Contract Specialist

Overview This position is being offered through OPM's Direct Hire Authority. See more about Direct Hire under Conditions of Employment below. Plans, solicits, negotiates, awards, administers and closes out the most complex and difficult acquisitions of materials, systems, programs, services and equipment in support of agency goals and initiatives for the most specialized, state‑of‑the‑art, critical or scarce requirements. See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more information about this position. Responsibilities Procurements may be characterized by lack of previous cost data, cost or fixed‑price contracts, long‑term contracts, subcontractors, changes in terms, unusual conditions or funding, unique terms and conditions and other difficult situations. Formulates contracting strategies and secures the aforementioned commodities for the most complex acquisitions through the use of negotiated and sole‑source acquisitions. Uses a variety of acquisition methods (e.g., open market contracts, orders against existing agency contracts, orders against other agencies’ contracts) and contract types (e.g., firm‑fixed price, cost reimbursement, time‑and‑materials/labor‑hour). Serves as an acquisition official on the most complex acquisitions by executing contracts and contract modifications. Performs all other duties and responsibilities of a Contracting Officer within the limits of delegated authority, which may be over $7 million per award. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications (IOR) Successful 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 of experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience and must provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position. Successful completion of a 4‑year course of study resulting in a bachelor's degree that included, or was supplemented by, at least 24 semester hours in any combination of: Accounting, Business, Finance, Law, Contracts, Purchasing, Economics, Industrial Management, Marketing, Quantitative Methods, or Organization and Management. Exceptions and waiver provisions as described in the original posting. Specialized Experience At least 52 weeks of specialized experience gained in a federal position at or above GS‑12 or equivalent based on responsibility and difficulty. Experience primarily consisting of pre‑ and post‑award contract functions involving procurements of significant importance, including procurement planning, negotiation strategies and contract administration. Information on this series and application details can be found at Education Submit a full, legible transcript(s) demonstrating the required degree and coursework. Transcripts must show name of student, institution, program, and degree conferred. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a private organization or credit must be assigned by a U.S. accredited institution. Additional Information This is a STEM position offered through OPM's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all U.S. citizens. Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. Additional selections may be made up to six months after the closing date. Male applicants born after 1959 must certify selective service registration or exemption. The position is a non‑bargaining unit, not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The official duty station is SSA‑HQ, Woodlawn, Maryland. The position is full‑time on a flex‑time schedule; Alternate Work Schedules may be authorized. Telework requires eligibility conditions and residence within a two‑hour commute of the duty station (relocation expenses are not paid). Relocation to a new office is not reimbursed. Salary is set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Successful performance will be assessed during a one‑year probationary period. The position requires completion of SF‑85P for public trust investigation and may require SF‑450 OGE form filing. #J-18808-Ljbffr