Contract Specialist Job in Washington DC Metro Area - 95086291 - ZA//FXPDB5LQQ

Job Title:
Contract Specialist

Department:
Department Of Homeland Security

Agency:
DHS HeadquartersSub

Agency:
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer

Job Announcement Number:
DHSDH11-399069

SALARY RANGE:
$51,630.00 - $155,500.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Thursday, December 23, 2010 to Wednesday, August 31, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-1102-9/15

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
15

DUTY LOCATIONS:
Many vacancies - Washington DC Metro Area, DC; Many vacancies - Loudoun County, VA

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:

Applications will be accepted from all United States citizens.

This announcement is issued under the direct-hire authority to recruit for positions for which there is a critical hiring need.  Selectee(s) will receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one year probationary period.

JOB SUMMARY:

Come work with the best to prevent and deter terrorist attacks, protect against and respond to potential threats, ensure safe and secure borders, welcome immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.  This mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is carried out everyday by the dedicated men and women who answer the noble calling of public service with courage and enthusiasm.  With a diverse and critical mission, we lead the unified national effort to secure America.  In today's interconnected world, our country's security challenges are constantly evolving.  To meet these challenges, DHS fosters a culture that values and promotes diversity, teamwork, flexibility, and innovation.

In Headquarters, we coordinate, plan, and guide the Department's work across all DHS components.  You could enjoy a career that includes research, administration and management, legal work, budget and finance, cyber security, infrastructure protection and intelligence analysis.  Our services touch every U.S. citizen, and our goal is to secure our country across land and sea.  Come join the team who is “Proud to Protectâ€�. 
Applications received March 12, 2010 will receive first consideration.  Subsequent cut-off dates may be established throughout the open period.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to maximize their opportunity for consideration. 

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• You must obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Financial Disclosure Required (OGE450).
• This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
• U.S. Citizenship

Additional Duty Location Info:
Many vacancies - Washington DC Metro Area, DC; Many vacancies - Loudoun County, VA

Major Duties: 
GS-9/11/12/13: The incumbent serves as a contract specialist responsible for pre-award and post award and performs planning, directing and administration acquisitions which may be Department-wide in scope.  The incumbent performs any or all of the following duties:

• Serves as the primary point of contact for program officials on acquisition and administrative matters affecting the procurement of supplies and services (including architectural and engineering, or research and development) competitive or negotiation procedures, price proposals and administration/termination/close out of contracts.
• Assists primary customers in developing statements of work and procurement strategies.
• Develops evaluation plans, pricing methodologies and administration plans.
• Develops and recommends streamlining initiatives. 
• Utilizes or recommends use of innovative business practices, where appropriate, to improve procurement operations and customer service.
• Develops and presents training on procurement-related topics.
• Serves as a principal contracting advisor, and represents DHS as the principal contractual authority at conferences and meetings, inside and outside the Department.  Serves as a Contracting Officer authorized to solicit contractual proposals, negotiates, enters into, executes, and administers/terminates public contracts for DHS.
• Performs contract administration functions, such as verifying evidence of contractor's progress, negotiating modifications, issuing termination notices, reviewing contract claims, and conducting contract closeouts of DHS contracts.
• Prepares drafts of protest and termination case documents for review and approval.
• Performs contract administration.  Coordinates the extension of periods of performance, resolves delivery and acceptance disputes, approves partial and final payments, and performs closeout or necessary contract cancellations due to nonperformance by the contractor or for the convenience of the Government, and prepares and processes protest actions.
• Ensures all actions have been taken to safeguard the interests of the DHS in its contractual relationships.  Ensures that all requirements of law, executive orders, regulations and other applicable procedures including clearances and approvals have been met.
• Reports all unlawful behavior by offenders/contractors to the proper authorities.
• Provides guidance and assistance to lower-graded specialists. 
• Prepares a variety of written correspondence to transmit information.

GS-14/15: The incumbent serves as a Contracting Officer or senior contract specialist responsible for pre-award and/or post award and to perform the full range of planning, directing and administration activities for the most complex and major acquisitions which are Department-wide in scope.  The incumbent performs any or all of the following duties:

• As an acquisition expert, serves as the primary point of contact for program officials on all acquisition and administrative matters affecting the major procurement of supplies and services (including architectural and engineering, or research and development) competitive or negotiation procedures, as well as overseeing the evaluation of the most important contract price proposals and administration/termination/close out of major contracts. 
• Assists primary customers in developing statements of work and procurement strategies.
• Develops evaluation plans, pricing methodologies and major administration plans.
• Develops and recommend streamlining initiatives.  Utilizes and recommends use of innovative business practices, where appropriate, to improve procurement operations and customer service.
• Develops and presents training on procurement-related topics.
• Serves as chief advisor to top-level management on acquisitions for the most complex equipment, supplies and services, which have a significant impact on the effectiveness and timeliness of the entire   tax system nationwide.  Serves as a principal contracting advisor, and represents DHS as the principal contractual authority at conferences and meetings, inside and outside the Department.  May serve as a Contracting Officer authorized to solicit contractual proposals, negotiates, enter into, execute, and administer/terminate the most difficult of public contracts for DHS.
• Performs contract administration functions, such as verifying evidence of contractor's progress, negotiating modifications, issuing termination notices, reviewing contract claims, and conducting contract closeouts of the most important DHS contracts.
• Prepares drafts of protest and termination case documents for review and approval. 
• Performs major contract administration.  Coordinates the extension of periods of performance, resolves delivery and acceptance disputes, approves partial payments and final payments, and performs closeout or any necessary contract cancellations due to nonperformance by the contractor or for the convenience of the Government, and prepares and processes protest actions.
• Ensures all actions have been taken to safeguard the interests of the DHS in its most important contractual relationships.  Ensures that all requirements of law, executive orders, regulations and other applicable procedures including clearances and approvals have been met.
• Reports all unlawful behavior by offenders/contractors to the proper authorities.
• Provides guidance and assistance to lower-graded specialists. 
• Prepares a variety of written correspondence to transmit information.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Specialized Experience:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience in private industry, public service, non-profit or volunteer work that is equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.  Experience is typically in or related to the work of the position as described in the Major Duties above.  For this position, specialized experience is experience as described below:
GS-9/11/12/13 Specialized Experience:  Experience in contracting, procurement and acquisition that included planning, directing and administering acquisitions.

GS-14/15 Specialized Experience:   Experience in contracting, procurement and acquisition that included planning, directing and administering complex and major acquisitions.
Applicants must possess the Specialized Experience to receive consideration for this position. 

Related graduate education may substitute for specialized experience as follows: 
For GS-9:  master's or equivalent graduate degree; 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D.
For GS-11:  Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M.

(A course of study from an accredited educational institution in accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management is qualifying.)

Education Requirements:

GS-9/11/12 Level:  A. 4-year course of study from an accredited educational institution leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field; OR  B.  At least 24 semester hours from an accredited educational institution in any combination of the following fields:  accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
GS-13/14/15 Level:  Applicants shall have a 4-year course of study from an accredited educational institution 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;
AND

Training:

GS-13/14/15 Level: Completion of all mandatory Level II (for GS-11 & GS-12) and Level III (for GS-13) training prescribed by the department for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions. 
DHS training requirements are further defined in Management Directive 781 series.  DHS adheres to the mandatory training prescribed by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI/FAC-C).  This information may be found at: http://www.fai.gov/certification/specialist.asp.  The agency may obtain a training waiver for an individual who does not meet the training requirements, so applicants not meeting training requirements are encouraged to apply. 

You must submit a copy of your college transcript OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education. 

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.)  Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if  you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Please visit OPM's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.htm#e4a for additional information on this topic.

Exceptions to Qualification Requirements:  (Applicable to Status Applicants Only) As of January 1, 2000, all GS-1102 employees who had continuously encumbered GS-1102 positions are considered to have met the “newâ€� standard for positions they occupy of 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.  Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at Grades 13, 14, and 15 will be considered to meet the new standard for other GS-1102 positions at their same grade including positions at other agencies.  However, in order to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, the basic and specialized experience requirements must be met unless granted a waiver by the senior procurement executive of the agency.

Additional information on the qualification requirements may be found in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions.  It is available for your review on OPM's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.

Relocation Expenses WILL NOT be paid.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Under the provisions of the Direct-Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply.  Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements described above and who are otherwise eligible to apply for the position, will be referred for selection consideration. 

Applicants who are displaced Federal employees within the local commuting area who are requesting priority consideration under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) will also be evaluated against the following criteria:  Your resume and other applicant information must reflect possession of the knowledge and ability below sufficient to be rated “Well Qualifiedâ€�:

1. Knowledge of contracting laws, principles, and regulations governing acquisition procedures.
2. Knowledge of all aspects of the contracting process including pre-award, post award, protest and termination procedures.
3. Knowledge of contract cost/price analysis techniques in order to appropriately execute a wide variety of acquisition procurement actions. 
4. Knowledge of a wide range of procurement methods and practices including special or unusual provisions, terms and conditions for contracts.

Using the Category Rating system, applicants will be evaluated on their total background including experience (paid and unpaid), education, awards, and training and self-development as it relates to the position based upon the information provided in the resume/application and any other supporting documents. If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position that you held.  If your resume includes non-government service, including contractors, please include the salaries for each position held.  All work experience should specify the length of time spent in the position. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week.  Part-time hours are prorated. Based upon the extent and quality of your experience, education and training in relation to the evaluation criteria, you will be placed into one of the following three categories:

•      Best Qualified - Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of possession of all evaluation criteria.
•      Well Qualified - Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of possession of the evaluation criteria.
•              Qualified - Applicants possessing the specialized experience described above.

BENEFITS:

You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.

Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life

New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr

You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA

You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV

You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI

         The Federal Flexible Spending Accounts Program (FSAFeds) allows you to pay for certain health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.  More info:  https://www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/index.asp

         The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides long term care insurance for Federal employees.  More info:  http://www.ltcfeds.com

         If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized.

For general information, visit http://www.usajobs.gov/faqs.asp

OTHER INFORMATION:

Promotion Potential:  Full Performance Level is dependent upon position placement.
         This position may be filled at the GS-9/11/12/13/14 or GS-15 level. You should indicate in your application the lowest grade level you will accept.  If you do not indicate your lowest acceptable grade level, you will be considered at the one highest grade level for which you are found to be qualified.  Dependent upon the position, promotion to the next higher grade level can occur without further competition. The promotion potential of the position will be determined upon extension of a job offer.

Other Information: 
      •      Selectee may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
      •      Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of     
             promotion implied. 

Background Investigation/Security Clearance Requirement:. A Top Secret security clearance is a requirement for this position. The applicant must obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).

The Department of Homeland Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All candidates will be considered regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, status as a parent, lawful political affiliation, marital status, physical/mental disability (if not a job factor), membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factor.

If you are a displaced Federal employee, you may be entitled to receive special priority consideration under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP).  Eligible ICTAP/CTAP employees within the commuting area must (1) submit documentary evidence of eligibility (Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notice or certificate of expected separation or other agency certification), (2) submit all required documents specified in the announcement, and (3) be rated as Well Qualified to receive consideration.

All employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/ Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.

The Department of Homeland Security provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should notify the point of contact on this vacancy announcement if a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process.   For information, please visit www.opm.gov/disability/reasonableaccommodation.asp

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law, if selected. 

HOW TO APPLY:You MUST submit your resume for this job to OSAResumes@hq.dhs.gov. Please include vacancy announcement number DHSDH11-399069 and position title Contract Specialist in the subject line and ensure that any additional information is attached in the same email as your resume.  Be sure to carefully read this announcement to see if additional information is required and how it should be submitted. 
All application materials must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern time of the closing date of this announcement.  Failure to provide complete information may result in non-consideration for this position.  Please do not submit original documents you may need in the future.  Applications will not be returned.


SUBMIT: 
·      Resume or OF-612, “Optional Application for Federal Employment", or any other written format you choose. Whatever format you use, however, should contain the information requested at the end of this announcement.
·      Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, and salary.  If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade.  If
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you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. TSA employees must provide proof of permanent TSA appointment.
·      Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, including the overall rating.  In cases where the performance evaluation is over 12 months old, incomplete or unavailable, the applicant must attach a written explanation of the reasons for unavailability/ incompleteness.  . 
            ·    A copy of academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education.  (If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated, and you may lose consideration for this position.  If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty.)


CHECKLIST:
Please be sure to include the following information in your application (incomplete applications may not be considered for the position):


Job Information
·      Announcement number and position title and grade(s) for which you are applying


Personal Information
·    Full name, mailing address, day and evening phone numbers, and e-mail address
·    Last four digits of your Social Security Number
·      Country of citizenship (must be U.S. citizen to be eligible) 
·      If you are or were a Federal government employee, please attach your latest SF-50 and attach a copy of your latest performance appraisal as described above under How to Apply.


Education
·      Colleges and Universities: Name, city, state, major(s), type of degree and year received (or total semester/quarter hours earned)
·      Other educational programs, if relevant. Show dates and total hours of program.


Job-Related Work Experience
·      Job title (include series and grade if Federal job) 
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·      Name of employer, supervisor's name, and supervisor's telephone number (please indicate if you do not want us to contact your current supervisor)
·      Starting and Ending dates (month and year)
·      Hours worked per week 
·      Annual salary
·      Duties and accomplishments


Other Job-Related Qualifications
·      Relevant skills (e.g. foreign languages, computer software/hardware)
·      Relevant training courses
·      Relevant current certificates and licenses
·      Relevant honors, awards, etc. (e.g., memberships in professional and honor societies, publications, leadership activities, performance awards).  Give dates, but do not send documents.


APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO BLACK OUT THE FIRST 5 DIGITS OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBER ON ANY SUPPORTING DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. 


Contact Information:
Office of Chief Procurement Officer/DHS  Phone: 202-447-0245  Email: OSAResumes@hq.dhs.gov
Agency Information: Department Of Homeland Security DO NOT SEND MAIL Washington, DC 20005  US
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Office of Chief Procurement Officer/DHS
Phone: 202-447-0245
Email: OSAResumes@hq.dhs.gov Agency Information:
Department Of Homeland Security
DO NOT SEND MAIL
Washington, DC 20005
US

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:The process of consideration of applicants may take several weeks.  


For more information, please read OPM's OF-510, "Applying for a Federal Job" (.pdf)


EEO Policy Statement:   http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:   http://www.usajobs.gov/raps

Veterans Information:   http://www.usajobs.gov/vi

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Legal and Regulatory Guidance:   http://www.usajobs.gov/lrg