91 Contract Specialist Jobs in Washington, DC
US Export-Import Bank of the United States is Hiring a Contract Specialist Near Washington, DC
Duties
Please Note: Employees will be required to report to their assigned office location at least 2 day per week for non-supervisory positions and 3 days per week for supervisory/managerial positions unless the position advertised is designated as a remote-only position.
This position is located in the Office of Resource Management and reports to the Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) in the office of Contracting Services. The incumbent serves as a Senior Contracting Officer (CO) and is a principal contracting advisor and contracting process collaborator with the CAO, with broad authority and responsibility for processes, concepts, tactical planning and conduct of contracting processes. The incumbent serves as a Senior Contracting Specialist in the role of warranted Senior CO supporting EXIM's Acquisition Programs. Functions as a senior contracting project manager for the acquisition process, has responsibility for agency wide procurement and policy development, policy decisions, system access and setup processes and broad regulatory compliance.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Provides quality control reviews and negotiates and administers contracts for the agency, ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Bank policies and office Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and provides initiative and significant inputs to develop guidance to address any shortfalls, gaps, processes, communications, reporting or other needs. Provide quality control and mentoring; crosschecks and closeout of contracts.
- Conceives and directs the acquisition portion of projects, determining small and disadvantaged business utilization, for headquarters and all regional offices, from the acquisition planning phase through contract closeout; functions as an acquisition process expert and has responsibility for all areas of procurement agency wide. Cooperatively conceives, plans, coordinates, and executes acquisition activities throughout EXIM.
- Directs the acquisition portion of projects, determining small and disadvantaged business utilization for headquarters and all regional offices, from the acquisition planning phase through contract closeout. This includes coordinating and balancing guidance, acquisition plans, funding, acquisition process, reporting systems, schedules and GSA procurement programs.
- Awards and administrates single and multi-year contracts and agreements, using different sources of funding to include monitoring and evaluating contractor performance, negotiating, and executing awards, amendments, authorizing payments and resolving pre-award and post-award issues, as well as contract closeouts; applies federal acquisition laws, regulations, guidelines, policies, and EXIM policies and procedures.
- Serves as EXIM's contract negotiator in all phases of pre-award and contract administration. Exercise independent judgement to plan and execute negotiation strategies. Independently leads negotiations with contractors to develop contract terms and prices and presents appropriate pre-award and post-award briefings.
- Identifies and analyzes acquisition process problems, trends, and emerging needs. Formulates and justifies new statutory initiatives to address unique acquisition needs for domestic or international vendors resulting in agency-wide impact commitments. Resolve critical procurement process problems for such actions, present solutions to senior leaders and defends complex positions.
- Develops, maintains and reports planning and performance results to the CAO on contracting operations and other appropriate data to support contracts (e.g., past performance, award and reporting data, socio-economic achievements, contractor's responsibility, etc.). Initiates improvements to standardization, guidance, and internal control and processes with the CAO to advance planning and reporting requirements.
- Works in a blended Government/Contractor team, oversees the Contract Specialists' analysis and reviews any requests for supplies and services, review requisitions, estimates, solicitations, price quotations, work orders, task orders, purchase orders, and contracts. Ensures development of adequate contract data, and ensures the pre-award review of the debarred, ineligible, and suspended bidders list.
- Uses general regulatory guidance and sound business judgment, makes decisions on administrative or operational issues and initiates revisions by recommending specific changes to contracting policies and procedures.
- Ensures pro-active operational support for socio-economic goals of the Agency, searching for ways to improve overall performance of the Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization Program, and proposing solutions to shortfalls.
- Fulfills other responsibilities assigned by the CAO.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship
- Background and Security/Suitability Investigation
- You may be required to serve a one year probationary period
- Specialized experience MUST be documented on your resume
- Current or Former Political Appointees: If you are, or have been employed in the last 5 years, you must disclose this information. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
- Possess a Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting (FAC-C) or DAWIA Contracting certification (provide copy(ies) of your certifications)
- Serve(d) as a warranted Contracting Officer (provide copy your warrant certification)
- Possess a FAC-C Digital Service-Digital IT acquisition Program (DITAP) certification or must complete within 12 months.
Qualifications
A. 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.
and
B. 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.
In addition to the Basic Requirements noted above, applicants must also meet and demonstrate the specialized experience listed below:
Specialized Experience (Credit for Specialized Experience on resume must reflect 40 hours/Full-time per week for each period of work):
GS-14: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Government. Specialized experience includes:
- Experience serving as a contracting expert to oversee the pre- and post- award functions of acquisition, procurement, and contract activities for a variety of supplies, services, and equipment of a Federal agency;
- Experience with team development and implementation of process and policy improvements for contract office operations, the administration of a variety of contract types, monitoring and evaluating contract performance;
- Experience ensuring contracts are in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and other federal laws, guidelines, executive orders, and negotiating contract terms and prices; and
- Experience evaluating bids and proposals received, recommending contract awards, preparing award documents, and negotiating contract modifications.
- Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
- Customer Service: Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external business partners and customers (any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unity produces including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government). Provides information or assistance. Delivers high quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement. Effectively manages customer relationships.
- Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups. Listens effectively; clarifies information, as needed. Speaks and writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner that is appropriate to the audience. Facilitates an open exchange of ideas to ensure all group input is considered. Handles technical, sensitive, or controversial topics with agility involving executives/managers as appropriate.
- Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems, weighs relevance and accuracy of information, generates and evaluates alternative solutions, and makes sound recommendations.
For qualification determinations, your resume must contain the following for each work experience listed:
- Organization/Agency's Name
- Title
- Salary (series and grade, if applicable)
- Start and end dates (including the month and year)
- Number of hours you worked per week
- Relevant experience that supports your response to the specialized experience that is stated in the job announcement
NOTE: Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications and your application may be marked as incomplete/ineligible and you will not receive consideration for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). 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.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. Please visit the following links for more information:
- http://www.naces.org
- http://www.fceatlanta.com
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined here.
All requirements must be met by 09/10/2024, the closing date of the announcement.
Education
Additional information
Current or Former Political Appointees: Pursuant to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) oversight authority under section 1104(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.) and section 5.2 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, OPM requires agencies to seek their approval prior to appointing any current or former political appointee to a permanent position (without time limits) in the civil service. A former or recent political appointee is someone who held a political appointment covered by OPM's policy within the previous 5-year period. OPM's oversight in this area safeguards merit system principles as well as fair and open competition free from political influence. If you are currently employed, or have been employed within the last 5 years, you must disclose this information. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Please visit the following link for the types of political appointments.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. Information about ICTAP or CTAP eligibility can be found by clicking here to access OPM's Career Transition Resources website.
Veterans: All veterans must meet the qualification requirements of the position for further consideration. For more information on veterans' preference, please click here.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Ethical Standards/Financial Disclosure:
EXIM is committed to the highest ethical standards. As an employee, you will be covered by the criminal conflict of interest statutes and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. You will be required to complete new employee ethics training within 3 months of your appointment.
If this position is subject to financial disclosure requirements (either public or confidential depending upon your position), you will be required to complete a new entrant financial disclosure report within 30 days of your appointment.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is processed under a Direct Hire authority; therefore, veteran's preference and Category Rating procedures do not apply.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this position, your resume and supporting documentation will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
You will be notified by email if your application is forwarded to the hiring official for further consideration.
If it is determined that your technical competencies do not meet the proficiency requirements for this position to move forward to the next evaluation stage, you will be notified by email.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Your Resume (applicants are required to submit a resume with job title, series/grade (if federal employee), duties and accomplishments, employer's name, starting and ending dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and annual salary). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
- Unofficial Transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
- Special Priority Selection rights under CTAP or ICTAP:
- Copy of your agency notice (RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc);
- Copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating),
- Most current SF-50 showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, position title, grade level, and duty location.
- Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF)15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter, if applicable. If a DD-214 (Member Copy 4) is not available, other documentation listing the beginning and ending dates of active service and the type of discharge must be submitted to verify eligibility.
- Submission of any required documents listed in vacancy announcement, if applicable.
How to Apply
Applications will only be accepted online; however if you are unable to apply online, please contact the Agency Contact Person listed below.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
The following is a link to preview the occupational questionnaire:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12515631
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/10/2024 to receive consideration.- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
- It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
- To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account here, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Courtney HarrisPhone2025653300Emailcourtney.harris.ctr@exim.govAddressAdministrative Services Division
811 VERMONT AVE NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20571
USNext steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
You will be notified by email if your application is forwarded to the hiring official for further consideration.
If it is determined that your technical competencies do not meet the proficiency requirements for this position to move forward to the next evaluation stage, you will be notified by email.Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Your Resume (applicants are required to submit a resume with job title, series/grade (if federal employee), duties and accomplishments, employer's name, starting and ending dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and annual salary). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
- Unofficial Transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
- Special Priority Selection rights under CTAP or ICTAP:
- Copy of your agency notice (RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc);
- Copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating),
- Most current SF-50 showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, position title, grade level, and duty location.
- Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF)15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter, if applicable. If a DD-214 (Member Copy 4) is not available, other documentation listing the beginning and ending dates of active service and the type of discharge must be submitted to verify eligibility.
- Submission of any required documents listed in vacancy announcement, if applicable.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens
Job Summary
Full Time
$79k-102k (estimate)
08/29/2024
10/28/2024
The job skills required for Contract Specialist include Procurement, Purchasing, Accounting, Negotiating, Problem Solving, Customer Service, etc. Having related job skills and expertise will give you an advantage when applying to be a Contract Specialist. That makes you unique and can impact how much salary you can get paid. Below are job openings related to skills required by Contract Specialist. Select any job title you are interested in and start to search job requirements.
The following is the career advancement route for Contract Specialist positions, which can be used as a reference in future career path planning. As a Contract Specialist, it can be promoted into senior positions as a Contracts Administrator III that are expected to handle more key tasks, people in this role will get a higher salary paid than an ordinary Contract Specialist. You can explore the career advancement for a Contract Specialist below and select your interested title to get hiring information.
If you are interested in becoming a Contract Specialist, you need to understand the job requirements and the detailed related responsibilities. Of course, a good educational background and an applicable major will also help in job hunting. Below are some tips on how to become a Contract Specialist for your reference.
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Accountant.
Quotes from people on Contract Specialist job description and responsibilities
A contract specialist performs various administrative duties that are essential to the successful management and execution of contracts on behalf of organizations.
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They evaluates, negotiates, and prepares contracts for projects, services, or goods.
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They negotiate terms, evaluate bids, and prepare contracts.
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Evaluate or monitors contract performance to define necessity for amendments or extensions of contracts, and compliance to contractual obligations.
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Step 2: Knowing the best tips for becoming an Accountant can help you explore the needs of the position and prepare for the job-related knowledge well ahead of time.
Career tips from people on Contract Specialist jobs
The most successful contract specialists have a strong knowledge of business financial best practices, an understanding of contract law, and possess a strong attention to detail.
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Excellent analytical skills are crucial to the effectiveness of contract specialists.
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Be familiar with contract review, drafting and negotiation skills.
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Develop communications that can break through.
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Negotiate with suppliers to draw up procurement contracts.
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Step 3: View the best colleges and universities for Contract Specialist.
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