Contract Specialist- Direct Hire Authority

This advanced federal contracting position within the DoD requires expertise in acquisition, negotiation, and contract administration, adhering to federal standards.

• *Responsibilities:**
• Independently manage all phases of procurement actions (pre-award and post-award).
• Plan and execute work, selecting appropriate methods and techniques.
• Develop or recommend new guidelines and procedures to address evolving challenges.
• Interpret guidelines and adapt procurement procedures to specific situations.
• Analyze problems, conduct research, and recommend solutions for complex contracting issues.
• *Qualifications:**
• *Education:**
• **Option 1 (Primary):** Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. **(Official transcripts required).**
• **Option 2 (Exemptions):** Current member of the Armed Forces (not retired/separated) or a current DoD employee who meets ONE of the following criteria:

* Served as a contracting officer with authority to award/administer contracts exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) on or before September 30, 2000. * Served in an 1102 position or similar Service member occupational specialty on or before September 30, 2000. * Is an enlisted member of the Contingency Contracting Force (CCF) (exemption applies only to current/future CCF positions, not new DoD 1102 hires). * Meets criteria described in 10 USC 1724(e)(1)(B).

• *Specialized Experience:**
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to Federal GS-13 (or NH-03 in other pay systems), obtained by the closing date or within 120 days thereafter. This experience must include one or more of the following:

* Soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts. * Administering contracts to ensure compliance with terms and conditions. * Terminating contracts by analyzing, negotiating, and settling claims. * Analyzing and evaluating cost/price proposals and accounting systems. * Planning, establishing, or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures. * Formulating and administering policies for socioeconomic goals. * Developing acquisition strategies and directing/managing procurements. * Providing functional staff advisory services within contracting.

• *Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):**
• Expert knowledge of Federal, DoD, USAF, state, and local contracting laws, guidelines, business practices, executive orders, statutes, regulations, principles, and various contract types.
• Expertise in contract administration principles, policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Mastery of contract price/cost analysis, cost accounting techniques, contractor motivation, and industry trends to craft business deals.
• Mastery-level skill in developing and executing innovative acquisition approaches, leading senior acquisition teams.
• Expert knowledge of negotiation techniques, acquisition planning, business practices, and market conditions relevant to acquisitions.
• Proficiency with computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Contract Writing Systems (e.g., CON-IT, Conwrite, ACPS).
• Strong oral and written communication skills with technical accuracy, and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to analyze problems, conduct research, summarize findings, propose alternatives, and make recommendations.
• *Additional Notes:**
• Experience requirements may be met within 120 days of the announcement's closing date.
• Your resume must clearly detail qualifying experience.
• Credit is given for appropriate unpaid, part-time, and volunteer work (e.g., National Service Programs, professional organizations); duties and hours must be clearly identified.