Summary As a senior Contract Specialist you will support OPM's transformative Federal Human Resources Information Technology (HRIT) Modernization initiative. This effort advances OPM's mission as the federal government's central HR agency by modernizing systems to improve workforce management, ensure compliance, and enhance service delivery. Responsibilities Plans, develops, and manages complex procurement actions for multi-year, high-value, or high-visibility contracts. Advises program officials on acquisition strategy, market research, and contract @type selection to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Prepares solicitations, conducts negotiations, and awards contracts for a variety of goods and services. Serves as a senior advisor on contracting policy, interpreting Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency guidance. Manages contract administration activities including modifications, performance monitoring, and resolution of disputes or protests. Leads or participates in reviews and audits of contract actions to ensure quality assurance and legal sufficiency. Represents the agency in interagency or external procurement forums to advance contracting best practices. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit Qualifications All applicants must have a 4-year course of study, from an accredited college or university, 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. (The exception is if you have been continuously employed in a GS-1102-13 or GS-1102-14 position in the competitive Federal Service since January 1, 2000). AND In addition to the requirement above applicants must have at least 4 years of experience in contracting or related positions which includes at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service performing all of the following: Leading and managing complex, high-value procurements; developing acquisition strategies for multi-year or mission-critical programs; Interpreting and applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific policies; Conducting negotiations and awarding contracts for a wide range of goods and services; Providing authoritative guidance on acquisition planning and contract administration; Resolving complex procurement issues, protests, or disputes to ensure compliance and mission success. Training Requirement: Applicants must also have a FAC-C (Professional) or DoD Contracting Professional or Legacy FAC-C Level III or DAWIA (Contracting) Level III or higher certification. Note: After September 30, 2023, you will need to submit the FAC-C (Professional) or DoD Contracting Professional certifications or you will need to request a waiver. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date 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 This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement. Additional Information This announcement will be used to fill vacancies through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to Critical Hiring Need/Severe Shortage of Candidates. Veteran preference and traditional rating/raking of applicants do not apply. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/ Relocation expenses will not be paid. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM. If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable\Accommodations\for\USA\Hire As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
