As a Contract Specialist, you will satisfy customer needs through the professional placement of Government contracts and be responsible for the full range of pre-award and post-award functions, e.g., price/cost analyses, negotiation, administration and termination.
Location of position: Public Buildings Service in various locations nationwide.
Summary
As a Contract Specialist, you will satisfy customer needs through the professional placement of Government contracts and be responsible for the full range of pre-award and post-award functions, e.g., price/cost analyses, negotiation, administration and termination.
Location of position: Public Buildings Service in various locations nationwide.
This public notice is issued under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) to recruit talent to occupations for which there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need. This means that we can hire any qualified candidate from this notice or any other source.
About this DHA notice:
-Current civil service employees will receive new appointments if selected under this DHA.
-For information on DHA, please visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/
This is a developmental position with a full performance level of GS-12. Assignments become progressively more difficult until the full performance level is reached.
Perform acquisition planning tasks, including reviewing/analyzing procurement requests, researching market conditions, determining method of procurement & contract type, developing acquisition plans, preparing source selection plans or technical evaluation criteria and plans, and preparing necessary justifications and documentation. Award & administer a variety of contracts, including those awarded under Section 8(a) and other socioeconomic programs including sole source procurements.
Develop and prepare contract solicitations, modifications, terminations, and other contracting documents, incorporating appropriate language, specifications and clauses based on various factors (market conditions, customer requirements, quantities required, etc.).
Develop negotiation plans and objectives; hold conferences; and conduct discussions and negotiations with contractors.
Evaluate technical submissions, bids or offers for responsiveness to the solicitation and responsibility. Coordinate the establishment of a technical evaluation committee or source selection evaluation board to determine acceptability of technical proposals; evaluate contractor proposals against selection criteria; and may serve as the Source Selection Authority/chair and as such make cost/technical trade-offs. Perform cost and/or price analyses and make final determination on awards within delegated contracting officer authority.
Perform post-award duties including monitoring contractor's performance, ensuring contract compliance, ensuring payments are processed, negotiating modifications, and dealing with protests and/or terminations as needed.
Conduct or facilitate various contracting meetings such as pre-proposal and post award meetings. Respond to inquiries from customers and vendors concerning contract issues and concerns; keep customers/contractors apprised of procurement status; coordinate with other offices or stakeholders to resolve procurement-related problems.
US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Meet all eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization 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 political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
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.
May require special safety precautions or severe weather protection, such as protective clothing or gear such as masks, coveralls, coats, boots, hard-hats, goggles, gloves or shields.
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-11salary range starts at $72,553 per year.
The GS-12salary range starts at $86,962 per year.
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
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.
Basic Requirement for GS-1102-05 through 12 levels: 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.
Exception Provision : If you occupied a GS-1102 position at the GS-5 through GS-12 on January 1, 2000, you are considered to meet the basic requirement. GS-1102-07 vacancies: You must meet the Basic Requirements (or the exception) listed above, and have either: (a) One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service; (b) 1 full academic year of graduate education or law school; (c) Superior Academic Achievement (SSA), which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. For information on what constitutes SSA, refer to Section 4-F at the following OPM Website: Superior Academic Achievement.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above:
GS-11:
To qualify, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience procuring building services, professional and/or non-professional services, and/or construction using a range of contracting methods and contract vehicles (i.e. purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, etc.) This experience must include planning and carrying out routine pre-award and/or post-award acquisition actions including:
Preparing solicitation documentation and drafting the final contract including recommendations for award;
Evaluating vendor offers for both technical and price/cost factors to ensure best value to the organization/agency;
Negotiating contracts, orders and/or modifications using standard language/templates with few clauses or addendums; Responding to and resolving acquisition questions/issues some of which require additional research to provide recommendations/responses;
Analyzing routine contracting issues and identifying alternative courses of action.
OR
3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree if the education provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
A combination of higher-level graduate education and specialized experience that when combined together meet the qualification requirements of this position.
GS-12:
To qualify, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience procuring building services, professional and/or non-professional services, and/or construction using a wide range of contracting methods and contract vehicles (i.e. purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, etc.) Procurements at this level include:
Planning and carrying out routine pre- and post-award acquisition actions;
Preparing solicitation documentation incorporating necessary specialized provisions, and drafting the final contract;
Evaluating vendor offers for both technical and price/cost factors as well as evaluating bidders capacity to perform/comply with contract clauses and specifications;
Planning and conducting negotiations on price, technical requirements, terms, and conditions of the contract;
Responding to and resolving acquisition questions/issues that require research to provide recommendations/responses;
Analyzing contracting issues and identifying alternative courses of action.
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:
- These positions may or may not be eligible for the bargaining unit depending on the location of the position for which you are selected.
If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency at FairChanceActComplaint@gsa.gov or visit GSA's webpage.
If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.
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.
This announcement will be used to fill positions on an ongoing-basis as job openings occur. Eligible applicants who have submitted a complete application by the initial cut-off date, will be considered first. If additional vacancies exist, remaining applicants will be considered as needed. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be July 24, 2024. Thereafter, the subsequent cut-off for applications received will be August 21, 2024.
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.
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.
Applications will be evaluated against basic qualifications. Qualified candidates will be considered in accordance with Office of Personnel Management Direct Hire Guidelines. Applications will not be rated or ranked. Veterans’ Preference does not apply to direct hire recruitment procedures.
You may not be considered for the position if any part of the application is incomplete or missing the required supporting documentation. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or dismissing you if hired.
ICTAP/CTAP Candidates: The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To qualify, you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, most recent performance rating, and most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found “well-qualified" for this vacancy. In addition to meeting the basic qualifications stated in the qualification section of this announcement, well qualified is defined as: experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, demonstrated by meeting at least 51% or more of the competencies/KSA’s listed below (i.e. 4 out of 6)
Knowledge of contracting laws, regulations, principles, methods, contract types, and programs in order to perform acquisition planning; identify sources; determine procurement method; evaluate recent market developments, trends, conditions, and economic factors affecting procurements; and award and administer contracts.
Skill in writing clear and concise communications in order to advise stakeholders of project status and procurement issues and develop a variety of complex contracting documents, including planning documents, solicitations, modifications, protests, terminations, Source Selection Decisions (SSDs), Price Negotiation Memorandums (PNMs), Price Analyses, Ratifications, Justifications and Approvals (J&As), Determinations and Findings (D&Fs) and Contracting Officer Final Decisions.
Knowledge of contract negotiation techniques to negotiate complex contracts. Skill in the use of negotiation techniques in order to negotiate prices, terms and conditions, contract modifications and settlements resulting in the best value for the government.
Knowledge of source selection procedures and related regulations. Ability to evaluate and analyze complex information, determine technical objectives, and prioritize competing interests in order to develop recommendations and make well-informed, effective, and timely decisions.
Knowledge of post-award procedures to administer firm fixed-price, time and materials, indefinite delivery, or other contracts of similar complexity. Ability to apply judgment to effectively initiate, advise and coordinate the performance of contract administration duties including contract compliance, negotiating and resolving contract performance problems, and awarding contract modifications.
Ability to communicate effectively to keep GSA managers, customers, and contractors apprised of project status and procurement issues of mutual concern. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of personnel, including contractors, internal and external customers, and managers.
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.
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.
If you are ICTAP/CTAPeligible - 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 in Applying? 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.
As mentioned in the Other Information section, this announcement will be used to fill positions on an ongoing basis as job openings occur. Your application will only be reviewed after a cut-off date or after the vacancy closing date if you have completed the application process described above.
GSA, Public Buildings Service
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
The following process is used if your application is complete and active as of the cut-off date deadlines/closing date.
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
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.
If you are ICTAP/CTAPeligible - 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 in Applying? 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.
As mentioned in the Other Information section, this announcement will be used to fill positions on an ongoing basis as job openings occur. Your application will only be reviewed after a cut-off date or after the vacancy closing date if you have completed the application process described above.
GSA, Public Buildings Service
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
The following process is used if your application is complete and active as of the cut-off date deadlines/closing date.
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
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.
