Contract Specialist

This position is in Region 1, Mission Support Division, Contracts & Procurement Branch. About Region 1: EPA Region 1 (New England)

This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Partial work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized.

Qualifications:

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as researching and analyzing legislation, regulations, policies, and/or methods used in contracting (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulation); and evaluating the cost/price elements of contracts;

- OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below

- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as researching and analyzing legislation, regulations, policies, and methods used in contracting (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulation); evaluating the cost/price elements of contracts; and providing recommendations to senior level managers in response to contractual issues.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of laws, regulations, and rules sufficient to procure supplies, services, studies, laboratory analyses, or construction; 2) Knowledge of procedures for solicitation, review, price/cost analysis, negotiation, and administration of contracts; 3) Skill in oral communication; 4) Knowledge of contracting procedures to perform pre-award and post-award functions involving specialized procurements; 5) Skill in written communication.

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.

If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Current EPA Employees: In addition to the requirements above, you must have (and will be required to maintain) a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) in Contracting Certification Level I. 

Applicants Who Are Not Current EPA Employees: You will be required to obtain and maintain a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) in Contracting Certification Level I.

Responsibilities:

You will:

• Perform pre-award and post-award functions involving specialized procurements;
• Perform market analysis to determine availability of product or producer;
• Accomplish pre-award and post-award activities;
• Administer and close out contracts.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.  NOTE:  Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

You will spend more than 50% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.

Salary : $77,738 - $121,128