transit and child care subsidies
Training and development
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
We are filling two vacancies which may be located in either O'Fallon, IL; Fairborn, OH; or Chicago, IL. Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed.
Summary
As a Contract Specialist, you will be performing the full range of pre-award and post-award functions for contracts for cloud services, telecommunications, information technology (IT) systems and professional services.
These positions are located in the Federal Acquisition Service, Contracting Division. This office is responsible for awarding and administering contracts for products and services needed by the federal community. Contracts are for highly technical IT products and services, professional IT services and non-IT professional services. This position will be primarily supporting external client agencies via Assisted Acquisition Services and potentially supporting internal GSA organizations such as the Office of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement (CASE), Integrated Award Environment (IAE), Common Acquisition Platform (CAP), National Marketing and Communication (NMCD), and Office of Strategy Management.
GSA has been repeatedly named as one of the 'Best Places to Work' in the Federal Government'. LEARN MORE about why you should choose GSA.
Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
Life insurance coverage with several options
Sick leave and vacation time, including 10 paid holidays per year
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
Flexible work schedules and telework
Transit and child care subsidies
Training and development
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
We are filling two vacancies which may be located in either O'Fallon, IL; Fairborn, OH; or Chicago, IL. Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed.
This position will serve as a contract specialist performing the full range of preaward and postaward functions associated with complex contracts that are formally advertised and negotiated involving highly specialized cloud services, telecommunications and/or information technology (IT) computer systems and equipment; professional IT services, professional non-IT services and non-IT equipment. Examples of duties include:
Performing procurement planning.
Serving as an advisor to program officials in procurement planning meetings.
Planning a comprehensive negotiation strategy; performing contract administration; terminating contracts.
Reviewing assigned FAS contracts prior to award with a value of $500,000 or larger, making recommendations for improvements.
Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
Meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of closing date
U.S. Citizenship or National
Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must have registered with the Selective Service
1 year probationary period may be required.
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 5 investigation level). You must be granted this clearance before you can start the job.
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Complete a financial disclosure report to verify that no conflict, or an appearance of conflict, exists between your financial interest and this position
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-13 salary range starts at $86,391 per year.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
You must meet the requirements in 1, 2, or 3 below:
All of the following: (a) Completion of Training listed in Level I & II of FAC-C Course Requirements; or FAC-C Level II or III, or a DAWIA level II or III certification. If your certification is over 2 years old, 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points are required to maintain certification. (b) At least 4years of experience in contracting or related positions including 1 year of specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the level described below; and (c) Completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree 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.
Exception: If you were in a GS-1102 position on January 1, 2000, you will be exempt from meeting the educational requirements for the grade level of that position. However, to be promoted you will have to meet Option 1 or 3.
Waiver: GSA's senior procurement executive has the discretion to waive any or all of the requirements in 1 above.
Specialized experience is one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience utilizing contracting regulations, policies, and procedures to;
perform the full range of pre-award and post-award activities on various contract types such as fixed price, fixed price economic price adjustment, various cost type contracts, requirements contracts, performance based acquisitions, and multiple award schedules;
defend pre-award and/or post-award protests, contract claims, and contract disputes;
work as part of an effective, integrated project team as well as work collaboratively with junior contract specialists and coworkers.
Examples should detail evidence of professional potential, business acumen, strong oral/written communication, and relationship building in order to procure a variety of complex or specialized products and/or services.
Additional information
Bargaining Unit status: NFFE
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed; through other means; or not at all.
All the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your overall possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your responses to these questions must be supported by your resume or your score may be lowered.
Expert knowledge of and ability to interpret laws, regulations, principles and policies to generate new procurement concepts and to recommend to top management approval of procurements for the largest, newest and/or critical Government-wide programs within the information technology, professional services and telecommunications industries.
Mastery of Federal and Agency specific procurement requirements and regulations, national and worldwide contract laws and procedures applicable to the acquisition and contract administration of a wide range of highly technical, complex telecommunications and information technology/automated data processing equipment, systems and professional services.
Knowledge of contract administration and termination techniques sufficient to administer and close out contracts.
Knowledge of price/cost analysis techniques, such as learning curve analysis and cost estimating relationships, sufficient to evaluate contractor proposals and prepare a prenegotiation position.
Skill in negotiation techniques to conduct contract negotiations and to meet and deal with high level business, industry, scientific and/or Government officials.
Knowledge of the professional services, information technology/automated data processing and telecommunications industries to effectively evaluate technical proposals, audit reports, price proposals and cost breakdowns and to advise and assist technical specialists and program officials, both internal and external to GSA, involved in the procurement process.
If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan(ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit. Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. Such document(s) must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
(b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214:
(2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military: Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.
If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.
If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS's Resource Center for more information.
If you areICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, youmust submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
Contracting Training: Submit A or B
A. Mandatory training - submit a or b:
(a) all required course certificates
(b) list of completed courses including: official course title, course number, training provider, training hours completed, and the date completes
B. Proof of contracting certification - submit both a and b; or c:
(a) FAC-C (Legacy or Refresh) or DAWIA Level II or higher certification (copy of certificate)
(b) Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) history identifying the completion of 80 CLPs every two years. The 80 CLPs every two years must be from the issuance date of certification to current period.
(c)If you are a FAITAS member, you may submit your Continuous Learning Achievement Certificate from FAITAS. On your "My Continuous Learning" page, click on the "approved" link under Achievement Status to print a copy of your most recent certificate.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
GSA, Federal Acquisition Service
General Services Administration
Chicago, Illinois 60604
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit. Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. Such document(s) must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
(b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214:
(2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military: Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.
If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.
If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS's Resource Center for more information.
If you areICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, youmust submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
Contracting Training: Submit A or B
A. Mandatory training - submit a or b:
(a) all required course certificates
(b) list of completed courses including: official course title, course number, training provider, training hours completed, and the date completes
B. Proof of contracting certification - submit both a and b; or c:
(a) FAC-C (Legacy or Refresh) or DAWIA Level II or higher certification (copy of certificate)
(b) Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) history identifying the completion of 80 CLPs every two years. The 80 CLPs every two years must be from the issuance date of certification to current period.
(c)If you are a FAITAS member, you may submit your Continuous Learning Achievement Certificate from FAITAS. On your "My Continuous Learning" page, click on the "approved" link under Achievement Status to print a copy of your most recent certificate.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
GSA, Federal Acquisition Service
General Services Administration
Chicago, Illinois 60604
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
