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Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist

Federal Housing Finance Agency
Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)

Summary

This position is for a Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). In this role, the incumbent will be responsible for providing the full range of contracting support to assigned FHFA program office(s).

Overview

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Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$94,807 - $215,054 per year
Pay scale & grade
EL 11 - 13
Promotion potential
13
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
OCFO-26-03
Control number
881286000

Duties

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Office of the Chief Financial Officer

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) provides leadership and oversight of the Agency's budgeting, financial management, strategic planning, contracting, internal controls, and enterprise risk management functions. The OCFO ensures fiscal integrity, promotes effective resource allocation, strengthens risk and performance oversight, and supports data-driven informed decision-making to advance the Agency's mission and strategic goals.

Position Overview

The Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist will be responsible for assisting program office(s) in defining their acquisition needs; identifying sources for goods and services; determining the most appropriate method of procurement; negotiating the terms and conditions of complex contracts; and implementing all acquisition policies and procedures.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

The Contract Specialist/Senior Contract Specialist duties listed below are at the EL-13 grade level. Depending on the grade level selected, the incumbent will perform the following duties with varying levels of supervision and difficulty:

  • Serve as contracting officer and business advisor in contracting for one or more FHFA program offices, with unlimited signatory authority over contracts with large funding levels and involve highly visible, agency-wide strategic programs.
  • Perform work that includes the full range of contract specializations such as negotiation, cost and price analysis, and administration; and the entire range of contracting functions; i.e. award, pre-award, and post-award.
  • Plan and develop the acquisition strategy for the assigned program office's acquisition program.
  • Manage the contract portfolio for assigned program office(s); determine the types of contracts and contract vehicle to be used and prepare all supporting acquisition-related documents; and monitor contract performance.
  • Serve as the principal contracting advisor on the team; provide acquisition support to team members; coordinate with General Counsel and other offices during the acquisition process; and appoint the Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs).
  • Direct contract administration actions required for the acquisition program, including the issuance of contract modifications, exercise of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor past performance evaluation, disposition of claims, terminations, and similar matters.
  • Obtain appropriate audit and technical data; plan the negotiation strategy with the FHFA program office; and lead the negotiations with contractors to develop contract price, terms, and conditions.
  • Apply appropriate methodologies and is responsible for such actions as carrying out assignments; advising FHFA staff; and implementing policy and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure contracts meet the requirements of relevant legal contracting provisions.
  • Support outreach to qualified owned businesses during the solicitation process.
  • Participate in providing information regarding FHFA's compliance with these regulations as requested.
  • Maintain accurate obligation data in the procurement system, and participate in audits conducted by the Bureau of Fiscal Services, FHFA OIG, GAO, etc.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles) and those eligible for other hiring authorities.
  • An SF-50 is required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one showing your tenure and competitive status. You must provide an SF-50 that indicates your competitive eligibility. You will not be considered without this.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
  • Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
  • FHFA participates in e-Verify. All New hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
  • This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit. The union that represents employees in this position is the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Local 343.
  • This is NOT a remote position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.
  • If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
  • This position is subject to initial Financial Disclosure and subsequent annual filing requirements.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain FAC-C Level III certification, as it is a required duty of the position.

Qualifications

You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS (For the EL/GS-05 through the EL/GS-12):


To be eligible for the 1102 series (Contracting Series), you must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Education: A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field.

-OR-

B. Supplementary Education:
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.

-OR-

C. Exception:
Applicants who have held a 1102 series position in the federal government equivalent to the EL/GS-05 up through the EL/GS-12 as of January 1, 2000 (Supporting SF-50 or equivalent required with application. Please note that those who meet this exception are still required to satisfy the minimum qualification requirements for the EL/GS-11 or EL/GS-12 grade levels).

BASIC REQUIREMENTS (For the EL/GS-13 or above):

To be eligible for the 1102 series (Contracting Series), you must meet option "A", as well as one of the other following requirements:

A. Training: 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 of 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. Education: 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.

-OR-

B. Exception:
Applicants who have held an EL/GS-1102-13 or equivalent position since January 1, 2000. (Supporting SF-50 or equivalent required with application. Please note that those who meet this exception are still required to satisfy the minimum qualification requirements for the EL/GS-13 grade level).

In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must also meet the following minimum qualifications for their desired grade level:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualification EL-11: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.

*If you choose options "B" or "C", you must provide transcripts with your application*

A. Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-11 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-09 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below.

Examples of specialized experience include:

  • Assisting in the planning, negotiation, and execution of long-term pre-award and/or post-award procurement actions.
  • Applying procurement regulations and procedures the procurement of supplies, services, or equipment.
  • Providing technical assistance to staff and management.

-OR-

B. Education: Completion of three (3) academic years of higher graduate-level education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited college of university directly related to the work of the position (i.e. accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management).

-OR-

C. Combination of education and experience as described above in options "A" and "B". Note: Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education more than the amount required for the next lower grade level. Two academic years of graduate education is the number of credits hours determined to represent two academic years of full-time study (i.e., 36 semester hours (or 54 quarter hours).

Minimum Qualification EL-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.

Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-12 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-11 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with all the statements described below.

Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Planning, coordinating, negotiating, and assuring completion of approvals for long term pre-award and/or post-award procurement actions.
  • Applying procurement regulations and a variety of contracting procedures for pre-award or post-award phases, such as in the procurement of supplies, services, or equipment.
  • Providing technical assistance to staff and management.
  • Providing guidance, both orally and in writing, to assist in the development, negotiation, and formulation of contracting and procurement documents.

Minimum Qualification EL-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.

Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-13 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-12 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with all the statements described below.

Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Planning, coordinating, negotiating, and assuring completion of approvals for complex (wage/hour) pre-award and/or post-award procurement actions.
  • Serving as primary contracting point of contact for staff and management in developing contracting strategies for complex contracts.
  • Applying procurement regulations and a variety of contracting procedures for pre-award or post-award phases, such as in the procurement of complex or high-value contracts.
  • Leading the development, negotiation, and formulation of contracting and procurement documents.

**Failure to provide your transcripts, when required, for any of the options above will remove you from the hiring process**

Time-In-Grade: Current or former Federal government employees who have held an EL/GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time-in-grade requirement.
  • To be eligible for the EL-11 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-09 or higher in the Federal Service.
  • To be eligible for the EL-12 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-11 or higher in the Federal Service.
  • To be eligible for the EL-13 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-12 or higher in the Federal Service.

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; religious; 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

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

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

Additional information

An Overview of FHFA's Benefits provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year.

This position is subject to initial Financial Disclosure and subsequent annual filing requirements.

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to Federal employees who have been involuntarily separated or whose positions are surplus. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet CTAP/ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified with a score of 90 or above; and (3) submit required documentation. For more information, visit: For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older), genetic information, parental or marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: FHFA provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities unless it would create an undue hardship. To request an accommodation, contact reasonableaccommodations@fhfa.gov. All requests are reviewed case by case.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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 based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13041795

All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.

In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to fairchanceactcomplaints@fhfa.gov or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law.

Federal Housing Finance Agency

Join U.S. Federal Housing and Make a Difference!

At U.S. Federal Housing, we are driven by a deep commitment to public service and the belief that everyone deserves access to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing. Our mission is to ensure that the housing government-sponsored enterprises - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks - operate in a safe and sound manner so they can serve as a reliable source of liquidity and funding for housing finance and community investment across the nation.

When you join U.S. Federal Housing, you become part of a team that plays a critical role in building a stronger, more efficient housing finance system. You'll contribute to work that directly impacts millions of Americans - advancing homeownership and supporting communities.

U.S. Federal Housing fosters a high-performing workplace where every employee is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We proudly uphold our core values, and we recognize the dedication of our workforce through a culture of excellence, collaboration, and service.

Bring your talent to U.S. Federal Housing and be part of something bigger - protecting the American dream of home ownership.

Agency contact information

Ryan Stanger
Phone
771-233-7320
Email
ryan.stanger@fhfa.gov
Address
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Federal Housing Finance Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.fhfa.gov/about/careers

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