Duties
As an experienced Contracting Specialist at NSA, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Designing acquisition strategies to meet the government's needs through the most appropriate and efficient contracting method
- Conducting market research
- The ability to apply Federal and DoD Acquisition concepts, regulations, and statutes (e.g., FAR, DFAR, NSA acquisition directives, policies, and procedures)
- The ability to award and administer contracts independently
- The ability to understand and apply the principles of cost analysis and the ability to award and administer cost-type contracts
- Preparing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quote (RFQ)
- Evaluating proposals from potential contractors/vendors
- Negotiating contract terms with selected contractors/vendors
- Evaluating procurements to ensure compliance with funding, legal, and program requirements
- The ability to oversee a team of Contacting Specialists, some of whom have their own warrant authority
- Preparing and awarding contracts with supporting documentation in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR), and internal NSA policy
- Administering contracts to include issuing modifications and monitoring performance
- Solving complex and unique challenges that arise throughout the life of a contract
- Implementing best practices and processes
- Communicating program successes and issues with various levels and organizations throughout the Agency, as well as with external customers and contractors
Although not required, preferred attributes for this position include:
- Current or previously held Contracting Officer Warrant Authority
- Experience independently awarding actions using FAR Part 15
- Experience overseeing a team of Contacting Specialists, some of whom have their own warrant authority
Additionally, this position requires a DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act) professional certification in Contracting.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
A degree in any field is acceptable.
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
Relevant experience must include both federal contracting and business management (for example, acquisition, procurement, finance, accounting, and logistics). Additionally, formal or informal leadership experience is required. Relevant experience must also include using email, spreadsheets, and word processing.
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
A degree in any field is acceptable.
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.
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.
The ideal candidate for this position is someone with a desire for continuous learning who possesses strong communication (both oral and written) skills, problem-solving abilities, analytic and interpersonal skills, along with extensive experience using the Microsoft office suite.
Knowledge and experience in the following areas is strongly desired:
- Resourcefulness in finding solutions and identifying efficiencies
- Interpersonal skills to develop relationships and establish teams
- Demonstrates accountability as an individual and as a leader
- Resilience, flexibility, and adaptability to changing priorities and workloads
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines without compromising quality or accuracy.
- Strong command of Microsoft Office suite of tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)