Contract Specialist

Direct Hire Authority (DHA) This position is appointed under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) and may include a one-year probationary period for the selected candidate. Basic Requirements Applicants must meet the following basic qualifications for GS‑13 and GS‑14: A. Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the agency head for progression to GS‑13 or higher, including at least 4 years of experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must be specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower level of this position. B. A bachelor’s degree earned through a 4‑year course of study that includes at least 24 semester hours in one or more of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. C. Exceptions. Employees currently in GS‑1102 positions are presumed to have met the standard for positions they occupy as of January 1, 2000. This applies to positions at the same grade within the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met. D. Waiver. The Senior Procurement Executive may waive any of the requirements above for a specific vacant position if the applicant shows significant potential for advancement and demonstrable analytical, decision‑making, and performance capabilities. Documentation of the waiver basis must be provided. Specialized Experience – GS‑13 Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑12 level (public or private sector): Serving as a lead contract specialist responsible for pre‑award and/or post‑award activities. Ensuring acquisitions, procurements, and outsourcing efforts address information security requirements consistent with organizational goals. Certifying that supply‑chain, system, network, and cybersecurity requirements are included in contract language and delivered. Working with contract officers or heads of contracting activity to ensure requirements are delivered. Specialized Experience – GS‑14 Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑13 level (public or private sector): Serving as a contracting offer authorized to solicit contract proposals, negotiate, execute, administer, and/or terminate public contracts. Managing complex and important procurement programs and initiatives that guide procurement activities. Certifying that supply‑chain, system, network, and cybersecurity requirements are included in contract language and delivered. Developing statements of work, procurement strategies, evaluation plans, pricing methodologies, and contract administration plans. Certification Requirement This position requires Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC‑C) Professional, mandated by DHS policy for Contract Specialist series 1102 positions. Applicants must provide one of the following certifications to meet the GS‑13 and above training requirements: FAC‑C Professional Legacy FAC‑C Certification (Levels I, II, or III) Legacy Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Contracting Certification (Levels I, II, or III) Department of Defense (DoD) Contracting Professional Certification Additional Experience Volunteer work—including programs such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps—counts toward qualifying experience if it builds relevant competencies, knowledge, and skills. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, may be credited. Closing Statement All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency