Senior Contracts Specialist - Washington, United States - House of Representatives

    House of Representatives
    House of Representatives Washington, United States

    2 weeks ago

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    Description


    Summary The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff.

    The CAO organization comprises more than 650 technical and administrative staff working in a variety of areas, including information technology, finance, budget management, human resources, payroll, child care, food and vending, procurement, logistics and administrative counsel.

    Responsibilities The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff.

    The CAO organization comprises more than 650 technical and administrative staff working in a variety of areas, including information technology, finance, budget management, human resources, payroll, child care, food and vending, procurement, logistics and administrative counsel.

    This position is located in the Immediate Office, Office of Acquisitions Management (OAM), Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), U.S.

    House of Representatives (House).

    The purpose of the Office of Acquisitions Management (OAM) is to acquire and ensure the supply of goods and services for the House at the best possible value.

    Within the OAM, the purpose of the Contracts group is to provide Members, Committees, and House Officers with an acquisition program that is fair, competitive, and accountable; this includes negotiating contracts with vendors, ensuring those contracts meet House needs, and providing training in procurement topics.

    This position serves as the Senior Contracts Specialist.

    Key responsibilities include providing professional advice and assistance on acquisition matters and the procurement of goods and services, including contract formation and award, contract administration and closure, and priority acquisitions; serving as a focal point on procurement matters for designated program offices; and taking the lead on assigned acquisition projects.

    Grade level at time of appointment is determined by experience and designated level of responsibility. The position does not have day-to-day supervisory/managerial responsibilities.


    Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

    • Serves as primary point of contact on acquisition matters and issues and assists with procurement planning for such program offices as may be designated by the CPO and Associate Director.
    • Provides advice and assistance to the Contracts Specialists and Purchasing Agents in the performance of their duties, to include reviewing work products, as required, and providing senior level support on priority acquisition items.
    • Takes the lead on particular acquisition projects, as assigned by the Associate Director.
    • Participates in contract formation including development of Requests for Proposals, Invitations for Bids, and Requests for Quotations. Develops recommended strategies and timelines for conducting acquisitions, reviewing Statements of Work, conducting pre-proposal conferences, and coordinating evaluations.
    • Conducts complex analyses, including synthesizing large amounts of data/information to inform decision making. Prepares and presents information and/or briefings to stakeholders as needed; interprets and translates complex analyses and clearly articulates assumptions and recommendations.
    • Ensures compliance of acquisitions with the Guidelines for Procurement of Goods and Services for the U.S. House of Representatives, the User's Guide to Setting Up an Office, and such other guidance and direction as may be issued from time to time by CAO leadership and/or the Committee on House Administration (CHA).
    • Ensures that information and documentation in PeopleSoft and the Official Contract Files are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
    • Functions as a resource person for the Contracts Specialist, other OAM staff, program officials, the CAO and the CHA on procurement and purchasing matters.
    • Acts as a Contracting Officer for purchase orders, up to delegated authority.
    • Responds to and implements external audit recommendations, as assigned, and assists in the performance of internal procurement management audits.
    • Participates in designing and implementing proposed improvements to procurement, purchasing, and contract administration functions and processes, in support of the CAO Vision and Goals.
    • Provides professional support to the Associate Director in the execution of his/her duties and responsibilities.
    • Provides guidance to employees on appropriate methods for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data/information.
    • Assists in drafting and updating policies, procedures, manuals, and other pertinent acquisition documents, as required.
    • Performs other official duties and special projects as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications
    • Bachelor's degree and/or training in Accounting, Contract Administration, Procurement, or Purchasing preferred.
    • 5-7 years of experience in purchasing and procurement.
    • Knowledge of and ability to use various information and office systems, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
    • Knowledge of and ability to use procurement systems/software.
    • Knowledge of current procurement policies, regulations, concepts, methods, and techniques.
    • Knowledge of acquisitions regulations (Federal Acquisition Regulations or equivalent) and awareness of procurement related statutes.
    • Ability to analyze and understand market conditions to determine the most advantageous methods of procurement.
    • Analytical skill and ability to review and evaluate contractor proposals/bids.
    • Knowledge of contract negotiation techniques; ability to negotiate requirements.
    • Knowledge of source selection techniques.
    • Knowledge of fiscal year requirements.
    • Knowledge of contract administration and termination techniques enough to monitor performance.
    • Knowledge of contract formation, including contract types, methods, and techniques.
    • Knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices.
    • Well-developed writing and editing skills; ability to develop reports.
    • Ability to conduct research and provide administrative support.
    • Ability to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and requirements.
    • Skill in coordination and consultation
    • Knowledge of financial management principles and practices.
    • All employees within CAO are expected to demonstrate the following general competencies: Accountability, Adaptability, Collaboration, Communication, Customer Orientation, Knowledge of Relevant Policies, Procedures, and Processes, Priority Management, and Problem Resolution. Education Additional Information