Contract Specialist

Company: Department of Energy
Location: Grand Junction
Posted on: September 9, 2020

Job Description:

Overview Open & closing dates Opening and closing dates10/01/2019 to 09/30/2020 Service Competitive Pay scale & grade GS 11 - 15 Salary $64,009 to $170,800 per year Appointment type Multiple Appointment Types Work schedule Full-Time Duties SummaryThe Department of Energy is seeking motivated and highly-qualified candidates for exciting--positions available in multiple locations throughout the United States.The mission of the Energy Department--is to ensure America's security and--prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through--transformative science and technology solutions.To learn more about the Department of Energy, please visit the website at .-- ResponsibilitiesThis series includes positions that manage, supervise, perform, or develop policies and procedures for professional work involving the procurement of supplies, services, construction, or research and development using formal advertising or negotiation procedures; the evaluation of contract price proposals; and the administration or termination and close out of contracts. The work requires knowledge of the legislation, regulations, and methods used in contracting; and knowledge of business and industry practices, sources of supply, cost factors, and requirements characteristics.As a Contract Specialist, you may:Solicit, evaluate, negotiate, and award contracts with commercial organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and State, local or foreign governments for furnishing products, services, construction or research and development to the Federal GovernmentAdminister contracts by assuring compliance with the terms and conditions of contracts, including resolution of problems concerning the obligations of the parties.Terminate contracts by analyzing, negotiating, and settling claims and proposalsAnalyze and evaluate cost or price proposals and accounting systems dataPlan, establish, or review contracts, programs, policies, or proceduresFormulate and administer policies and procedures to ensure achievement of Federal socioeconomic goals, such as those affecting small business, labor surplus areas, and disadvantaged business firmsDevelop acquisition strategies and direct or manage procurementsProvide staff advisory services in one or more of the specializations in this occupationTravel RequiredOccasional travel - Occasional travel may be required, however, dependent upon the program office some positions may require a higher percentage of travel. Supervisory status No Promotion Potential 15 - Vacancies filled under this public notice may have varying levels of promotion potential and supervisory level, if any. Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a United States Citizen.This employer participates in the e-Verify program.See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.Telework may or may not be eligible depending on the position requirementsMay be required to complete a Financial Disclosure StatementOTHER REQUIREMENTS:These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority Certain STEM Positions for grades GS 11-15. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority--in accordance with--5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330 and 5 CFR 330.-- Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified in this Public Notice. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.Positions are located agency-wide and may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.Appointments made with this authority--are processed as a new appointment into the Civil Service.The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to--a Top Secret ---DOE "Q" clearance.Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected--under this authority--are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802.A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.All positions are subject to satisfactory security and suitability determinations.Positions may be designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and subject to testing for illegal drug use.-- A negative drug--test--must be--obtained prior to--being appointed into these positions and will be subject to random testing thereafter. QualificationsIn addition to meeting the Basic Education Qualification Requirements (please see the Education Requirements Sections), applicants must have additional specialized experience as defined below:SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:GS-11: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: applying contract and procurement regulations to prepare solicitations containing appropriate provisions, clauses, terms and conditions that communicate requirements to industry; evaluating responses to solicitations for price reasonableness, compliance with terms and conditions, and adequacy of competition; coordinating contract/financial assistance actions with appropriate program/project managers to ensure contract information and documentation is accurate, complete and timely; and/or ensure acquisitions are compatible with overall mission, objectives, and projected program requirements and are consistent with mission requirements.--ORFOR THE GS 11- have successfully completed a 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degreeGS-12: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: evaluating responses to solicitations for price reasonableness, compliance with terms and conditions, and adequacy of competition; applying contract and procurement regulations to prepare solicitations containing appropriate provisions, clauses, terms and conditions that communicate requirements to industry; and/or administering contracts to include contract scope determinations, contract modifications, supplemental agreements, justifications, approval reviews/fair opportunity evaluations and claims disputes, and contract terminations.NOTE:--There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.GS-13: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: analyzing, evaluating, approving, or redirecting the strategy, plans, and techniques of pre-award and post-award functions involving highly specialized acquisitions; evaluating responses to solicitations for price reasonableness, compliance with terms and conditions, and adequacy of competition; conducting acquisition planning and contract pre-award functions to include: determining method of procurement and contract type, documenting the acquisition strategy, and obtaining appropriate approvals; administering contracts to include contract scope determinations, contract modifications, supplemental agreements, justifications, approval reviews/fair opportunity evaluations and claims disputes, and contract terminations; and/or interpreting and applying relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards, or procedures to specific contracting issues.NOTE:--There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-13 levelGS-14: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: planning, establishing, or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures; negotiations techniques to conduct contract negotiations and deal with high level business and industry; evaluating or implementing contracting programs; leading or supervising contracting professionals providing contracting services for the acquisition of a wide range of supplies, services and/or construction; and/or contracting experience that demonstrated the ability to perform the full range of highly complex pre-award and post award activities utilizing a variety of types of contracts.NOTE:--There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 levelGS-15: Applicants must also possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: developing acquisition strategies and directing or managing procurements; providing staff advisory services in one or more of the specializations in this occupation; overseeing contractual actions and phases of the contract program; reviewing and analyzing the effects of proposed legislation and other regulations on acquisition programs; serving as an agency technical authority in the areas of acquisition and procurement; and/or developing policies, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to procurement.NOTE:--There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-15 level"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.OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-1102 series can be found at the following website: CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.This public notice may be used to fill multiple positions as needed; therefore, applicants must meet the qualifications at the time the applications are reviewed. EducationBasic Requirements for GS-11 through GS-12A. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field;ORB. At least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.*Below describes how you can substitute your education for experience at the GS-11 level. At the GS-12 level, in addition to the basic requirements, you must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.*Education substitution for GS-11 positions:Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. Qualifying education must have provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position being filled.ORA combination of specialized experience and education as described below.Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.Education may not be substituted for positions GS-12 and above.Graduate Education: To qualify for GS-1102 positions on the basis of graduate education, graduate education in one or a combination of the following fields is required: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.Basic Requirements for GS-13 and AboveA. 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 experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position.AndB. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.C. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. This also applies to positions at the same grade in the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met. However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver under Paragraph D.--D. Waiver: When filling a specific vacant position, the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this Paragraph D, the senior procurement executive must document for the record the basis of the waiver. If an individual is placed in a position in an agency on the basis of a waiver, the agency may later reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency without additional waiver action.For the GS-13 grade level, the employee must meet the Federal Acquisition Institute Training Application System (FAITAS) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.FAC-C Level III is required to be obtained within: (1)--24 months from the date of hire; or (2) the date the applicant will meet the FAC-C experience standard. For selection at the GS-13 level, certification must currently be held at Level II and obtained at Level III.Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.This position has a positive education requirement. Therefore, you MUST provide documentation--supporting any education claims in your application. This documentation can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. For specific education requirements, please see the Education Requirements. If selected, official transcripts may be requested.Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.Additional informationThe U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.More than one selection may be made under this hiring authority.Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership, ie Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor.Supervisory positions may require a 1-year probationary period, if not yet completed.New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.EEO Policy:--Reasonable Accommodation Policy:----Veterans Information: Telework:----Selective Service Registration:-- How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Under this Direct-Hire authority, applicants are required to meet minimum qualification requirements at the grade level(s) of interest. Veteran's Preference, Schedule A, Category Rating, and other methods of consideration DO NOT APPLY--under Direct-Hire Authority regulations.Appointments made under this authority--may be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected for this position may be required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. Selected applicant may also be required to serve a mandatory one (1) year supervisory probationary period, if not already completed.If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit--all--required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.To preview questions please click here.Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance Other Drug test required No This job is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee. The public U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency U.S. CitizensThis public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Keywords: Department of Energy, Grand Junction , Contract Specialist, Other , Grand Junction, Colorado