Contract Specialist (Direct Hire) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 25-DC-12754159-DH Department Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Salary $57,164.00 to $90,898.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/8/2025 Close Date 7/16/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is distinct among United States Attorney's Offices due to the breadth and scale of its work. It acts as both the local and the federal prosecutor for the nation's capital. Locally, it handles cases ranging from misdemeanor drug possession to murders, while federally, it handles cases ranging from child pornography to gang, financial fraud, and terrorism. The Office represents the district in civil suits.

Duties

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team within the Procurement Unit of the Administrative Division and will serve as a District-level Contracting Officer that is responsible for exercising delegation of authority to contract for a variety of services, supplies and equipment in the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.

Typical work assignments will include:

- Participates with management staff in obtaining agreement to, or negotiating settlements with, official who have competing or conflicting interests.
- Develops appropriate internal operating procedures based on impending changes of policy.
- Compiles bidders' lists and utilizes other sources lists to facilitate requirements.
- Provides purchasing support by acquiring supplies and services to meet the needs of the district.
- Performs cost analysis and other evaluation actions determine best value or lowest bid in Award decisions.
- Prepares recommendations for award documenting reasons for decisions including justifying basis for not recommending lowest bidder.
-Identify reasons for discrepancies and initiating corrective action.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit www.justice.gov/usao/.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

This announcement is being used to recruit qualified individuals under the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct Hire Authority authorized by 5 United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 3304 and 5 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 337, Subpart B. Therefore, Category Rating, Veterans' Preference, and traditional rating/ranking of applicants do not apply to this Public Notice.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
  • You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

To be qualified for this position, you must meet both the basic requirement and meet the education and/or specialized experience as specified below.

Basic Requirement:
A. Completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree or higher with a major in any field.
OR
B. Completed 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.

You must submit your transcripts (unofficial or official) to verify basic qualifications for this position or you will be disqualified.

GS-7: To be found qualified at the GS-7 level you must possess one full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the GS-5 level that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience reviewing invoices against purchase orders or contracts to confirm that the terms are consistent; using established procedures to process applications for contracting officer warrants, reviewing vendors' applications for bidder's mailing lists, screening incoming purchase request item descriptions for accuracy and adequacy and monitoring the status of purchase orders; reviewing and reconciling documents and records and resolving a variety of problems by coordinating with vendors and personnel in receiving, supply, and buying offices; determining contacts to reference sources to investigate and resolve routine or recurring discrepancies related to item and/or price differences, leftover funds, quantities outside allowable variances, and similar problems; identifying reasons for discrepancies and initiating corrective action.
OR
Education: One full academic year of graduate education or law school or Superior Academic Achievement. (Superior Academic Achievement requires the applicant possess a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, class standing in the upper third of a graduating class or major subdivision, or membership in a national scholastic honor society). 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.
OR
Combining Education and Experience: I have a combination of specialized experience as described above and graduate education as described above, which when combined equal 100% of the requirements. Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. (Only graduate education in excess of 1 full year is creditable.)

GS-9: To be found qualified at the GS-9 level you must possess one full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the GS-7 level, that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience reviewing requisitions and determining appropriate method of procurement; developing procurement plans and strategy by reviewing market conditions, specifications, and technical requirements; determining adequacy and completeness of available sources, contact with manufacturing representative or other possible authoritative sources; compiling bidders lists and utilizing other source lists to facilitate requirements; preparing statement of work (SOW) and other documents necessary prior to a formal solicitation process; evaluating, in conjunction with subject-matter experts, proposals, unsolicited proposals and other bid documents; drafting final contract documents; ensuring delivery of requirements and receipt of invoices for payment and closeout of received services or supplies; purchasing common supplies available off-the-shelf, items that are manufactured to order or constitute specialized purchases or services, such as expert witnesses, litigative consultant services, construction, IT and complex equipment and services; closing out purchase orders in accordance with agency instructions.-
OR
Education: Two full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education, or masters or equivalent degree in one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management, or LL.B or JD.
OR
Combining Education and Experience: I have a combination of specialized experience as described above and graduate education as described above, which when combined equal 100% of the requirements. Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. (Only graduate education in excess of 1 full year is creditable.)

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found eligible and qualified for this vacancy. To be eligible and qualified, you must satisfy all eligibility and qualification requirements for the vacant position as outlined in this announcement. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found eligible and qualified for this vacancy. To be eligible and qualified, you must satisfy all eligibility and qualification requirements for the vacant position as outlined in this announcement. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.
OR
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Veterans' Preference - Since Direct Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified preference eligibles will be given full consideration for this position. While veterans' preference does not apply in Direct Hire Authority, preference eligibles can submit their supporting documentation listed as Optional in the Required Documentation section of this vacancy announcement.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): 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 or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

EEO Statement: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

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.

Your resume and all supporting documentation you submit, to include your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you rate yourself higher than what is supported by the documentation you submit, you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet minimum qualification requirements, you will be referred to the selecting official. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, category rating and veterans' preference do not apply; therefore, your responses to the assessment questionnaire will not be used to determine a scored rating. Instead, all applicants that are determined to meet minimum qualifications, as defined by this vacancy announcement, will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Qualified, eligible CTAP and ICTAP applicants will be referred to the selecting official under the selection priority placement program. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than what is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

The Occupational Questionnaire will take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

- Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).

- Required: Your resume showing relevant experience and dates (for full consideration you must include day/month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time) (cover letter optional).). 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.

- Required if you meet qualifications based on education: An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, an official transcript will be required prior to your first day) and foreign education evaluation documentation, if applicable, as described under the "Education" section of this vacancy announcement.

- Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation to include a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.

- Optional, if applicable: Veterans' Preference documentation.
Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); or if you are a current Active Duty member, a certification on appropriate military branch letterhead that indicates: 1) your service dates, 2) expected discharge or release date from active duty with a release/discharge date no later than 120 days from the closing date of this announcement, and 3) the character of service (e.g., Honorable); If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower if a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" dated October 2013 and the required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.

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 by providing a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

  • Position title;
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
  • Agency; and
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

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 in this announcement.

1. 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.

2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.)

3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, 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 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.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12754159

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online, contact HR Operations USAO-DC at USADC.Staffers@usdoj.gov or as soon as possible to arrange an alternative application process.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/16/2025 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your proof of submission in the event verification is needed.

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 or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

Agency contact information

HR Operations USAO-DC
Address
US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia
601 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20530
US

Next steps

We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation, to include a credit check, and drug test by urinalysis. We expect to make a final job offer within 30 days after the closing date of the announcement.


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


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