Contract Specialist

Department of Defense

Defense Information Systems Agency

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Procurement Services Division at Vaihingen, Germany

Summary

This position for The Defense Information Systems Agency is at Procurement Services Division at Vaihingen, Germany.

This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, HOW TO APPLY and NEXT STEPS sections below for instructions.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current permanent Competitive Service DoD employees, DoD Cyber Excepted Service Employees eligible for reinstatement to the Competitive Service, current permanent DoD VRA employees; eligible PPP Applicants, VEOA, ICTAP, and eligible Military Spouse applicants

Duties

Serves as a contract specialist but may be required to obtain a warrant based on mission needs.
Duties include solicitation preparation, evaluation, cost/price analysis, negotiation, source selection, contract award, and contract administration.
Serves as an advisor to customer and project management personnel in procurement planning meetings.
Prepares and/or reviews procurements for Inquiry/Quote/Order (IQO), Request For Proposal (RFP), or Request For Quotation (RFQ).
Conducts meetings with vendors and foreign government telecom agencies to ensure clear understanding of contract requirements.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be a U.S.Citizen.
This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
The incumbent must obtain Acquisition certification in the Contracting Functional Area at the Contracting Professional Functional Tier within 36 months of entry into this position, in accordance with DoD Instruction 5000.66.
This is a covered position and the person selected for this position must complete an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment pursuant to 5 CFR 2634.903(b) (DoD 5500.7).
Will be required to travel occasionally by any mode of Government or commercial transportation in accordance with pertinent provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Time in Grade Requirement-see the Qualifications field below for more details.
Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance.
Moving costs MAY be paid. They MUST be paid if a DISA employee is selected for the position.
Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives MAY be authorized.

Qualifications

Basic Education Standards for positions in the 1102 series:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

All applicants must provide a copy of transcripts at the time of application. Failure to provide this information will result in disqualification.

NOTE: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000 are exempt from meeting this requirement. Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirement.

If claiming "DoD Education Exemption" (Grandfathered) you must also provide SF50's dated prior to October 1, 2000 showing that you have been continuously employed with DoD with no break in service since October 1, 2000.

AND

Specialized Experience:

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-11) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is defined as experience Negotiating, awarding, or modifying telecommunication or IT acquisition contracts; or Administering Inquiry/Quote/Order (IQO), Request For Proposal (RFP), or Request For Quotation (RFQ) instruments; or Analyzing commercial vendor capabilities to acquire technical services or IT products.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12) in the Federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is defined as experience Leading negotiations, executing final awards, or managing bilateral modifications for high-value telecommunication or IT service contracts; or Developing procurement strategies and administering complex IQO, RFP, or RFQ actions with minimal supervision; or Resolving contract performance disputes or interpreting procurement regulations to acquire critical IT products and services.

Candidates must describe how their experience meets the specialized experience requirement within the body of their resume.

Time-in-Grade:

For the GS-11,Current or former federal employees who have held a GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time in grade requirement. Applicant must have served 52 weeks as a GS-09 or higher grade in Federal Service.

For the GS-12,Current or former federal employees who have held a GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time in grade requirement. Applicant must have served 52 weeks as a GS-11 or higher grade in Federal Service.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

Education

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE AT GS-11 LEVEL: Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

Graduate Education: To qualify for GS-1102 positions on the basis of graduate education, graduate education in one or a combination of the following fields is required: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

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 the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .

Additional information

A one year probationary or trial period may be required
Tour Length: 36 Months
Current Federal employees within CONUS who are selected through a formal competitive recruitment process for a lower graded position overseas may be afforded pay retention if their pay would otherwise be reduced. Pay retention may be granted to employees already in the overseas area if the recruitment efforts had been extended outside the overseas command involved and the individual selected will have to PCS. Locality rates of pay will not be used for pay setting when transferring to the overseas area.
Eligibility for foreign-area allowances such as Foreign Post Allowance and Living Quarter Allowance will be determined at the time of hire.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP)/Family Member Preference (FMP)- Candidates claiming MSP/FMP must include a copy of sponsor's permanent change of station orders authorizing movement of spouse to the overseas command or other appropriated documentation that support the preference. Additional documentation may be required prior to granting the preference. Family members of locally hired DoD civilian employees are not eligible for Family Member Preference.
The DoD policy on overseas employment for civilian employees limits overseas tours to 5 years. Extensions beyond 5 years are designed to provide management flexibility to meet defined mission requirements that otherwise cannot be made. Case-by-case extensions beyond the 5-year limit may be granted in extremely rare situations.
U.S. citizens in Germany under ordinary resident status are not eligible to apply for appointment under Status of Forces Agreement.
Management has the prerogative to select at either grade level.
This recruitment provides promotion opportunity to target position without further competition when selectee is eligible and recommended by management. However promotion is not guaranteed and no promise of a promotion is implied
No-fee passport required. Applicants and their family members (who are US citizens) are required to obtain No-fee Passports PRIOR to departure to the overseas area.
Current DoD employees who accept this position will have statutory return rights to the same grade they held prior to accepting this position.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level.
PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility
All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.

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.

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.

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):

Competencies:

Contracting/Procurement
Communication
Influencing/Negotiating

The USA Hire 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 an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil

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 here: https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063145798547-USA-Hire-Assessments

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a displaced Federal Civil Service employee and attain a rating of at least 85, you may be entitled to receive special priority selection under the ICTAP. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible.

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ . Learn more about the new resume requirements
Transcripts (Required): This position has positive education requirements; you must submit all of your transcripts. The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating.
Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire and Additional Online Assessments
Other Supporting Documents
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification
Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so WILL result in the loss of veteran's preference, and will possibly impact your placement on the certificate. For more veterans' information please click here. You must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD-214, you must submit a written documentation from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be. If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a SF-15 "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
Military Spouse Preference: Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, marriage certificate/license, and a MILITARY SPOUSE PPP SELF-CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST are required to claim Military Spouse Preference. The Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist can be found here: To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/
ICTAP Eligible- A copy of the RIF separation notice and SF50 if available.
Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the MR and NG Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for MR and NG Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the MR and NG Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the MR and NG Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for MR and NG Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the MR and NG Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Retained Grade (RG) PPP Eligible: RG PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the RG PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for RG preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the RG PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

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 and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. 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:

Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
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.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
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.
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.
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://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us

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.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center

Phone: (317) 212-0454
Email: dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. All applications that indicate they meet the basic and minimum requirements will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. An initial review of the resume will be conducted to determine individuals identified for further consideration. An additional review of the transcripts and resume will occur prior to any job offer to verify basic education requirement and minimum qualifications are satisfied.

(317) 212-0454
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil

Contract Specialist Job in Vaihingen, Germany