Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
CONTRACT SPECIALIST
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, United States, 22201
Summary
This position is part of the Contracts Management Office (CMO), and the incumbent, a warranted contracting officer, is responsible for a variety of acquisition and assistance related elements reaching across the full range of services acquisitions, but also including supplies, research and development, and other unique contracting situations in support of DARPA's mission.
Duties
Help
As a Contract Specialist GS-1102-13/14, some of your typical work assignments may include:
Serve as business advisor and warranted contracting officer for diverse portfolio of simplified, commercial, non-commercial, and FAR Part 8 / 15 / 16 services acquisitions. Prepare and coordinate the most appropriate, streamlined, and efficient acquisition plans/strategies for primarily services contracts considering competition, contractual vehicle, and contract type including use of incentive arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside policies, and similar considerations. Explore and execute new or innovative contracting approaches to reduce acquisition timelines, increase performance flexibility, and improve contractor motivation. Work closely with requirements owners, leadership, and other stakeholders with varying communication styles in leading services procurement planning meetings and source selection processes. Prepare determinations and findings, solicitations, and other appropriate pre-award documentation. Perform detailed price fair and reasonable and cost realism analyses and serve as lead negotiator when required. Assess and resolve complex pre- and post-award issues by interpreting regulations/policies to apply to new or changing circumstances and coordinate with General Counsel as appropriate. Perform contract administration, including incremental funding, option exercises, in-scope changes, time extensions, change orders, stop work orders, cure notices or show cause letters, terminations, monitoring of property reporting, and contract closeout. Manage workload and perform contract management using a host of electronic tools. Maintain DoD continuous learning requirements through participation in training courses, professional activities, and conferences. Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Must be a U.S. citizen Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply) Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Work Schedule: Full Time Overtime: Occasionally Tour of Duty: Flexible Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt Financial Disclosure: Required Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible as determined by the agency policy Occasional Travel This is a drug tested designated position Qualifications
You may qualify at the GS-1102-13 if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS -12) in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the military or private sector). Experience establishing acquisition strategy, awarding and administering complex research and development, services, or systems contracts. Experience with pre-award planning, negotiation, awarding and administering other unique and innovative award instruments such as, procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and other transactions. Experienced, warranted Contracting Officers interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment.
You may qualify at the GS-1102-14 if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS -13) in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the military or private sector). Experience establishing acquisition strategy, awarding and administering complex research and development, services, or systems contracts. Experience with pre-award planning, negotiation, awarding and administering other unique and innovative award instruments such as, procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and other transactions. Experienced, warranted Contracting Officers interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment.
Experienced, warranted contracting officer interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment while providing excellent customer service Innovative self-starter and problem solver
This position has a Basic Requirement for the 1102 series:
A. Earned a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degree;
OR
B. A current or former civilian in DoD, who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000.
OR
C. A current or former military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS-1102 on or before September 30, 2000. *NOTE:
Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the DoD basic qualifications requirements. See:https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/DoD_Qualification_Standard_For_GS-1102.pdf for DoD qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the
MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS
section of this announcement by the close of this announcement.
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.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Foreign Education
Additional information
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA):
To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs : This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities : For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)
The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.
Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.
For more information, please visit
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d
Other Notes:
ACQUISITION POSITION:
Incumbent must obtain mandatory Back-to-Basics (BtB) certification within 36 months of entry into position.
Incumbent must acquire 80 Continuous Learning Points every 24 months.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
This JOA may be used to fill multiple positions.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
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.
This position is part of the Contracts Management Office (CMO), and the incumbent, a warranted contracting officer, is responsible for a variety of acquisition and assistance related elements reaching across the full range of services acquisitions, but also including supplies, research and development, and other unique contracting situations in support of DARPA's mission.
Duties
Help
As a Contract Specialist GS-1102-13/14, some of your typical work assignments may include:
Serve as business advisor and warranted contracting officer for diverse portfolio of simplified, commercial, non-commercial, and FAR Part 8 / 15 / 16 services acquisitions. Prepare and coordinate the most appropriate, streamlined, and efficient acquisition plans/strategies for primarily services contracts considering competition, contractual vehicle, and contract type including use of incentive arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside policies, and similar considerations. Explore and execute new or innovative contracting approaches to reduce acquisition timelines, increase performance flexibility, and improve contractor motivation. Work closely with requirements owners, leadership, and other stakeholders with varying communication styles in leading services procurement planning meetings and source selection processes. Prepare determinations and findings, solicitations, and other appropriate pre-award documentation. Perform detailed price fair and reasonable and cost realism analyses and serve as lead negotiator when required. Assess and resolve complex pre- and post-award issues by interpreting regulations/policies to apply to new or changing circumstances and coordinate with General Counsel as appropriate. Perform contract administration, including incremental funding, option exercises, in-scope changes, time extensions, change orders, stop work orders, cure notices or show cause letters, terminations, monitoring of property reporting, and contract closeout. Manage workload and perform contract management using a host of electronic tools. Maintain DoD continuous learning requirements through participation in training courses, professional activities, and conferences. Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Must be a U.S. citizen Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply) Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Work Schedule: Full Time Overtime: Occasionally Tour of Duty: Flexible Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt Financial Disclosure: Required Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible as determined by the agency policy Occasional Travel This is a drug tested designated position Qualifications
You may qualify at the GS-1102-13 if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS -12) in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the military or private sector). Experience establishing acquisition strategy, awarding and administering complex research and development, services, or systems contracts. Experience with pre-award planning, negotiation, awarding and administering other unique and innovative award instruments such as, procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and other transactions. Experienced, warranted Contracting Officers interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment.
You may qualify at the GS-1102-14 if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS -13) in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the military or private sector). Experience establishing acquisition strategy, awarding and administering complex research and development, services, or systems contracts. Experience with pre-award planning, negotiation, awarding and administering other unique and innovative award instruments such as, procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and other transactions. Experienced, warranted Contracting Officers interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment.
Experienced, warranted contracting officer interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment while providing excellent customer service Innovative self-starter and problem solver
This position has a Basic Requirement for the 1102 series:
A. Earned a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degree;
OR
B. A current or former civilian in DoD, who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000.
OR
C. A current or former military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS-1102 on or before September 30, 2000. *NOTE:
Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the DoD basic qualifications requirements. See:https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/DoD_Qualification_Standard_For_GS-1102.pdf for DoD qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the
MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS
section of this announcement by the close of this announcement.
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.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Foreign Education
Additional information
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA):
To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs : This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities : For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)
The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.
Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.
For more information, please visit
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d
Other Notes:
ACQUISITION POSITION:
Incumbent must obtain mandatory Back-to-Basics (BtB) certification within 36 months of entry into position.
Incumbent must acquire 80 Continuous Learning Points every 24 months.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
This JOA may be used to fill multiple positions.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
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.