Contract Specialist

Basic Requirements for GS-5 through GS-12 for 1102, Contracting Series. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree with a major in any field; or 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. Applicants who meet the criteria for Superior Academic Achievement qualify for positions at the GS-7 level. Grade (GS-07): 1 year specialized experience at the lower grade level. OR 1 full academic year of graduate education or law school or superior academic achievement. Specialized Experience GS-07: performing work involving the procurement of supplies, services, construction, or research and development using formal advertising or negotiation procedures; the evaluation of contract price proposals; assist in 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. Grade (GS-09)- 1 year specialized experience at the lower grade level. OR Education: 2 Full years of progressively higher level graduate education or maters or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B.OR J.D. Specialized Experience GS-09: Specialized experience at the lower grade level is demonstrated work in reviewing contract acquisition using appropriate method of procurement, the use of contract documents that clearly define fixed-price, time and materials including stipulations for contracts; experience using contracts to acquire goods or services, evaluate financial responsibility of prosed bid, develop procurement plans based on historic data, current market conditions and other data sources; technical experience in formal negotiation of contracts, evaluate contractor for financial suitability and performance capability; exhibit experience in the administration of contract application process including knowledge of supplies requirements, evaluate responsiveness of bidders performance, draft contract final contract to include specifications of special and standard closeout clause; demonstrate ability to negotiate contracts in person or by phone while speaking clearly and precisely explaining findings and facts in negotiation process, and the use of business communication etiquette in response to legal instrument and various contract correspondence. Grade (GS-11)- 1 year equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level. OR Education: 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree. Specialized Experience GS-11: Specialized experience at the lower grade level is demonstrated work in forecast and planning the purchase of supplies, operation systems, equipment, and construction services, use of judgement to obtain best value for supplies and services, identify need and risk in preparation of acquisition planning; develop negotiation strategies, proposals, and publication for solicitation of services; conduct analysis to monitor performance, progress and make contractual determination based on established polices and federal law; review and approve payment of contracts, prepare Bureau position on protest and claims, apply socioeconomic program responsibilities in accordance to Labor Laws and Regulation; engage into high state verbal negotiations, clarify specification of terms and conditions in writing and response to legal correspondence. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date. Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (title 25, USC Section 472). Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date.
This position is located with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Western Region in Phoenix, Arizona. The incumbent will provide formal advertising and/or negotiated methods of contracting support and guidance to the Bureau/Agency customers and team members This is a Bargaining Unit position, for more information see USA Jobs What are bargaining units?