Job Listing: Contract Specialist

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Lakewood, CO

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

VBA DELEGATED EXAMINING UNIT - DETROIT

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Vacancy Identification Number:  VB182971

Opening Date: Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Closing Date: Tuesday, April 08, 2008

ALL APPLICATION MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY Tuesday, April 08, 2008. 

Position: Contract Specialist-GS-1102-09-11-12

Promotion Potential: GS-12

Salary: $48,164.00 - $90,803.00

Location: Lakewood, CO 1 vacancy

Relocation Expenses:  Not Authorized

Employing Agency: Veterans Benefits Administration

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is responsible for providing comprehensive benefits and services to America's veterans and their families, including compensation and pension, education, vocational rehabilitation, loan guaranty, and insurance benefits.  A position at the VBA may find you working one-on-one with veterans and their families, or developing systems and procedures that manage benefits and services for veterans.

Major Duties

MAJOR DUTIES:
The Contract Specialist is responsible for the pre- and post- award procurement processes in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment division.   You will manage the contract budget and determine which contractors offer the best value to the Government in procuring Functional Capacity Evaluations, independent living assessments, neuron-psychological exams, discrete services, computer aptitude assessments, tutoring, reader services and other services as required.  You will procure items for Chapters 18, 31, 35, and 36 veterans, which may include computers and special equipment.  You must qualify for at least a basic level warrant and will also provide contract administration for multiple Regional Offices. 

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:

Before applying, please ensure you read the following 5 points to ensure consideration:

Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.  Please refer to instructions below regarding uploading (scanning) and/or faxing.  If you are unable to upload your documents after you have completed the Occupational Questionnaire Online, you may FAX your documents (resume, OF-612, etc.) to 1-478-757-3144.  If you choose to fax, you are required to use the approved Cover Page.  To print a copy of the Cover Page, please insert this URL into your browser, http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and refer to the instructions below for complete details.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you will not receive consideration. 
If you claim veterans preference (VP) and fail to provide supporting documentation such as a DD-214 and/or VA Disability Letter/SF-15, VP will not be granted.  You must submit this proof each time you apply.  If you are currently in the service and do not yet possess a DD-214, you may submit any document to support your 5-point claim, such as Separation or Retirement Papers.  If you are selected, a DD-214 will be required prior to appointment date.  Please refer to instructions below for complete details.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application, if applicable.  If you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to appointment date.
If you have questions that are not answered within this announcement, please email your detailed question, including the Vacancy Number to:  HRMDEU@VA.GOV. 
You may check the status of your documents once you set up your Application Manager Account at the Application Manager login  URL (https://applicationmanager.org).   In Application Manager, the Checklist and Details tabs on the Application Package Status page for each VIN show the status of each assessment and document.   For Technical System Problems, please email: applicationmanagerhelpdesk@opm.gov         

For this job announcement the following materials are required:

Current Resume or the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612)

College Transcripts (when applicable), if you are using education to qualify

Veterans Preference documentation, if you are claiming veterans preference

Responses to the Occupational Questionnaire

 

FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT BEING CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.    IF YOU ARE CLAIMING VETERANS PREFERENCE, PLEASE SUBMIT THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK. IF YOU ARE USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY, PLEASE SUBMIT THE NECESSARY TRANSCRIPTS.  IF WE CANNOT VERIFY YOUR VETERANS PREFERENCE CLAIM OR YOUR EDUCATION, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR YOUR CLAIM. 

 

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION MATERIAL FOR PREVIOUS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS TO OUR OFFICE IS NOT SUFFICIENT PROOF.  YOU MUST ALWAYS RE-SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION EVERYTIME YOU APPLY FOR A DIFFERENT VACANCY.

If you submit a resume, your resume should include the following information:

    Job Information:
            -        Vacancy Identification Number, title and grade(s) for which you
                   are applying.
          Personal Information:
            -        Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening
                   telephone numbers (with area code).
          -        Social Security Number. Giving your Social Security Number
                   is voluntary.  However, we cannot process your application
                   without it.
          -        Country of Citizenship.
          -        If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the
                   highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of
                   employment in grade.
          Education:
            -        High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or
                   GED.
          -        Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code.
          -        Major field(s) of study.
          -        Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree
                    received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter
                    hours.
         Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held
            related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide
            copies of job descriptions):
            -        Job title.
          -        Duties and accomplishments.
          -        Number of hours per week.
          -        Employer's name and address.
          -        Supervisor's name and phone number.
          -        Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year).
          -        Salary.
          -        Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.
          Other Qualifications:
          -        Job-related training courses (title and year).
          -        Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer
                   software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)
          -        Job-related certificates and licenses.
          -        Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments 
                   (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies,
                    leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)

You can submit your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire and resume (and any supporting documentation) via the ONLINE process or by fax.  We do encourage the ONLINE process as it is the most efficient way to receive and process your application materials. 

 

Online Process:  This process allows you to respond to the Occupational Questionnaire.  After submitting the responses, you will have the opportunity to upload your documents (resume, transcripts, DD214, VA Letter).  If you wish to use this process to upload all of your documents, you need to make sure your documents are in JPG, PDF, TXT, RTF, DOC, WPD, XFD, FDF, XFDF, or HTMM/HTML file format and not exceed 1 megabyte.  These files must not include macros or script of any kind.  Again this is the most efficient way of sending your application materials.

Application Manager:  

To begin, choose one of these options:

·        If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

·        If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process:  Online Questionnaire.

 

To return to Application Manager at any time, use whichever one of the links you used to begin as described above, or simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org.  

You must submit your on-line questionnaire by midnight, Eastern Time, on the closing date of the announcement.

 

FAX Method: 

1.   If you are unable to upload your documents after you have completed the Occupational Questionnaire Online, you may fax your documents (resume, OF-612, etc.).  See below for further instructions.  To do so you will need to print the Cover Page found in the Document Upload Screen.  This cover page is used to match your documents with the record you established when you submitted the occupational questionnaire. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may not receive consideration for this position if we cannot match up the documents. To print a copy of the Cover Page, click on this link Cover Page or insert this URL into your browser http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf. 

The Fax number to submit your documents is 1-478-757-3144.    Be sure when faxing in your documents to use the Cover Page and to feed all documents into the fax machine with the top of the page going in first.  This will ensure your forms will be processed accurately and promptly.

2.  If you are unable to use a personal computer (PC) to enter your responses to the occupational questionnaire and need to submit hard copies of the occupational responses and required materials, you will first need to obtain a Form 1203-FX. You can obtain this form two ways.

A.  Click this link to print a copy of the OPM Form1203-FX or insert or type this URL into your browser http://www.opm.gov./Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf;

or
B.  Call USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850. After the introduction Press 1 and follow the instructions. 

 

NOTE: YOU MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Your application materials will not be returned. Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future. Please follow the directions very carefully.

ALL APPLICATION MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY Tuesday, April 08, 2008. 

Required Documents:

Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire:

Please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double-check your application before submission.

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.


Vacancy Identification Number

Enter the Vacancy Identification Number:  VB182971

1. Title of Job

Position Title: Contract Specialist

2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required, except for telephone number and the contact time.

3. E-Mail Address

If you have an E-mail address, please enter it in the space provided.


4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

Answer questions A through D with Y for Yes or N for No. Please leave Section E blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade level you will accept. The lowest grade/grades for this position is/are:


091112
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference. A response to this question is required. If you claim 5-point preference, you MUST provide a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of entitlement. If you claim 10-point preference, you MUST submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

These dates are required if you have claimed Veterans' Preference unless you have claimed derived Preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.).

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date, if you can begin work immediately. Otherwise, you must provide the date that you will be available for employment.


17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

Enter at least one occupational specialty code. The specialty code(s) for this position is/are:


001 Contract Specialist
21. Geographic Availability

Select the geographic location code(s) in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code(s) for this position:


0052 Lakewood, CO
22. Transition Assistance Plan

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

Thank you for your interest in completing the online questionnaire for our position. Your responses to this online application will be evaluated in making preliminary screening decisions for the position. Once you click FINISH and SUBMIT in this section, you will not be able to modify your responses. If you are not able to complete the online questionnaire in one session or you need to leave this section to verify information, please save, LOG OUT and RETURN to your online application prior to the closing date. After you type your social security number and last name in the spaces provided, the first page of your application will appear and the data you saved will be displayed. Please note that failure to respond to the following questions will result in your being rated ineligible.

In addition, there are several sections below in which mandatory Narrative responses are required to support your responses. Please limit these Narrative responses to no more than 500 words. To avoid timeouts, it is recommended that you first type your Narrative responses in Word, then cut and paste the response in each narrative box.

WARNING: Please ensure your resume clearly supports your responses to the questions as well as to the mandatory Narratives by addressing experience and education relevant to this position and cross-referencing your responses to jobs/activities described in your resume. If you exaggerate or falsify your experience and/or education, you may be removed from consideration.

1. Choose the response below that best describes your education and/or experience.

A. I have a one of the following: A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field. OR 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, or a passing score on an examination or examinations considered by the Director, Office of Personnel Management to demonstrate skills, knowledge, or abilities comparable to that of an individual who has completed at least 24 semester hours (or the equivalent) of study in any of these academic disciplines, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
B. I have occupied a GS-1102 position continuously since January 1, 2000.
C. None of the above.

2. Which of the following statements best describes your education and/or experience which qualifies you for the Contract Specialist position at the GS-9 level? Select only one response.

A. I have one full year of specialized experience performing work that is in or related to the work of this position as described in the vacancy announcement. This experience must be equivalent to at least the GS-7 level of difficulty and responsibility in the Federal service. Examples of such experience may include performing recurring or developmental assignments involving the use of formal advertising or basic negotiation procedures; analyzing contract provisions and recommending termination or modification of purchase orders and/or contracts; investigating complaints by reconstructing and reconciling incomplete information. This work experience would have involved following established methods and procedures, or detailed instructions; using some judgment in applying basic principles and procedures, and would have required a good general working knowledge of the principles and business practices of contracting, acquisition, and procurement.
B. I have two years of progressively higher level graduate education (36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) or a master's or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B or J.D. 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 which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.
C. I have a combination of education and experience as described in the vacancy announcement.
D. I do not have the experience or education described in either "A","B" or "C."

3. Which of the following statements best describes your education and/or experience which qualifies you for the Contract Specialist position at the GS-11 level? Select only one response.

A. I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in the Federal sector. Experience being responsible for all aspects of contracting transactions from initiation to recommendation of award; procurement of a variety of supplies or services; reviewing requisitions and determining appropriate method of procurement; compiling bidders’ list from qualified bidders’ applications; preparing and issuing solicitation documents.
B. I have three years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.
C. I have a combination of education and experience as described in the vacancy announcement.
D. I do not have the experience or education described in either "A","B" or "C."

4. Which of the following statements best describes your education and/or experience which qualifies you for the Contract Specialist position at the GS-12 level? Select only one response.

A. I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal sector. Experience required working with a wide range of contracting methods and contract types to plan and carry out pre-award and/or post-award procurement actions or in-depth knowledge of a specialized area to analyze difficult contracting issues and identify alternative courses of action, modify standard contracting procedures and terms to satisfy specialized requirements and solve a variety of contracting problems including those requiring significant departures from previous approaches and familiarity with business practices and market conditions applicable to program and technical requirements sufficient to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and/or contractor performance.
B. I do not have the experience or education described in "A."

Please provide a comprehensive response and list specific experiences that document your ability to analyze acquisition requirements, determine appropriate contracting methods and documents, and administer contracts after award. Please elaborate on the types of contract negotiated, monitored, established, administered, or terminated. A detailed response, which includes at least two examples, should be described.

Please provide a comprehensive response and list specific experiences that document your knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations, and processes. A detailed response, which includes at least two examples, should be described.

Please provide a comprehensive response and list specific experiences that document your ability to compose written statements in response to agency headquarters, Congressional inquiries, bidder/vendor inquiries, and general contracting requirements. A detailed response, which includes at least two examples, should be described.

Please provide a comprehensive response and list specific experiences that document your ability to communicate and negotiate effectively both orally and in written correspondence on technical details involving procurement regulations, industry practices, or contracting issues. A detailed response, which includes at least two examples, should be described.

5. Please answer Yes or No to the following eligibility questions. If you respond “No” to any of these eligibility questions, you will be found ineligible for the program.

I am aware that knowingly and willfully withholding information or making false statements on this application will result in disqualification from the selection process. I understand I must complete and submit a completed Declaration for Federal Employment, Optional Form 306, if I am contacted for an interview. I understand that an investigation will be conducted after the effective date of selection, unless I hold the appropriate clearance. An individual receiving unfavorable adjudication is ineligible to remain in this position. If the misrepresentation is discovered after hiring, I may be subject to inquiry and suitable administrative or disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the Department of Veterans Affairs. I further understand that as a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

I agree to these conditions and I hereby certify that all statements made by me on this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

A. Yes
B. No

6. I have knowledge of a wide range of methods, contract types, and procedures sufficient to develop contracts covering various supplies and services.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO- I do not have this knowledge.

7. I have knowledge of industry practices and market conditions sufficient enough to derive conclusions by analyzing facts and conditions, such as comparison of prices, discounts, delivery terms and warranties.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO- I do not have this knowledge.

8. I have knowledge of industry practices and market conditions sufficient enough to derive conclusions by analyzing facts and conditions in order to evaluate bids to determine responsiveness and contractor responsibility.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

9. I have knowledge of cost and pricing techniques to negotiate and act on a variety of pricing and special agreements which may have a financial impact on a large number of contractual actions.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

10. I have knowledge of contract terminations provisions to accommodate analysis of probable allowable cost.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

11. I have knowledge of procurement regulations and industry techniques in correlation with auditors, attorneys, transportation specialists, and medical professionals in the negotiation and settlement actions involving significant Government/organization and contractor obligations.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

12. I have knowledge of program objectives, use of products procured and technical terminologies in participating development plans, negotiating, and administration of various types of contracts.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

13. I have negotiated major unsettled change proposals, and pricing arrangements.

A. YES - I have this skill.
B. NO - I do not have this skill.

14. I have familiarity with applicable business practices and market conditions sufficient to evaluate offerors' responsiveness, responsibility, and protect the interest of the Government/organization.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

15. I have knowledge and skill to clearly define Governments/organizations negotiation objectives and recommendations by analyzing facts and conditions, and making comparison of prices, discounts, and categories of customers.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

16. I have the ability to write factual information which clearly defines and documents negotiation methods and techniques employed to obtain negotiation objectives, and for use in compiling historical data.

A. YES - I have this ability
B. NO - I do not have this ability.

17. I have knowledge of a wide range of commodities and contracting laws in conducting meetings, negotiations, contract administration, and in all aspects of the acquisition process.

A. YES - I have this knowledge.
B. NO - I do not have this knowledge.

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form C. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

18. Promotes Government/organization policies on small and small disadvantaged business by locating new suppliers, meeting with industry explain policies, providing source information, and advertising government organization procurement activity.

19. Performs industry analysis to identify technological changes, market changes, marketing strategies, and competition to determine most advantageous method of acquisition.

20. Serves as technical expert and advisor to customers and industry on subjects relating to the marketplace, forecast of future changes, socio-economic concerns, medical programs, and acquisition regulations and policies.

21. Develops detailed action plans with expected starting and ending dates for actions required by the Contracting Officer and other necessary personnel.

22. Prepares solicitation documents, incorporates provisions such as cost and pricing standards and documentation requirements, testing procedures, evaluation criterion, socio-economic program requirements, delivery schedules, acceptance terms, and guarantees.

23. Analyzes cost and pricing data submitted by potential suppliers to ascertain reasonableness of price and services offered and verify direct and indirect costs including profit.

24. Negotiates prices after developing the Government/organization position on the reasonableness of pricing on numerous commodities and services.

25. Negotiates contracts of significant monetary value and determines negotiation strategy which will ensure award of contracts providing the lowest net price and products of acceptable quality.

26. Prepares summary of negotiation to document all actions and support decision made.

27. Issues decisions on acceptability of subcontracting plans after considering elements such as the reasonableness of proposed percentages, small and disadvantaged business involvement, and compliance with applicable laws and contractual provisions.

28. Awards contracts within delegated authority binding the Government/organization to obligation of funds and commitment to contractual requirements.

29. Performs contract administration functions until final delivery and payment are completed and the contract is closed and retired.

30. Responsible for initiation of pre-award and post-award audit request.

31. Incorporates changed contract requirements or settles issues that develop after contract placement (e.g., equitable adjustments in price and/or delivery schedule.)

32. Monitors contractual performance related to such areas as delivery.

33. Identifies potential areas of production difficulties and initiates appropriate remedial action to avoid or minimize delays.

34. Prepares initial agency response on protests and renders decision on disputes arising under the contract.

35. Terminates contracts when terms and conditions set forth are violated and/or issues cure notices to correct severe performance deficiencies.

Contact Information:
Detroit DEU

Phone: (313)226-3319

Email: hrmdeu@vba.va.gov


Or write:
HRC Denver
477 Michigan Ave Room 1100
Detroit, MI 48226-2614


What To Expect Next:

What To Expect Next: Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgment email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.