Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer)
Job description
Duties
Responsible for developing and making recommendations for the development of a contract program, including necessary resources and manpower to meet the goals of the centralized contracting program.
Serves as advisor and approving official to program staff to facilitate an Advanced Procurement plan, maintaining current acquisition plan, appropriate milestone charts and related schedules, ensuring adequate resources are available and services are obtained to best meet the need of the Government.
Analyzes settlement proposals, audit reports, technical evaluations and subcontractor claims when applicable.
Investigates problems, disputes and/or labor violations, determines alternative courses of action, prepares impact statements and recommends a pre-negotiation settlement position to higher authority and/or where warranted, terminating contracts assigned for default and/or convenience.
Manages, performs, and develops policies and procedures for work involving the evaluation of contract price proposals for procurement of services, construction, complex technical information technology and telecommunication systems and supplies for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship is Required.
- See Special Conditions of Employment Section
- Selective Service Requirement: http://www.sss.gov
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1)this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: Click Here
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP eligibility, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: Click Here
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following:
Basic Requirements:
GS-11 and GS-12:
A. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field.
NOTE: A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree is defined as possession of a bachelor’s degree conferred or approved by an accredited U.S. college or university based on a 4 year course of study. Simply being enrolled and working toward a degree does not meet the qualification standard.
OR
B. 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.
NOTE: When academic credit is expressed in contract months, units, or other items that differ from conventional semester or other terms that differ from conventional semester or quarter hours, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide an interpretation of such credits from the appropriate institution in order to equate them to the semester or quarter hours specified in the standard.
Exceptions: GS-11 and GS-12: Employees currently occupying a GS-1102 position at grades 5 through 12 since January 1, 2000, is considered to have met the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at the GS-12 level. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.
AND
B. 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester or 36 quarter hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
Acceptability of Higher Education: Education such as foreign education, home study and correspondence courses, academic credit for work experience, military education, continuing education units, life experience, etc., is acceptable to the extent that it is determined to be equivalent to conventional higher education programs of U.S. institutions. Such education must be accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university.
NOTE: Applicants that meet the basic education requirements for Grades 5 through 12 only and are applying for a position with promotion potential to the GS-13 can be non-competitively promoted to the GS-13 level once ALL basic requirements for the GS-13 have been met.
Bureau of Prisons employees currently occupying a Contract Specialist position on an approved waiver submit a copy of the waiver prior to the closing date of this announcement. Contract Specialists who do not possess a four year degree and the required 24 semester hours, may apply and be considered for a waiver of the educational requirements. The waiver is discretionary tool available to the Procurement Executive as such does not constitute automatic approval.
NOTE: Current federal employees not employed by the Bureau of Prisons and former Bureau of Prisons’ Employees MUST submit documentation (i.e., SF-50(s) covering the period from January 1, 2000) for verification of the above referenced exception criteria to receive consideration. Failure to provide these documents will result in non-consideration for this vacancy.
AND
In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one of the following:
Education:
GS-11: Three (3) full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Graduate Education: To qualify for this position 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.
GS-12: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this grade level.
OR
Experience:
GS-11 and GS-12: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level in federal service. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
GS-11:
- Experience as a contract specialist responsible for all aspects of the contracting transactions from initiation to recommendation of award for an agency, a department, or departments, procuring a variety of supplies, services and/or construction in support of an installation or activity.
- Experience in reviewing requisitions and determining the appropriate method of procurement, i.e., formal advertised or negotiation, including citing the authority in determinations and finding reports prepared for the contracting officer when procurement is by negotiation.
- Experience developing procurement plans by reviewing previous history, market conditions, and specifications or technical data packages.
- Experience preparing and issuing solicitation documents, selecting appropriate clauses, ensuring clear and complete specifications.
- Experience in detailed analysis of bids or proposals received, insuring strict compliance with specifications on advertised procurement.
- Experience in both formal advertised and negotiated acquisitions, performing detailed analyses to determine responsiveness and responsibility of offer or, reviewing past bids and awards, and establishment of price reasonableness.
- Experience drafting final contract including specifications, packing and shipping requirements, inspection instructions, and all other special and standard clauses, preparing recommendations for award, and documenting reasons for decisions.
GS-12:
- Experience preparing initial agency position on protests from unsuccessful offers and renders or recommends a decision.
- Experience in formally advertised procurement, ensure bid schedules are properly structured, prepare the solicitation, determine sources to be solicited, etc.
- Experience negotiating settlements for changes and approves contract payments.
- Experience assisting in the administration of contracts, including performance of termination actions.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
GS-11 only: A combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation. All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Current Federal Law Enforcement Employees:
Individuals selected who are under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and who have not had three years "primary" law enforcement retirement coverage, will not be covered by law enforcement retirement while in this position. To regain coverage, individuals must return to a position with "primary" coverage.
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.
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.
This position is processed under Direct Hire Authority. Veteran’s Preference and Category Rating procedures do not apply.
Applicants will be evaluated utilizing the documentation submitted and considered for the grade level in which the resume and/or educational transcripts supports.
What Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are Required for this Position?
The following Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) are required:
GS-11 and GS-12:
- Ability to interpret and apply procurement regulations.
- Ability to communicate in writing.
- Ability to communicate orally.
- Knowledge of procurement techniques and contract formulation/administration.
- Ability to make decisions regarding contracts.
- Ability to develop and administer contract policies and procedures.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
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.
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.
All applicants MUST submit the following Required Documents in your Application Packet directly to the hiring institution to receive consideration:
- Veterans' Preference Documentation: Veterans must demonstrate that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge). Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214 indicating type of discharge); or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal).
- If you are currently on active duty, a statement from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information: Name, Rank, Branch of Service, Active Duty time, Campaign Badges and Expeditionary Medals as applicable, Projected Separation Date, and type of anticipated discharge must be provided.
- SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, submit a completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference", and the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim. Documentation to support a service-connected disability rating must be an official combined service-connected disability rating provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Individual disability ratings are not creditable. Veterans must also demonstrate that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
- Resume: Resume must include: your point of contact information and detailing relevant experience (cover letter optional).
- In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. Failure to follow this format may result in disqualification.
- A college transcript: which includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day).
- SF-50: for proof of prior LEO coverage, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
A complete application packet (i.e., resume, transcripts, additional pertinent documentation) MUST be submitted directly to the following email address: CO-HRMDirectHire@bop.gov
You must include the last four digits of your social security number and the vacancy announcement number on your application packet.
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPLY ONLINE.
Agency contact information
CSU
Phone
972-352-4200
Email
BOP-HRM-HRSC-ConsolidatedStaffingUnit-S@bop.gov
Address
JUSTICE, BUREAU OF PRISONS
Consolidated Staffing Unit
346 Marine Forces Drive
Grand Prairie, Texas 75051
United StatesNext steps
The Human Resource Office will notify you of the status of your application. Applicants will be notified via e-mail, to the e-mail address on your resume. The Human Resource Office may contact you for an interview if they wish and expect to make a final job offer within 80 days of interview.
Interviews - Applicants may receive an e-mail, mail or a telephone inquiry from the Human Resource Department.
Applicants MUST contact the Human Resource Department via e-mail to schedule an interview.Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
All applicants MUST submit the following Required Documents in your Application Packet directly to the hiring institution to receive consideration:
- Veterans' Preference Documentation: Veterans must demonstrate that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge). Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214 indicating type of discharge); or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal).
- If you are currently on active duty, a statement from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information: Name, Rank, Branch of Service, Active Duty time, Campaign Badges and Expeditionary Medals as applicable, Projected Separation Date, and type of anticipated discharge must be provided.
- SF-15: If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, submit a completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference", and the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim. Documentation to support a service-connected disability rating must be an official combined service-connected disability rating provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Individual disability ratings are not creditable. Veterans must also demonstrate that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
- Resume: Resume must include: your point of contact information and detailing relevant experience (cover letter optional).
- In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. Failure to follow this format may result in disqualification.
- A college transcript: which includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day).
- SF-50: for proof of prior LEO coverage, if applicable.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
-
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
• THIS IS A DIRECT HIRE ANNOUNCEMENT OPEN TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SERVES AS A PUBLIC NOTICE FOR DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY. • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPLY ONLINE. PLEASE REFER TO THE “HOW TO APPLY SECTION” FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS. • Division: Administration Division • Duty Location: Central Office, Washington, D.C.
laviolettawines.com.au is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, laviolettawines.com.au provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, laviolettawines.com.au is the ideal place to find your next job.