These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority for STEM Positions. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time of your application.
Summary
These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority for STEM Positions. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time of your application.
This series includes positions that manage, supervise, perform, or develop policies and procedures for professional work involving the procurement of supplies, services, construction, or research and development using formal advertising or negotiation procedures; the evaluation of contract price proposals; and the administration or termination and close out of contracts. The work requires knowledge of the legislation, regulations, and methods used in contracting; and knowledge of business and industry practices, sources of supply, cost factors, and requirements characteristics.
As a Contract Specialist, you may:
Solicit, evaluate, negotiate, and award contracts with commercial organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and State, local or foreign governments for furnishing products, services, construction or research and development to the Federal Government
Administer contracts by assuring compliance with the terms and conditions of contracts, including resolution of problems concerning the obligations of the parties
Terminate contracts by analyzing, negotiating, and settling claims and proposals
Analyze and evaluate cost or price proposals and accounting systems data
Plan, establish, or review contracts, programs, policies, or procedures
Formulate and administer policies and procedures to ensure achievement of Federal socioeconomic goals, such as those affecting small business, labor surplus areas, and disadvantaged business firms
Develop acquisition strategies and direct or manage procurement
Provide staff advisory services in one or more of the specializations in this occupation
This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Subject to satisfactory security and suitability requirements.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Positions are located agency-wide and may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.
Appointments made with this authority may be processed as a new appointment into the Civil Service.
The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to?a Top Secret -?DOE "Q" clearance.
Salary is determined by geographic location and grade level.
All applications will expire every 120 days. In order to continue receiving consideration for these positions, it is necessary to ensure your application remains active by re-applying/updating every 120 days.
Applicants will be limited to selecting their top 4 duty location preferences. If selected, Location Negotiable does count as one of the 4 duty location preferences of the applicant.
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The specialized experience listed are the minimum requirements for the series, each particular vacancy may have additional experience necessary to meet the applicable grade level.
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 these positions are defined as:
GS-11: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as:
Applying acquisition, contract and procurement regulations to prepare solicitations containing appropriate provisions, clauses, terms and conditions that communicate requirements to industry.
Evaluating responses to solicitations for price reasonableness, compliance with terms and conditions, and adequacy of competition.
Coordinating contract/financial assistance actions with appropriate program/project managers to ensure contract information and documentation is accurate, complete and timely.
Ensuring acquisitions are compatible with overall mission, objectives, and projected program requirements and are consistent with mission requirements.
OR
Successfully completed a 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
GS-12: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as:
Evaluating responses to solicitations for price reasonableness, compliance with terms and conditions, and adequacy of competition.
Applying acquisition, contract and procurement regulations to prepare solicitations containing appropriate provisions, clauses, terms and conditions that communicate requirements to industry.
Administering contracts to include contract scope determinations, contract modifications, supplemental agreements, justifications, approval reviews/fair opportunity evaluations and claims disputes, and contract terminations.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
GS-13: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as:
Analyzing, evaluating, approving, or redirecting the strategy, plans, and techniques of pre-award and post-award functions involving highly specialized acquisitions.
Evaluating responses to solicitations for price reasonableness, compliance with terms and conditions, and adequacy of competition.
Conducting acquisition planning and contract pre-award functions to include: determining method of procurement and contract type, documenting the acquisition strategy, and obtaining appropriate approvals; administering contracts to include contract scope determinations, contract modifications, supplemental agreements, justifications, approval reviews/fair opportunity evaluations and claims disputes, and contract terminations.
Interpreting and applying relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards, or procedures to specific contracting issues.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-13 level
GS-14: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as:
Planning, establishing, or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures.
Negotiations techniques to conduct contract negotiations and deal with high level business and industry.
Evaluating or implementing contracting programs; leading or supervising contracting professionals providing contracting services for the acquisition of a wide range of supplies, services and/or construction.
Contracting experience that demonstrated the ability to perform the full range of highly complex pre-award and post award activities utilizing a variety of types of contracts.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 level
GS-15: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as:
Developing acquisition strategies and directing or managing procurements.
Providing staff advisory services in one or more of the specializations in this occupation.
Overseeing contractual actions and phases of the contract program.
Reviewing and analyzing the effects of proposed legislation and other regulations on acquisition programs.
Serving as an agency technical authority in the areas of acquisition and procurement.
Developing policies, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to procurement.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-15 level
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
This public notice may be used to fill multiple positions as needed; therefore, applicants must meet the qualifications at the time the applications are reviewed.
Education
Basic Requirements for GS-11 through GS-12
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.
Education substitution for GS-11 positions: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. Qualifying education must have provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position being filled. OR A combination of specialized experience and education as described below.
Education may not be substituted for positions GS-12 and above.
Graduate Education: To qualify for GS-1102 positions on the basis of 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.
Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.
Basic Requirements for GS-13 and Above
A. 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
B. 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.
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 under Paragraph D.
D. Waiver: When filling a specific vacant position, the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this Paragraph D, the senior procurement executive must document for the record the basis of the waiver. If an individual is placed in a position in an agency on the basis of a waiver, the agency may later reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency without additional waiver action.
Federal Acquisition Institute Training
At all grade levels, the employee must meet the Federal Acquisition Institute Training Application System (FAITAS) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
FAC-C Level II is required to be obtained within: (1) 24 months from the date of hire; or (2) the date the applicant will meet the FAC-C experience standard. For selection at the GS-11/12 level, certification must currently be held at Level I and obtained at Level II.
FAC-C Level III is required to be obtained within: (1) 24 months from the date of hire; or (2) the date the applicant will meet the FAC-C experience standard. For selection at the GS-13/15 level, certification must currently be held at Level II and obtained at Level III.
This position has a positive education requirement. Therefore, you MUST provide documentation supporting any education claims in your application. This documentation can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. For specific education requirements, please see the Education Requirements.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
If selected, official transcripts may be requested.
Additional information
The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802.
Positions may be designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and subject to testing for illegal drug use. A negative drug test must be obtained prior to being appointed into these positions and will be subject to random testing thereafter.
If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
More than one selection may be made under this hiring authority.
Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership, ie Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor.
Supervisory positions may require a 1-year probationary period, if not yet completed.
New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
Position may require you to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entering the position and annually (5CFR Part 2634, Subpart I USOGE, 6/08). For additional information and to obtain the form, please visit the Office of Government Ethics.
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 for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is announced under a government-wide Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Acquisition positions in the GS-1102 series. Under this Direct-Hire authority, applicants are required to meet minimum qualification requirements at the grade level(s) of interest. Veteran's Preference, Schedule A, Category Rating, and other methods of consideration DO NOT APPLY under Direct-Hire Authority regulations.
Appointments made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).
If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Administration and Management
Contracting/Procurement
Customer Service
Problem Solving
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (12/31/2022) of this announcement.
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.
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation,if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
This is a public notice that is open for 9 months, applicants must reapply every four months.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer
P.O. Box 5088
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov.
Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
Applicants are limited to 4 geographic locations.
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the Department of Energy from another Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee move, as directed by the Department of Energy (DOE), to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record is currently located, due to a need of the DOE. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation,if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
This is a public notice that is open for 9 months, applicants must reapply every four months.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer
P.O. Box 5088
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov.
Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
Applicants are limited to 4 geographic locations.
A Recruitment Incentive May Be Authorized for a newly selected employee when appointed to a permanent, temporary, or term position. A Federal employee who is transferring to the Department of Energy from another Federal agency and who does not meet the conditions under 5 CFR §575.102 is not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee move, as directed by the Department of Energy (DOE), to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record is currently located, due to a need of the DOE. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
