Contract Specialist

Clarification from the agency

All US Citizens. The position(s) will be filled through a direct-hire authority. Veterans' preference does not apply under this Direct-Hire Authority (DHA).

Serving as a Contract Specialist GS-1102-11 makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) team and mission. This position is located in the Procurement Division (PRO) under the Mission and Readiness Support Directorate (MRSD).

The primary purpose of this position is to perform pre-award and post-award procurement functions for supplies, equipment, services, and construction needed to complete the mission of the Bureau (FLETC) and the Dept. of Homeland Security and other partnering Agencies.

Typical duties include:

• Acquiring supplies, services and construction requirements using applicable procedures from the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and agency regulations as well as associated guidance.
• Preparing and issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs), Invitation for Bids (IFBs), and Requests for Quotations (RFQs); analyzing Purchase Requisitions (PRs) and working with requisitioners to clarify requirements and documentation; coordinating alternate items with requisitioners to determine adequacy.
• Analyzing purchase requisitions (PR's) and work with requisitioners to clarify requirements and documentation, along with requisitioners to determine adequacy.
• Developing negotiation positions and negotiating with contractors; and determining the best overall value to the Government, price and other factors considered.
• Evaluating the proposals/bids or quotations received in response to the solicitations; performing contract administration including preparation of modifications, coordination with requiring activities and vendors on delinquent deliveries, taking appropriate administration action to resolve delivery problems, and providing status to requisitioners and others such as finance or receiving; and assisting in processing of claims and protests.
• Determining the appropriate contracting methods and types to be used and determining the appropriate clauses and provisions to be included in contact actions.
• Assisting requisitioners in preparing adequate requirement documents such as statements of work (SOWs) or Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition; researching and identifying proper mandatory sources of supply as defined in FAR prior to starting solicitation process; and assisting in training requisitioners on documentation requirements and general procurement knowledge that facilitates effective PR processing.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).
• You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued driver's license to conduct official government business.
• You will be required to set up direct deposit.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.
• This position is eligible for telework based on agency policy. This is NOT a remote position.
• Occasional travel is required.
• Overtime may be required.
• Required to complete an OGE 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of starting your federal employment and annually thereafter as long as you occupy a position that requires financial disclosure reporting.
• Must meet position requirements for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional certification within 36 months as of entrance on duty.

Qualifications

A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted. For additional assistance, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

For all Contracting Series, 1102 positions at GS-5 through GS-12: Selectee must meet position requirements for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional certification4 within 36 months as of entrance on duty.

You qualify at the GS-11 grade level if you possess one of the following:

• One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in Federal service, in procurement planning and reviewing contracts for less complex acquisitions, including developing procurement objectives, constructing solicitations, and ensuring clarity and completeness of procurement requests. Routinely advise technical representatives on requirements, assist in preparing specifications and statements of work, and develop procurement plans considering funding, market analysis, delivery, and government-furnished property. Leading pre-solicitation activities, conduct conferences with prospective contractors, issue amendments, and manage the full solicitation process. -AND-For contract administration, evaluate bids, conduct pre-award surveys, analyze contractor responsibility, and serve as lead negotiator for prices, terms, and contract amendments. As a Warranted Contracting Officer, independently award contracts and develop contract administration plans, including quality assurance measures. I monitor contractor performance, resolve post-award issues, approve payments, issue modifications, and perform contract closeouts, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. OR
• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M.; OR
• A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience as described above that, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.

NOTE: Only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used to qualify for the GS-11 level.

All requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. 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.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, the FLETC requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for suitability as a condition of placement in this position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary. Some standing or walking for periods not to exceed 15 minutes and lifting up to 40 pounds may be required. Some travel may be required to attend or provide training or assist in negotiations.

Work Environment: This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies during the next 90 days. This could result in a few or many vacancies being filled from this announcement.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies during the next 90 days. This could result in a few or many vacancies being filled from this announcement.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to fletc-jobinfo@fletc.dhs.gov.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.

Applicants will be evaluated on their total background including experience (paid and unpaid), education, awards, and training and self-development as it relates to the position based upon the information provided in the resume/application and any other supporting documents. All work experience should specify the length of time spent in the position. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that indicates hours per week "varies." List exact hours per week on each job experience.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnairehttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13001938

This notice is issued under the direct-hire authority. Using Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved direct hire authorities, agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C. 3309 through 3318, for which OPM determines that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need.

Veterans Preference: Veterans preference does not apply under this Direct-Hire Authority (DHA).

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be removed from consideration or your score may be lowered.

After FLETC completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components and other federal agencies. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

1. Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.
2. Your responses to the job questionnaire. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13001938
3. Is education required for this position? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution listing the college/university, degree confirmation date(s) and applicable courses. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
4. Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
5. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit the following:
   • A copy of your agency notice,
   • A copy of your most recent performance rating, and
   • A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.

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