These positions serve as Contract Specialists for the National Cemetery Administration with responsibility for performing professional work involving the procurement of supplies and services using procedures outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, VA Acquisition Regulations, Public Laws, and Agency policy.
Summary
These positions serve as Contract Specialists for the National Cemetery Administration with responsibility for performing professional work involving the procurement of supplies and services using procedures outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, VA Acquisition Regulations, Public Laws, and Agency policy.
NCA's DC Contracting Service Office provides acquisition support to national cemeteries, through the acquisition of services, supplies, construction and architect engineering contracts, as well as other contracting and procurement activities. Contracts are varied in nature, type, duration, and dollar value, necessitating different contract methods and strategies. The incumbent of this position will perform all acquisition life-cycle functions, including, but not limited to pre-solicitation notices, synopsis, bid openings, bid abstracts, negotiations, price negotiation memorandums, site visits, pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences, pre-construction conferences, post-award conferences, inspections, incremental funding, cost adjustments, coordination of time extension, change orders, supplemental agreements, stop work orders, cure notices, show cause letters, congressional letters, business clearance reviews, name changes, bonding, monitoring of the use of Government funds. Identify and determine set-aside requirements for negotiation and award under Public Law 109-461, the Veterans First Contracting Program. Prepare and maintain acquisition plans showing multiple projects with multiple inter related milestones and schedules. Advise program officials and assists in the preparation of statements of work, justifications and solicitation documents. Responsible for the detailed analysis of all elements of the contract or proposal, makes appropriate determinations during negotiations, conducts negotiations, pre-proposal and post-award conferences, and other related duties.
Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Eligible for Telework per agency guidelines
Eligible for Compressed work schedule per agency guidelines
This is not a virtual position.
Position Description Title/PD#: Contract Specialist / 843188
Physical Requirements: Primarily of an administrative nature in an office setting, however where travel to work sites is required there may be light physical work required, such as walking over uneven surfaces, or assisting technical personnel in taking measurements or elevations. Government travel for training, meetings, or customer interactions will be required in this position.
Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level (GS-13) without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
This position has a selective placement factor. In addition to the component of the minimum qualification requirements that is expressed as occupational qualification standards, the selective factors identify any qualifications that are also important for the job. These factors are already required when the person starts the job.
For the GS-11-13 levels of this position, you must possess a FAC-C level II certified or DAWIA equivalent certification. To be considered, You must provide documentation of your FAC Level II certification or equivalent status.
The incumbent will be required to possess those requisite skills and experience to effectively deal with an assortment of contract issues at a full performance level. Incumbent must meet all eligibility requirements to receive and maintain a FAC-C Level Ill certification. When requested by supervisor, incumbent must apply for a Contracting Officer Warrant, accept contracting officer warrant, and provide the signatory authority for contracts within their warrant authority. Warrants will be granted based on workload, needs of the agency, and upon recommendation of the supervisor. Incumbent is required to perform all contract work up to the point of contract award. If warranted, incumbent is required to execute their own contract actions and, at the direction of their supervisor, provide signature authority for staff that lack requisite warrant authority. The incumbent executes solicitations, awards and post-award actions up to $20M.
GS-11 QUALIFICATIONS:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include: Experience in and knowledge of government contracting procedures with a minimum experience of two or more contract functions (such as negotiation, administration, or termination). (Evidence of this specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of like duties performed in positions held on your resume.
OR,
Education: To qualify for GS-1102 positions based on graduate education, graduate education in one or a combination of the following fields is required: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)
OR,
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the 36 semester hours of graduate education earned. TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED.
GS-12 QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-12 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: conducting construction contracting work, acting as a subject matter expert, developing, preparing, and presenting terms and conditions in bids or proposals related to the award of contracts. Negotiating and awarding contracts and contract modifications, legal practice involving participation in negotiating, awarding, or administering contracts, or the analysis of procurement policies and procedures. Administering the terms and conditions of contracts, including such aspects as preparing contract modifications, evaluation of performance under the contract, and contract termination. Analyzing proposed prices or costs, including such aspects as evaluating technical and audit reports, forecasting price trends, evaluating economic factors, estimating production efficiencies, and evaluating methods of allocating costs through various types of overhead and general and administrative expense.
In addition to specialized experience, you must also meet the basic education requirements for this position and grade. You must have a completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field;
OR,
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.
AND
Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency verified by a current FAC-C Level II Certification or equivalent, the ability to progress to higher level contracting positions, including at least 4 years' experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience, as listed above, 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. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
**Exception: 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.
GS-13 QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-13 Experience and Education Requirements for GS-13: You must possess at least one (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position at the GS-13 grade level. This experience includes 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' 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.
AND
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. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)
There is no educational substitute for experience at the GS-12 and 13 levels.
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; religions; 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
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ttp://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
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.
Additional information
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.
This announcement establishes an open continuous announcement of eligible applicants to be considered for this position. The "Next Steps" area of the announcement provides additional information on the referral process for this type of announcement.
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in alphabetical order.
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.
Documentation of FAC Level II certification or DAWIA equivalent status.
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Documents Required:
Documentation of FAC Level II certification or DAWIA equivalent status.
Resume
Transcript
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/01/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10465391.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
National Cemetery Administration
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
The first list of eligible applicants will be pulled for referral upon receipt of a request to fill vacant positions. Referral lists may be requested to fill vacant positions for any location throughout the life of the announcement. The cutoff for receipt of applications will be midnight on the date that the referral list is requested. Applications received after the cutoff date, may be considered on future referral lists.
All applicants may receive consideration for 3 months from the date of application. If you wish to be considered after that period, and the announcement is still open to receive applications, you must re-apply to indicate your continued interest.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents), applicants will be referred to the selecting official as requested by the various locations. We will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Locality Pay ranges:
Indianapolis, IN
GS-11 $67,720 to $81,542
GS-12 $75175 to $97,732
GS-13 $89,394 to 116,210
Oakland, CA
GS-11 $75,515 to $98,176
GS-12 $90,512 to $117,669
GS-13 $107,630 to $139,916
Philadelphia, PA
GS-11 $67,418 to $87,649
GS-12 $80,806 to $105,052
GS-13 $96,089 to $ 124,913
Stafford, VA
GS-11 $69,581 to $90,461
GS-12 $83,398 to $108,422
GS-13 $99,,172 to $128,900
Denver, CO
GS-11 $67,956 to $88,348
GS-12 $81,451 to $105,890
GS-13 $96,856 to $125,910
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Documentation of FAC Level II certification or DAWIA equivalent status.
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Documents Required:
Documentation of FAC Level II certification or DAWIA equivalent status.
Resume
Transcript
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/01/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10465391.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
National Cemetery Administration
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
The first list of eligible applicants will be pulled for referral upon receipt of a request to fill vacant positions. Referral lists may be requested to fill vacant positions for any location throughout the life of the announcement. The cutoff for receipt of applications will be midnight on the date that the referral list is requested. Applications received after the cutoff date, may be considered on future referral lists.
All applicants may receive consideration for 3 months from the date of application. If you wish to be considered after that period, and the announcement is still open to receive applications, you must re-apply to indicate your continued interest.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents), applicants will be referred to the selecting official as requested by the various locations. We will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Locality Pay ranges:
Indianapolis, IN
GS-11 $67,720 to $81,542
GS-12 $75175 to $97,732
GS-13 $89,394 to 116,210
Oakland, CA
GS-11 $75,515 to $98,176
GS-12 $90,512 to $117,669
GS-13 $107,630 to $139,916
Philadelphia, PA
GS-11 $67,418 to $87,649
GS-12 $80,806 to $105,052
GS-13 $96,089 to $ 124,913
Stafford, VA
GS-11 $69,581 to $90,461
GS-12 $83,398 to $108,422
GS-13 $99,,172 to $128,900
Denver, CO
GS-11 $67,956 to $88,348
GS-12 $81,451 to $105,890
GS-13 $96,856 to $125,910
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
