As a Contract Specialist, you will serve as a senior level specialist fulfilling multiple roles in support of customers in a variety of acquisition-related disciplines.
Location of position: The General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), Professional Services and Human Capital (PSHC) Categories, Office of Program Operations, Direct Client Support Division (DCSD). To learn more about DCSD, visit: www.gsa.gov/DCSDcareers.
Summary
As a Contract Specialist, you will serve as a senior level specialist fulfilling multiple roles in support of customers in a variety of acquisition-related disciplines.
Location of position: The General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), Professional Services and Human Capital (PSHC) Categories, Office of Program Operations, Direct Client Support Division (DCSD). To learn more about DCSD, visit: www.gsa.gov/DCSDcareers.
Your application will be considered if you are a: GSA employees nationwide; and GSA surplus or displaced employees in the local commuting area who qualify for the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). You must be serving on a career or career-conditional appointment, or under a noncompetitive Special Appointing Authority which provides for conversion to a permanent position in the Competitive Service.
DCSD provides an increased level of support for large, strategic clients conducting direct-buy activities against GSA contract vehicles. DCSD embeds GSA employees at client locations to assist with the execution of GSA solutions enabling the Division to provide a unique specialized customer experience.
We are currently filling two vacancies to serve in the following areas, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed:
Department of Energy (DOE): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a major operating component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
DUTIES
Serves as a senior level Contract Specialist performing pre-award and post award functions involving highly specialized procurements of significant importance to the customer agency.
Provides acquisition advice and guidance, operational contract administration, and recommends solutions to customer agencies looking to utilize a wide variety of contracting vehicles, practices, and methodologies, including but not limited to, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), Multiple Award schedules (MAS), and Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs).
Serves as an acquisition advisor to customer agency acquisition and program management official in procurement planning meetings.
Maintains business relationships with contractors and acts as the liaison between the customer agency and the contractor to resolve issues of workmanship, quality, timely delivery and/or non-delivery, and adherence to established schedules.
Prepares technical and management analyses necessary for resolution of liquidated damages, claims, and termination for convenience or default cases.
Prepares determinations and findings and solicitation documents. Develops and prepares recommendations in the form of briefings/position papers for presentation to the customer.
US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Meet all eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
Meet time-in-grade within 30 days of the closing date, if applicable
Register with the Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
Undergo and pass a background investigation: High Risk Tier 4 investigation level.
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 include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on How to Create a Federal Resume, click here.
The GS-13 salary range depends on the location of the selectee.
1102 Qualifications GS-13 & above:
You must meet the requirements in 1, 2, or 3 below:
1. All of a, b, and c below:
(a) Completion of Training/Certification: FAC-C (Professional) or DoD Contracting Professional Certification. (b) At least 4 years 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.
2. 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.
3. Waiver: GSA's senior procurement executive has the discretion to waive any or all of the requirements in 1 above. Note: Candidates that are missing either the 24 hours of business credit and/or the mandatory training certification, but are determined to be otherwise eligible, can be placed on a waiver certification by the HR staffing specialist.
Specialized experience is one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is having a comprehensive knowledge of Federal contracting and acquisition programs and experience in the procurement and contract administration of large, complex contracts with the ability to apply advanced contracting concepts & methodologies to manage and oversee various construction, small purchases and/or services. This experience must include performing the full range of pre-award, award, and post-award procurement actions and leading diverse teams in the accomplishing the following:
Performing the full range of highly complex 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;
Performing delivery/task order placement and administration against multiple award contracts and blanket purchase agreements;
Defending pre-award and/or post-award protests, contract claims, and contract disputes;
Leading or working as part of an integrated acquisition and procurement project teams;
Analyzing difficult contracting issues to identify alternative courses of action.
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Education
Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
Bargaining Unit Status: This position is eligible for the bargaining unit.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee
Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government
Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.
GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:
Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is:
Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
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.
You will have access to many benefits including: • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans) • Life insurance coverage with several options • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan) • Flexible work schedules • Transit and child care subsidies • Flexible spending accounts • Long-term care insurance • Training and development
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 scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your 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.
Professional knowledge of contract types, methods, and techniques including fixed price contracts, various cost type contracts, processing of unsolicited proposals, multiple awards, special provisions relating to proprietary rights and rights in data, etc.
Knowledge of contract administration and termination techniques sufficient to administer complex, long-term contracts.
Knowledge of price/ cost analysis techniques sufficient to evaluate proposals , make detailed price analyses and prepare pre-negotiation positions.
Mastery level professional 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.
Knowledge and understanding of intent and uncertainties involving legislation, authorities and scope of program resulting from intense Congressional and OMB interest.
Expert ability to analyze the Government's requirements and industry's capabilities so as to devise the most effective, efficient, and economical procurement methods to meet GSA's and other Federal agencies' requirements in a timely manner.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, including skill and tact, diplomacy and techniques of negotiation to conduct negotiation and to meet and deal with high-level industry, technical, political and other Government officials.
Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.
Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.
If you are eligible under GSA's Career Transition Assistance Plan (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.
You will have access to many benefits including: • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans) • Life insurance coverage with several options • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan) • Flexible work schedules • Transit and child care subsidies • Flexible spending accounts • Long-term care insurance • Training and development
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.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
GSA OIG Employees: Submit latest SF 50 (other than award SF 50)
If you are CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. 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.
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.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
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) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Federal Acquisition Service
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
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 onboard, you will be given a final offer, which is typically within 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 application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
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.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
GSA OIG Employees: Submit latest SF 50 (other than award SF 50)
If you are CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. 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.
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.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
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) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Federal Acquisition Service
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
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 onboard, you will be given a final offer, which is typically within 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 application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
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.
