Contract Specialist Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. HHS-ASFR-DHA-25-12669203 Department Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
Salary $120,579.00 to $156,755.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/16/2025 Close Date 1/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR), Office of Acquisitions (OA), located in Washington, District of Columbia.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is a direct hire authority announcement. Traditional rules regarding rating, ranking, and veterans' preference do not apply.

Duties

The Contract Specialist performs the following duties:

  • Performs specialized and complex contract award and contract administration work.
  • Uses contract methods and types that include cost reimbursement, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed price, incentive, etc., to procure large, highly complex, and significant equipment systems, programs, services, or construction where little or no contractual precedent exists.
  • Serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for procurements involving a number of different processes or elements resulting in extensive subcontracting.
  • Debriefs unsuccessful offerors and prepares documentation in response to protests, claims, or other appeals.
  • Develops acquisitions planning documents, tracks and monitors contract planning activities in appropriate contracting acquisitions systems.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  1. Security and Background Requirements: If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
  2. E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify participant.
  3. Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
  4. All qualification requirements must be met by the date the announcement closes.
  5. Financial disclosure statement may be required: Yes
  6. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses may be paid: No
  7. Bargaining Unit Position: No
  8. Drug Screening Required: No
  9. Recruitment incentives may be authorized: No
  10. Student loan repayment incentive may be authorized: No
  11. Annual leave for non-federal service may be authorized: No
  12. One year probationary period may be required.
  13. U.S. Citizenship Required: Yes
  14. Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service - http://www.sss.gov

Qualifications

Your resume must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position. Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating. This will prevent you from receiving further consideration.

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.

Basic Requirements for GS-13 and Above:

1. 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

2. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

3. 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 4.

4. 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 1 and 2 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, 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.

AND

Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-13 position, you must have one year of specialized experience that is equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level performing duties such as: executing comprehensive acquisition functions in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and all pertinent regulations and policies; conducting procurement planning to establish objectives related to competition and pricing; negotiating and engaging with contractors regarding contract award, modifications, and closeouts; performing various administrative tasks, including verifying contractor compliance with contractual provisions; ensuring satisfaction of the Project Officer (PO) is satisfied with the contractor performance; and preparing reports and other documents satisfy reporting requirements.

AND

Applicants must possess a FAC-C (Professional) certification or equivalent.

Documenting experience: In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.

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; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.

Education

If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university.

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 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: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

Reasonable Accommodation: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please see Agency Contact Information for whom to contact for more info. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. You must email the agency contact on the vacancy announcement at least three business days before the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. For more information on disability employment, please visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/

Career Transition Program: This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For information on eligibility criteria and required documentation, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 15, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public. Applicants selected for this position will be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. To demonstrate commitment to the HHS goal of a drug-free workplace and to set an example for other Federal employees, employees not in a testing designated position may volunteer for unannounced random testing by notifying their Drug-free Federal Workplace Program Point of Contact upon hiring.

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 based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement.

This is a direct hire announcement. Traditional rating and ranking of applications, and veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy. We will evaluate you against the basic qualifications. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration in accordance with Office of Personnel Management direct hire guidelines.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be further evaluated based on a subject matter review or interview. Failure to comply with any of the additional assessment requirements will result in removal from further consideration.

Required Documents

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. You must provide a complete online Application Package which includes:

  • Resume: Must clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. For each position you must describe your duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities. Your resume must also include the month and year that you began and ended for each position held. Full-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise stated on your resume. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Not providing this information may result in an ineligible rating. For resume writing guidance, please visit the USAJobs Resource Center or view their video tutorial.
  • FAC-C (Professional) or equivalent certificate
  • Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial application, and must show your name, the name of the educational institution, the degree awarded, and the conferred/awarded date. Self-prepared transcripts will not be accepted. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.
Other Supporting Documents: (Only Submit if applicable to you)
  • SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" - if you are a current or former federal employee, please submit an SF-50 to clearly demonstrate one year time-in-grade as required in the announcement. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate that you possess one year time-in-grade. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year time-in-grade.
  • Veterans & Military Spouses: You must submit a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge) that has the dates of service and discharge status.
    • Disabled Veterans: In addition to the DD-214 form, you must submit an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying the service-connected disability rating.
    • Active Duty Members: To claim status under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to hire Heroes Act of 2011, you must submit written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package. Certifications must include: expected separation or retirement date, date terminal leave will begin (if applicable), and expected character of discharge (honorable, general, etc.).
    • Parents of Deceased or Disabled Veterans: To claim preference, you must submit a copy of the deceased or disabled veterans' DD-214 AND the SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans Preference.
    • Widow or Widower: To claim preference, you must submit a copy of the deceased or disabled veterans' DD-214 AND the SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans Preference.
    • Spouse of a Living Veteran: To claim preference, you must submit a copy of the veterans' DD-214 AND the SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans Preference, and documentation of veteran's inability to work because of a service-connected disability.
*Please follow the instructions in the SF-15 on required documentation to be submitted.
  • ICTAP/CTAP documentation: you must submit the following documents at the time of application: (1) Proof of Eligibility (Reduction-in-Force separation notice, Notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of injury compensation termination, OR notice of disability annuity termination); (2) Your latest performance rating showing a rating of at least "fully successful" (level 3); AND (3) Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), or equivalent personnel action, showing your tenure, position occupied, and duty station.
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

*To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
*Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
*It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

If you are unable to apply online, please go to https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information for more information on our alternate application method.

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/30/2025.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

Agency contact information

OMHA Human Resources Center
Address
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources
200 Independence Avenue
Washington, DC 20201
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement.

You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).

Please contact OSOMHAHRCServicesHQ@hhs.gov with any questions about this announcement.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.


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


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements