CONTRACT SPECIALIST

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, 1102, Contracting Series IOR. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. Please provide copies of unofficial transcripts with application. NOTE: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000 are exempt from meeting this requirement. Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirement. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year, or will have one year within 120 days of closing of this announcement, of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, NH-02, or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is described as conducting pre-award and post-award functions; administering contracts, assuring compliance with the terms and conditions; and/or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Professional knowledge of a full range of Federal contracting laws, executive orders, regulations, principles, policies, procedures, methods, techniques, and contract types applicable to pre-award and post-award actions for a variety of complex and/or diversified services and commodities. 2. Knowledge of the business environment (e.g. economic trends, awareness of commercial/industry business practices, standards, mergers, and acquisitions) applicable to program and technical requirements in order to recognize potential programmatic/contractual impacts, and knowledge of the methods and techniques of fact-finding/market research. 3. Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools used to assist in risk identification, assessment, and mitigation including assessing the probability and consequences of potential problems and their solutions. 4. Knowledge of formal source selection methods, policies, and procedures; contracting negotiation, administration, and termination principles, policies, procedures, and technical requirements; and knowledge of price and cost analysis sufficient to review proposals against previous history, actual and estimated expenditures, and established and approved rates to determine price reasonableness or to determine a negotiation position. 5. Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations; makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions applying precedents found in government contracting case law to specific contracting situations to insure that legally binding contracting officer decisions are consistent, justifiable and will be upheld at appellate courts or boards; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: WORKING CONDITIONS: The work is performed in a typical office setting, requiring the use of normal safety precautions necessary for an office environment. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. PHYSICAL EFFORT: The work is sedentary. May require some walking, standing, bending, carrying and/or lifting of light items like papers or books. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Physical - selectee is required to meet specific physical standards and medical requirements consistent with being able to perform the essential functions of the overseas position. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.