Contract Support Specialist (SAO/IM)

CONTRACT SUPPORT SPECIALIST (SAO/IM) - SOW

The Program & Procurement Support Specialist shall provide comprehensive support for the full lifecycle of procurement and assistance mechanisms within the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This role advises and trains program staff on procurement processes, develops and reviews contract documentation, conducts market analysis, and ensures compliance with Department of State regulations and policies. The incumbent collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, manages multiple priorities, and safeguards sensitive information, all while advancing INL’s mission to protect U.S. interests and promote stability abroad.

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for American diplomacy, with the Secretary of State serving as the President’s chief foreign policy advisor. Guided by an America First approach, the Department’s mission is to advance U.S. national security, combat terrorism, protect American interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that promote a freer, more prosperous, and secure world for the American people.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) directly support this mission by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability overseas, thereby safeguarding Americans at home. INL strengthens partner nations’ police, judicial, and corrections systems to reduce crime and illegal drug flows to the United States.

INL’s Office of Security Assistance and Operations, Implementing Mechanisms Division (INL/SAO/IM) manages the mechanisms that support the Bureau’s foreign assistance objectives, always prioritizing U.S. interests. INL/SAO/IM includes International Organization Letters of Agreement (IO-LOAs), Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) and Inter-Agency Agreements (IAAs) Unit, which provides analytical and subject matter expertise for the development, formulation, and oversight of regional and functional portfolios; the Grants Unit, which manages Federal Assistance awards, including grants and cooperative agreements, and oversees property and travel grants; and the Contracts Unit, which handles the planning, development, and execution of service and commodity procurements, including Third Party Contracts (TPCs) and Personal Service Contracts (PSCs).

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave support for implementing mechanisms, including initiation, documentation, tracking, and close-out.
• Guide and train Program Office personnel on developing procurement request packages, including statements of work, IGCEs, DS-4208 determinations, risk mitigation plans, market research, acquisition plans, and related documents.
• Advise Program Offices on contract development, including data requirements, contract type selection, special clauses, and terms and conditions.
• Support strategic sourcing and category management initiatives by identifying optimal approaches to meet requirements.
• Conduct market analysis, identify potential sources, and assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on procurement actions.
• Determine appropriate quantities based on economic order quantities, market conditions, delivery requirements, production capabilities, specifications, and pre-award samples.
• Assist in establishing contract language and clauses, coordinating with socio-economic specialists, setting order limitations, and selecting transportation and delivery methods.
• Track delivery dates and periods of performance to ensure timely submission of requirements for exercising options.
• Respond promptly to requests for information and provide status reports and substantive recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, INL program office staff, U.S. embassies, and other federal agencies.
• Foster a positive work environment, promote teamwork, and proactively recommend improvements.
• Complete tasks efficiently to reduce the burden on team members and management; remain open to training and feedback.
• Build strong interpersonal relationships through exceptional customer service and project management skills.
• Comply with all applicable regulations, internal controls, management directives, and standard operating procedures.
• Safeguard organizational integrity by preventing unauthorized use or misappropriation of classified and sensitive materials and equipment.
• Report security violations or concerns to the appropriate authority.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• U.S. Citizen
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and two to ten years’ experience at the equivalent GS-12 or higher level; or an Associate's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of ten years’ experience at the equivalent GS-12 or higher level
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; prior experience conducting research

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement procedures
• Proficient in cost and price analysis techniques to evaluate offers and provider responsibility, using competition, historical costs, audit reports, vendor cost breakdowns, and other evaluation criteria
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present briefings, interpret policies, defend recommendations, and resolve issues
• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate activities, provide guidance, and advocate INL policies in collaboration with leadership
• Superior organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, shifting priorities, and tight deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and other computer and web-based applications
• Proven ability to deliver exceptional customer service at all levels
• Experience with and knowledge of DoS and foreign assistance
• Demonstrated knowledge of Department of State Acquisition Regulations (DOSAR)
• Demonstrated knowledge of Department of State Acquisition Manual (DOSAM)
• Demonstrated knowledge with Global Financial Management System (GFMS)-Momentum and Regional Financial Management System (RFMS)-Momentum

LEVEL OF EFFORT 

Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of INL/SAO/IM: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.

TELEWORK

If applicable, telework is authorized only with prior INL Office Director, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer’s Representative approval, in accordance with Department of State and INL policies.

SUPPLEMENTAL HOURS 

Supplemental hours are authorized in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

POSITION LOCATION:  

The physical work location is INL/SAO/IM office within State Annex 1 (SA-01), Columbia Plaza, 2401 E Street NW, Washington, DC. This position requires consistent in-person presence at the designated duty location.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT 

DOS will provide office space, computers, phones, and other required equipment and supplies necessary to complete all job requirements. DOS will own and maintain all government furnished property.

CLEARANCE:  

A Secret security clearance is required for this position; work may begin with an interim Secret security clearance.

TRAVEL 

Travel is authorized for this position in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

TRAINING 

This BPA Call provides for mandatory training for DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes (reference 13 FAM 300 Agency Mandated Training), which shall be completed promptly and in accordance with Department policy. This training does not require INL Contracting Officer (CO) approval. 

Travel-related training (i.e. FACT (CT650), HTSOS-C etc.), may be required, if applicable. The Contractor’s Program Manager (PM) shall coordinate with INL/EX/GAPP to determine if applicable and if INL (CO)’s approval is required prior. All other training requires INL CO approval.

USGI offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, plus generous PTO offerings to include vacation/sick days, bereavement leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays. USGI is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.