Contract Specialist Job in Falls Church, VA

Vacancy No. DHA-12543285-24-VG Department Executive Office for Immigration Review
Salary $59,966.00 to $94,317.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/7/2024 Close Date 10/21/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Falls Church, VA


Summary

This position is located in the Office of Procurement Services, Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. Incumbent serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for the full range of pre-award and post-award activities.
This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position will be filled using a Direct Hire authority and is open to all U.S. Citizens

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Reviewing requests for procurement of equipment, services, and/or construction that require the use of fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, or a combination of contract methods and types to procure where little or no contractual precedent exists.
  • Conducting extensive negotiations during all phases of the procurement process.
  • Preparing recommendations for award, documenting reasons for decisions including justifying basis for not recommending award to the lowest quote, bid, or offer.
  • Monitoring contract performance, isolating contract performance problems, negotiating supplemental of follow-on agreements (partial terminations, price increases or decreases, specification changes, furnishing of Government property, etc.).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
  • Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
  • Probationary period will apply.
  • May be required to file a Financial Disclosure.
  • Salary payments must be by direct deposit to a financial institution.
  • Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Contract Specialist position, you must meet the following Basic Requirement, and possess the minimum qualifications for the respective grade level(s) to which you are applying:

BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE GS- 9-11 LEVEL:
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;
OR
Held a position in the GS-1102 series since 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.

AND
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-9 LEVEL:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:
  • Providing technical and advisory services in a variety of contracting methods and types;
  • Reviewing requisitions and determines the method of procurement required (e.g. Request for Quote (RFQ), Invitation for Bid (CFB), Request for Proposal (RFP), award via bidding or negotiations);
  • Participating in pre-performance conferences with contractors to clarify issues in contractual requirements;
  • Preparing reports and correspondences to answer or provide input for congressional inquiries, resolving complaints and protests, attending meetings, and providing expediting services; and
  • Reviewing past performance information, conducting pre-award surveys, and ascertaining price reasonableness by performing cost and price analysis. (Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)
-OR-
Education: Applicants must have successfully completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or masters or equivalent doctoral degree or LL.B. or J.D. in one of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.
-OR-
Combination: Applicants do not possess the full amount of experience described above or the full amount of graduate education described above. However, the applicants have a percentage of the experience and a percentage of the education which when combined totals 100% of the necessary experience and education needed to qualify for this position. (Only graduate education beyond one year, i.e., 18 semester hours, may be combined with experience under this provision.) NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.

GS-11:Specialized Experience: Applicant must have one or more years of specialized work experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service performing duties related to:
  • Reviewing requests for procurement of equipment, services, and/or construction that require the use of fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, or a combination of contract methods and types to procure where little or no contractual precedent exists;
  • Developing source files of responsible contractors by analyzing industries technical and financial ability to satisfy requirements;
  • Participating in extensive negotiations during all phases of the procurement process;
  • Assisting with monitoring contracts to ensure timely completion of required actions, such as the exercise of contract options; and
  • Reviewing all post-award actions taken to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulation s and Executive Orders.
OR
Education: Applicants must have successfully completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in one of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.

OR
Combination: Applicants do not possess the full amount of experience described above or the full amount of graduate education described above. However, the applicants have a percentage of the experience and a percentage of the education which when combined totals 100% of the necessary experience and education needed to qualify for this position. (Only graduate education beyond two years, i.e., 36 semester hours, may be combined with experience under this provision.) NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

Education

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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 accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.

Translated transcripts are required.

Additional information

This position may have a remote option with management approval.


Conditions of Employment: Only U.S. Citizens or Nationals are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ applicants, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, whose job location is with the U.S., must meet the residency requirement. For a total of three (not necessarily consecutive years) of the five years immediately prior to applying for a position, the applicant must have: 1) resided in the U.S., 2) worked for the U.S. overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or 3) been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving oversees.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): To be qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and must submit proof of eligibility for the special selection priority. Additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility can be found by clicking here.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

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 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 receive the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.

Your application package will be evaluated under a Direct-Hire Authority (DHA). DHA enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant without regard to 5 U.S.C 3309-3318, 5 CFR part 211, or 5 CFR part 337, subpart A. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans' preference, and "rule of three" procedures. DHA must comply with public notice requirements under 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330, career transition requirements (CTAP/ICTAP) under 5 CFR part 330, and basic qualification requirements for the position under 5 CFR part 338. For more information about Direct-Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/

You will be rated based on the following knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs) or competencies:

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


In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

The assessment 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 the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

NOTE: In order to be rated as meeting the minimum qualifications, we must be able to determine from your application package that you have the education and/or specialized experience that is required. Applicants who have qualifying experience performed on less than a full-time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties. Your resume MUST contain your full name, some form of contact information (phone number, email address and/or living address), and the following employment information:
  • Employer name and location for each position held.
  • From and to dates (MM/YY-MM/YY or from MM/YY to "present") for each position held. The month and year is required to fully credit your time.
  • For part-time positions, please include number of hours worked per week, positions that do not include this information will be assumed as full-time (40 hours a week).
  • Grade/levels held for each federal position. (Ex. GS-11; IR-06; FV-G…etc.)
  • Detailed descriptions of experience under each position held. (Applicants must provide specific supporting examples to show that they meet the qualifications of the position shown in the announcement.)
  • Any submitted documents not required or requested for this vacancy will not be considered (i.e. training certificates, case filings, letter of recommendations, etc.).

(ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION PRIOR TO FINAL SELECTION.)

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by the closing date of this announcement, which includes:
1. Your Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional (Please see the How You Will Be Evaluated section)
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire
3. Transcripts (include your name, college name/address, type of degree, major, date degree conferred, courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, G.P.A. etc.), if qualifying based on education
4. Other supporting documents (submit if applicable to you):

  • CTAP/ICTAP documents
  • If your qualifying experience is from federal employment, please provide your SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the federal service.
  • Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.
Note: Multiple selections may be made from this announcement. Salaries above are an approximation.

Veteran's Preference does not apply when selecting individuals under a Direct-Hire Authority (DHA). When agencies select individuals under DHA, the law allows agencies to hire them without regard to sections 5 U.S.C. 3309-3318, which eliminates the requirement for applying veterans preference. Qualified candidates with veterans' preference can be selected as they are found, just as any qualified non-preference eligible candidate would be.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of 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.

How to Apply

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 and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Occupational questionnaire can be previewed here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12543285
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact Midwest Services Branch . You must submit a complete application by the close of the announcement.

Agency contact information

Midwest Services Branch
Phone
8164265706
Email
EOIR@opm.gov
Address
Office of Administration
5107 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cutscore on the required assessments.

You will be notified of your application status during the hiring process, as applicable. You may check your application status by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking "Application Status". The process may take up to 6 weeks.

The four points of notification are:

  • Application Received or Application Incomplete
  • Minimum Qualification Requirement Met/Not Met
  • Eligible (Application Referred) or Ineligible (Application Not referred)
  • Selected or Not Selected
*Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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