Contract Specialist - Anchorage, United States - Public Buildings Service

Description

Summary

As Contract Specialist, you will be responsible for the full range of pre-award and post-award functions related to Government contracts.

Location of position: Anchorage, AK; Boise, ID; Portland, OR; Seattle, Spokane, or Tacoma, WA.

The position currently requires one day a week in office, with the remainder being telework.

We are currently filling three vacancies; additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
• Land & base management
• Military spouses
• Family of overseas employees
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Special authorities
• Veterans

This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
• Land & base management
• Military spouses
• Family of overseas employees
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Special authorities
• Veterans

Videos

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to the below.The GS-12 will perform the duties independently; the GS-11 will perform or assist with the duties with supervisory oversight:

• Performs acquisition planning tasks, including reviewing/analyzing procurement requests, researching market conditions, determining method of procurement & contract type, developing acquisition plans, preparing source selection plans or technical evaluation criteria and plans, and preparing necessary justifications and documentation. Awards & administers a variety of contracts, including those awarded under Section 8(a) and other socioeconomic programs including sole source procurements.
• Develops and prepares contract solicitations, modifications, terminations, and other contracting documents, incorporating appropriate language, specifications and clauses based on various factors (market conditions, customer requirements, quantities required, etc.).
• Develops negotiation plans and objectives; assists with conferences; and conducts discussions and negotiations with contractors.
• Performs post-award duties including monitoring contractor's performance, ensuring contract compliance, ensuring payments are processed, negotiating modifications, and dealing with protests and/or terminations as needed.
• Evaluates technical submissions, bids or offers for responsiveness to the solicitation and responsibility. Coordinates the establishment of a technical evaluation committee or source selection evaluation board to determine acceptability of technical proposals; evaluates contractor proposals against selection criteria; and may serve asthe Source Selection Authority/chair and as such make cost/technical trade-offs. Performs cost and/or price analysis and makes final determination on awards within delegated contracting officer authority.
• Conducts or facilitates various contracting meetings such as pre-proposal and post award meetings. Responds to inquiries from customers and vendors concerning contract issues and concerns; keeps customers/contractors apprised of procurement status; coordinates with other offices or stakeholders to resolve procurement-related problems.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
• Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
• Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

• 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 or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
• Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

• the exact dates you heldeach job (from month/year to month/year)
• number of hours per week you worked (if part time).

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.

The GS-11 salary range starts at $81,956 (Anchorage), $72,553 (Boise), $78,044 (Portland), $81,242, (Seattle/Tacoma) and $72,777 (Spokane) per year.

The GS-12 salary range starts at $98,232 (Anchorage), $86,962 (Boise), $93,543 (Portland), $97,376 (Seattle/Tacoma) and $87,230 (Spokane) per year.

If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.

Basic Requirements for GS-5 through GS-12

A. 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field;

OR

B. 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.

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements

To qualify at the GS-11 Grade level, you must, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service.Specialized experience is defined as experience procuring building services, professional and/or non-professional services, and/or construction using a range of contracting methods and contract vehicles (i.e. purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, etc...) This experience must include planning and carrying out routine pre-award and/or post-award acquisition actions including:

Preparing solicitation documentation and drafting the final contract including recommendations for award; Evaluating vendor offers for both technical and price/cost factors to ensure best value to the organization/agency; Negotiating contracts, orders and/or modifications using standard language/templates with few clauses or addendums; Responding to and resolving acquisition questions/issues some of which require additional research to provide recommendations/responses; Analyzing routine contracting issues and identifying alternative courses of action.

OR

Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or have successfully completed 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. To be creditable, graduate education must be in one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

OR

Have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience that when combined together meet the qualification requirements of this position.

To Qualify at the GS-12 Grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service.Specialized experience is defined as experience procuring building services, professional and/or non-professional services, and/or construction using a wide range of contracting methods and contract vehicles (i.e. purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, etc...).Procurements at this level include:

Planning and carrying out routine pre- and post-award acquisition actions; Preparing solicitation documentation incorporating necessary specialized provisions, and drafting the final contract; Evaluating vendor offers for both technical and price/cost factors as well as evaluating bidders capacity to perform/comply with contract clauses and specifications; Planning and conducting negotiations on price, technical requirements, terms, and conditions of the contract; Responding to and resolving acquisition questions/issues that require research to provide recommendations/responses; Analyzing contracting issues and identifying alternative courses of action.

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information,

Additional information

Bargaining Unit Status: This position is eligible for the bargaining unit. (Except Anchorage)

If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.

Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.

On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:

•Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government

•Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee

•Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government

Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.

If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #10P You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.

GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:

• Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
• Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.

Our commitment is:

• Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
• Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
• Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  You will have access to many benefits including:
  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application.Here's how it will work:

You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of a full range of contracting laws, regulations, principles, methods, contract types, and set aside programs in order to perform acquisition planning; identify sources; determine procurement method; evaluate recent market developments, trends, conditions, and economic factors affecting procurements; and award and administer contracts.
• Skill in writing clear and concise communications in order to advise stakeholders of project status and procurement issues and develop a variety of complex contracting documents, including planning documents, solicitations, modifications, protests, terminations,source Selection Decisions (SSDs), Price Negotiation Memorandums (PNMs), Price Analyses, Ratifications, Justifications and Approvals (J&As), Determinations and Findings (D&Fs) and Contracting Officer Final Decisions.
• Knowledge of contract negotiation techniques to negotiate complex contracts. Skill in the use of negotiation techniques in order to negotiate prices, terms and conditions, contract modifications and settlements resulting in the best value for the government.
• Knowledge of source selection procedures and related policies/regulations. Ability to evaluate and analyze complex information, determine technical objectives, and prioritize the importance of competing interests in order to develop recommendations and makewell informed, effective, and timely decisions.
• Knowledge of post-award procedures to administer firm fixed-price, indefinite delivery, or other contracts of similar complexity. Ability to apply judgment to effectively initiate, advise and coordinate the performance of a wide range of contract administration duties including contract compliance, negotiating and resolving contract performance problems, and awarding contract modifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively to keep managers, customers, and contractors apprised of project status and procurement issues of mutual concern. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personnel,including contractors, internal and external customers, and managers.

Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges:

• Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between
• Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP)
• Qualified = Candidates scoring between

We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume.If your resume doesn't support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.

Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA's Career Transition Assistance Plan(ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  You will have access to many benefits including:
  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
  
  Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
  
  If you are claiming veterans' preference:
  (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
  (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214:(1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
  
  If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
  
  If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
  
  Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
  
  College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
  
  For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
  
  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.
• How to Apply
  
  Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application.For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
  
  If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
  
  To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
  • Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
  • Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
  Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours.You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Rhonda Gibbs
  
  Phone
  
  
  
  Fax
  
  
  
  Email
  
  Address
  
  GSA, Public Buildings Service
  
  General Services Administration (GSA)
  
  Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
  
  1800 F Street NW
  
  Washington, District of Columbia 20405
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  After the closing date/deadline:
  
  
  1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
  2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
  3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
  4. FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
  5. FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking "Track this Application" on the Applicant Dashboard.
  Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

If you are claiming veterans' preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214:(1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.

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.

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application.For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

• Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
• Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
• Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
• Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours.You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Rhonda Gibbs

Phone



Fax



Email

Address

GSA, Public Buildings Service

General Services Administration (GSA)

Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)

1800 F Street NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20405

United States

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
4. FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
5. FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking "Track this Application" on the Applicant Dashboard.

Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Criminal history inquiries
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request