Contract Specialist Job in Aiken, SC

Vacancy No. 25-XE-01280-12602083 Department National Nuclear Security Administration
Salary $59,966.00 to $113,047.00 Grade 2 to 2
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/8/2024 Close Date 11/21/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Aiken, SC


Summary

This vacancy announcement will close on the date specified above or after receipt of 50 applications; whichever comes first.

The incumbent will serve as a Contract Specialist trainee who will work under limited supervision with senior staff members to perform post award contract administration duties in accordance with established regulations, directives and policy.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is announced under Direct Hire Authority for Contract Specialist positions. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply under the Direct Hire process.

Duties

This position will be filled at the NQ-1102-02 level, with promotion potential to the NQ-1102-03 level.

At the NQ-1102-02 level, the incumbent will serve as a Contract Specialist trainee. As part of planned career development, the incumbent is required to obtain Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C Professional) and demonstrate proficiency in post-award contract administration activities included in the Field Office training plan prior to being considered eligible for promotion to the NQ-03 grade level. During formal acquisition training, the incumbent will be required to work (under limited supervision) with senior staff members to perform post award contract administration duties in accordance with regulations, directives, and policy established by the Department of Energy (DOE) and NNSA.

At the NQ-1102-03 level, the incumbent will serve as a warranted Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) with signatory authority for functions as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 42.302 in accordance with regulations, directives, and policy established by the DOE and NNSA.

The responsibility for and complexity of duties increase with experience and grade level and consist of the following:

  • Performing contract administration of one or more multi-billion dollar complex contracts and/or Management & Operating (M&O) contracts as defined in FAR Subpart 17.6 and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) 970. The contracts administered may include complex short or long-term cost, incentive, re-determinable, flexibly priced, or firm fixed-price type contracts.
  • Assisting with managing of the contractor performance evaluation (fee determination) process for the assigned M&O contract and the award fee determination process for other incentive contracts, if applicable (e.g., CPAF and CPIF).
  • Serving as a business advisor to Field Office staff, providing contractual guidance, support, and training.
  • Completing closeout activities of assigned contracts in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Communicating professionally and appropriately with external and internal stakeholders such as: NNSA programs, Procuring Contracting Officers, Program Managers, Auditors, Inspector General representatives, and other federal entities, and Contractor senior leaders.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Subject to Random Drug Testing
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Favorable suitability determination required.
  • Financial Disclosure is required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance.
  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
  • Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification.
  • More than one position may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
  • If you are a current federal employee, appointed under the direct-hire authority, you will be given a new appointment.
  • You will be required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period unless you meet the exceptions in 5 CFR, part 315.802.

Qualifications

All applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements AND Specialized experience outlined below.

Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR)

Completion of 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: 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.

Specialized Experience

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA pay band level or GS grade level in the Federal Service, i.e., NQ-01 or GS-07. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least 3 of the following:

1) Performing detailed analysis of proposals received in order to determine reasonableness;
2) Preparing business related documents in a concise manner while ensuring accuracy of information;
3) Preparing and issuing formal, or informal agreements related to business operations;
4) Ability to maintain close and continuing contact with Contracting/Business Officials to ensure conformance with terms and conditions of agreements;
5) Developing and presenting business-related data both verbally and in writing.
OR
Two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D.
OR
A combination of education and experience.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

The following applies in meeting the IOR and if you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

EDUCATION: Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. A written evaluation of any foreign education must be provided with your application in response to this vacancy announcement or be received by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide this evaluation will result in you being found unqualified for the position. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education, see the Department of Education website, and for a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, visit The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please Note: If your foreign education has already been accepted by an accredited U.S. educational institution as part of a degree program with that institution, you do not need to provide an evaluation of foreign education but must submit a copy of the transcripts listing the degree from the U.S. accredited institution that accepted your foreign 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.

**If you are selected, official transcripts will be required.

Additional information

  • The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • 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 Click HERE for more information.
  • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website Click HERE 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.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
  • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
  • A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with Agency policy.

EEO Policy: Click HERE.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE.
Veterans Information: Click HERE.
Telework: Click HERE.
Selective Service Registration: Click HERE
Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking 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.

This position is announced under a government wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Contract Specialist positions in the1102 series. Under the DHA, all applicants who meet the Qualification requirements listed in this announcement, at the grade level they are applying, will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply under the DHA process.

Federal employees eligible for career transition assistance plans such as CTAP, or ICTAP, requesting selection priority, must meet the Qualifications requirements listed in this announcement and be found "well qualified" for the position. Well-qualified is defined as: experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective factors, demonstrated by proficiency in most of the requirements of the job, requiring only limited training or orientation to perform effectively.

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', or not qualified,"

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.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the link below.
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12602083

Required Documents

Review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you are unsure, click the link for each document type to read more.

ALL APPLICANTS: You must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.

  • Your resume shall list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of the each employer.
  • For all types of work experience, you shall indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
  • For paid work experience, you shall indicate your starting salary for each position and the highest salary you earned (if different).
  • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
  • You may list all incentive awards on your resume.
  • Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require one specific format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which type of resume is acceptable. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.

Current and former Federal employees: Most recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notice of Personnel Action). To properly verify status eligibility, your SF-50 must show the following. If you do not submit an appropriate SF-50, we cannot verify your status eligibility!

  1. Full position title;
  2. appointment type;
  3. occupational series;
  4. pay plan, grade, and step;
  5. tenure code; and
  6. service computation date (SCD).

If your current position SF50 does not indicate you have competitive service status or does not reflect the pay plan and grade of the highest position you have held in the competitive service, in addition to your current SF50, you must provide your previous SF-50s that provide the proof of competitive status and highest grade held on a permanent basis.

For Professional, Scientific and Engineering Positions: If qualifying on the basis of an alternate method, i.e., professional license, you must submit official documentation to support your claim with your application package.

Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal, state, or District of Columbia agency or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.

Displaced Federal employees who qualify for CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a former Federal employee who was displaced due to a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or surplused by some other means, please submit a copy of the separation letter or RIF notice from your agency. To be selected under I/CTAP, you must still be found well-qualified for this position. Please see the OPM Guide to Career Transition Click HERE for more information.

Applicants using education to qualify (if allowed): Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts. Education cannot be substituted for experience in some positions at higher grade levels. Please see the Education section for more information.

Positive Education requirement: For those positions that have a positive education requirement, you must provide an unofficial transcript to show proof. See the Education section for more information.

Performance Appraisals: Submit your two (2) most recent performance appraisals. Your performance appraisals and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other applicants. If the performance appraisals are not available, please provide a written statement of explanation and upload as a separate document.

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, 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.

The application process is as follows:

  1. You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
  2. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
  3. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  4. 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.

Agency contact information

Crystal Wells
Address
NNSA - Savannah River Field Office
24600 20th St SE
Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5507
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible. In addition to changing your status online, the system will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.


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


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