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Contract Specialist

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Washington, D.C
Closing date
Sep 19, 2020
Duties

Summary

As our nation navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP is committed to delivering our mission to safeguard America's borders and enable legitimate trade and travel. Staffing mission critical positions remains a high priority. Be reassured that CBP is still hiring, despite potential hiring process step delays due to restrictions to in-person activities.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Acquisition, Procurement Directorate, located in Washington, DC.

Joining Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will allow you to utilize your expertise in procurement to perform a full range of contracting services and functions that improve the efficiency of acquisition programs. This position starts at a salary of $121,316.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $157,709.00 (GS-14, Step 10) with promotion potential to $157,709.00 (GS-14 Step 10). Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security functions by performing pre-award and post-award contract services as part of an acquisition team.

In this Contract Specialist position, you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in all aspects of contracting related to the acquisition of goods and services to support the programs and operations of CBP organizations, programs, projects, and activities. Typical Work assignments include:
  • Serving as a senior contract specialist responsible for coordinating and the approval of the pre-award and post-award functions of complex, high dollar value, and mission-essential contracts, ensuring sufficient funds are available for obligations;
  • Serving as principal advisor to program officials in procurement planning meetings. Advises program officials of procurement objectives to be used and assists in the preparation of statements of work;
  • Serving as lead in developing and executing acquisition strategies, to include planning, reviewing solicitation, negotiation, award, contract administration, and close-out. Must be able to hold a warrant;
  • Serving as lead negotiator responsible for the development and monitoring of negotiation plans, coordinating pre-negotiation conferences, participating as an authority and expert at such conferences, negotiating intensive settlements with contractors and close-out assigned contracts; and
  • Acting on the Government's behalf in accordance with established procedures on the disputed contractual issues which may be submitted directly to the Contracting Officer or another forum such as the General Accounting Office or agency board of contract appeals.


Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
14

Requirements

Conditions of Employment


  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.


Qualifications

Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Serving as a contract specialist for a significant system or program, involving a range of contract specializations such as negotiation, cost and price analysis, and administration;
  • Planning, developing, and establishing contractual strategy for assigned acquisition programs;
  • Serving as a contracting advisor or subject matter expert to program officials and to program management office;
  • Performing contract administration involving incremental funding, preparation of rate ad cost adjustments, redirection of effort, coordination of time extension, incorporation of change orders, issuances of stop work orders, issuance of cure notices or show cause letters, monitoring of Government property reporting, approval of progress payments, final payment and contract closeout; and
  • Resolving complex contractual issues/claims/termination settlements in accordance with established procedures.
You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience, as described above and meet the basic requirement listed below.

Basic Requirement: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show you meet the basic requirement below.

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. 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.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 09/18/2020.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. . For more information visit this link .

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional information

Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the bargaining unit.

Financial Disclosure: Financial Disclosure is required.

Telework: Telework may be available on a regular recurring or situational basis.

Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Requirements: In accordance with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Acquisition Workforce Policy Number 064-04-002, completion of FAC-C levels is required as outlined below.

GS-14: Level III (Senior Level)***

***Employees assigned to the GS-1102 position in grades GS-13 and above, who do not meet the FAC-C training requirements, may be approved for an Individual Training Waiver, at the discretion of the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency. If a training waiver is approved, the FAC-C training requirements must be met within 24 months

DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.

Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans , Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers , and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation. Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10911130

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an assessment questionnaire.

The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
  • Knowledge of the principles of acquisition planning sufficient to develop and implement a plan to procure a multi-year program or system involving successive program states, support management, and accomplish objectives of the Office of Acquisition, CBP, and DHS;
  • Skill in interpreting higher-level contracting policy and directives, and providing guidance and assistance to personnel;
  • Skill in determining contract types, methods, and techniques including cost and incentive contracting, award fee, cost sharing arrangements, processing of unsolicited proposals, multiple awards, special provisions relating to proprietary rights, and rights in data; and
  • Skill in evaluating pre-award contracting documentation (such as market research, acquisition planning, request for proposals, etc.) for awards.
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10911130

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. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

  • Your resume : A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link.
  • Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10911130
  • Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the requirements above. Examples of appropriate Sf-50s include promotions, whitin-grade increases and accessions.
  • Your transcripts: All applicants are required to submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution. If you are a current CBP employee within the position series announced, transcripts will not be required at the time of application; however, education will be verified if you are selected and you may be required to submit transcripts at that time. Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. For a listing of accrediting agencies, please see www.naces.org
  • Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
  • Are you a veteran? If you are applying under a veteran appointing authority, you must submit documentation to support eligibility such as a DD-214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period, a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, and/or supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 . If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, your rank, expected character of service and anticipated date of separation. If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD 214 upon separation from the military. To learn more click here .
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
    • Position title
    • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
    • Agency
    • Beginning and ending dates of appointment
  • You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.


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.

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