Contract Specialist

Contract SpecialistPerforms multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced professional. May act as a contributing specialist on large work activities or as a project manager or team leader for large projects/programs/activities. Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge applicable to acquisitions and contracting to plan and conduct functional activities for projects/programs. Assignments frequently require knowledge and experience working across functional and/or organizational lines. Independently plans time. Identifies, plans, and organizes available resources to accomplish projects/programs/activities. Makes optimal use of resources to complete activities within established schedules.As a principle Contract Specialist, the incumbent will apply all agency requirements including laws, regulations, the Acquisition Management System (AMS), contracting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other directives.The incumbent will provide comprehensive advice and guidance and support one of several specialty areas in the Acquisition Organization, such as, research and development, major systems, system operations, facilities, construction and architect-engineer services, support services, and other services. This includes complete contract management for agency wide acquisition programs, NextGen initiatives, National Airspace System (NAS) support and automation, and other agency priorities. The incumbent must be aware of conditions and processes for contracts such as, major systems, design to cost, effective competition, acquisition life cycle, exploration, demonstration, full production, and full-scale development. Applying principles of program management, quality assurance, reliability, scheduling, work breakdown structures and validations, the incumbent will plan, develop, and implement acquisition strategies utilizing the flexibilities found in the AMS.As the principal specialist, the incumbent will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, editing documents as well as leading the execution and implementation of major milestones throughout the acquisition process. This includes, but is not limited to, all the key contractual roles identified above as well as analysis of contractor Cost Accounting System (CAS) Disclosure Statements, analysis of Earned Value Management (EVM) data, analysis of compliance with terms and conditions, using tools to determine root causes for issues that arise as well as formulating the course of action to remedy issues. The negotiated contracts and awards will be made to commercial organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and State, local or foreign government entities.Pre-Award and Acquisition Planning and Strategy:Under minimal supervision, the incumbent will serve as the principle specialist that will lead the development and implementation of strategies to assure that goods and services are available when needed to meet mission requirements. Acts as a trusted advisor on acquisition issues and educates customers and acquisition team members on the full range of procurement options and contract types. Uses all appropriate laws, regulation, agency directives, etc., to perform all pre-award contract duties. Analyzes and anticipates business needs and proactively formulates acquisition strategies. Duties include:Understands and implements acquisition planning and market research principles to develop comprehensive and innovative plans to best fulfill the Agency’s needs while collaborating across Acquisitions to consider dollar value, complexity (e.g., major systems), and other appropriate factors. Assists requiring organization with developing and implementing a comprehensive market research process that identifies external sources in anticipation of future requirements.