Contract Specialist

Job Posting

Summary Direct Hire Authority : This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy.

Responsibilities : This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The primary purpose of this position is to prevent, protect, respond to and recover from terrorism, criminal acts, and other hazards threatening the U.S. Government's critical infrastructure, services, and the people who provide or receive them. Duties performed include determining the contract methods to be used, developing the unique / complex terms and conditions of the solicitation, obtaining required reviews / approvals, issuing solicitations, evaluating proposals, negotiating cost / prices and terms and conditions with offerors / contractors, providing guidance to lower-graded specialist, program offices, field offices and user functions regarding all aspects of Department procurements, performing contract administration functions, and more.

Requirements : Conditions of employment include being a U.S. citizen, successfully passing a background investigation, registering or being exempt from Selective Service, and completing a pre-employment drug test. A one-year probationary period may be required. A pre-employment physical is not required. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid. Financial Disclosure : If hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment and will be required to file annually.

Qualifications : GS-12 : To qualify for the GS-12 position, applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirement and Specialized Experience as noted below. The Basic Requirement includes meeting one of the items listed below : A. You have successfully completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field from an accredited college or university or B. You have completed 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 Specialized Experience includes conducting pre-award and post-award functions, receiving and evaluating proposals, and monitoring contractor performance. GS-13 : To qualify for the GS-13 position, applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirement and Specialized Experience as noted below. The Basic Requirement includes completing 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 of experience in contracting or related positions, and 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. The Specialized Experience includes conducting pre-award and post-award functions, preparing solicitation documents, and monitoring contract performance.

Interagency / Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP / CTAP) : This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must : 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

Education : This position requires specific coursework and / or a degree to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section.

Additional Information : Note : DHS continues to take necessary steps to keep our workforce safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If you receive a final job offer to onboard, please complete the onboarding forms and submit them electronically in an expeditious manner. Your start date may be delayed if the action above is not completed. Background Investigation : To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a clearance as a condition of placement in this Non-Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and / or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result. Current or Former Political Appointees : 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.