This Contract Specialist open continuous public notice may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across NNSA as needed. Therefore, applicants must meet the qualifications at the time the applications are submitted. This public notice may or may not result in a referral or selection.
Note: The salary range listed reflects base pay only. The actual salary will be based on the geographic location (to include locality pay) and pay band for which selected.Duties of a Contract Specialist will depend on the position, grade, and office making the selection. Complexity of duties increase with experience and grade level.
All positions will contribute contracting expertise on assigned tasks, projects, and program management efforts related to NNSA programs, at varying levels. Typical duties include:
- Determining the contractual policy and procedural approach, including type of contract, fee application, required contractor qualifications and experience, solicitation, available funding, and approval and final authorization. Analyzing requirements for contractor selection and negotiation processes, and prepares actions for establishment of Source Evaluation Teams, Negotiation Teams or Boards. Preparing Request for Proposals and other required solicitation documents.
- Developing special terms and conditions for solicitation documents and contracts and provides guidance to NNSA staff in their use. Receiving contractor proposals and, in conjunction with the Source Evaluation Team/Board, evaluates contractor proposals on the basis of experience, capabilities, efficiency of operations, etc. Preparing Team/Board selection findings for submission to the selecting official.
- Conducting negotiations on complex, large-scale, long-term multi-million-dollar contracts. Developing contracts, modifications, MOUs, IAs, or other types of contractual arrangements.
- Preparing, as required, the termination of contracts for the convenience of the government or default by the contractor.
- Performing contract administration of one or more multi-billion dollar complex contracts and/or Management & Operating (M&O) contracts as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 17.6 and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) 970. The contracts administered may include complex short or long-term cost, incentive, re-determinable, flexibly priced, or firm fixed-price type contracts.
- Managing of the contractor performance evaluation (fee determination) process for the assigned M&O contract and the award fee determination process for other incentive contracts, if applicable (e.g., CPAF and CPIF).
- Serving as a business advisor to Field Office staff, providing contractual guidance, support, and training.
- Completing closeout activities of assigned contracts in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Communicating professionally and appropriately with external and internal stakeholders such as: NNSA programs, Procuring Contracting Officers, Program Managers, Auditors, Inspector General representatives, and other federal entities , and Contractor senior leaders.
*Vacancies filled under this public notice may be filled at the NN-02, NN-03, or NN-04 grade levels. There may or may not be promotion potential depending on the position and office making the selection.
**Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership (i.e., Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor).IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS OPEN CONTINUOUS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:
- This is an open continuous vacancy announcement that will be used to fill vacancies as they occur.
- To receive consideration for vacancies, applicants must submit a complete application prior to the established cut-off date(s).
- The initial cut-off date will take place on November 1, 2023 to begin the initial applicant consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will be considered upon receipt of the next cut-off date.
- The established cutoff dates are as follows:
- November 22, 2023
- December 13, 2023
- January 3, 2024
- January 24, 2024
- February 14, 2024
- March 6, 2024
- March 27, 2024
- April 17, 2024
NOTE: The period of eligibility for applications is through each cut-off date. The agency will issue a list of eligible applicants at each cut-off date to hiring officials within the period of eligibility. To be considered for each cut-off , a new application must be submitted. Applicants may make changes to applications to ensure experience is current.
Specialized Experience Requirements:
The specialized experience listed are the minimum requirements for the series, each particular vacancy may have additional experience necessary to meet the applicable grade level. A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA pay band level or GS grade level in the Federal Service.
NQ-02 (GS-9/11/12 equivalent):
Applicant must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the NQ-01 (GS-07) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems.
Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience:
1.) Performing detailed analysis of bid received to determine bid responsiveness and responsibility of the offer;
2.) Negotiating contract modifications and/or
3.) Preparing and issues solicitation documents.
-OR-
3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
-OR-
A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience.
NQ-03 (GS-13/14 equivalent):
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the NQ-02 (GS-12) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems.
Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience:
Developing and executing acquisitions for a wide variety of products and services.
NQ-04 (GS-15 equivalent):
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the NQ-03 (GS-14) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems.
Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience:
Directing the day-to-day management activities and providing leadership to an organization engaged in procurement and administration of complex, large scale, long-term multi-billion-dollar contracts.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the NQ-03/GS-13 level and above.
For additional reference, please refer to the OPM qualifications standard for GS-1102: General Schedule Qualification Standards-1100 Contracting Series-1102 (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/contracting-series-1102/)
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.