Job Listing: Contract Specialist

Duty Locations

 6 vacancies - Huntsville, AL

Contract Specialist
MDA-08-185060
Huntsville, AL 6 vacancies

Who May Apply:

You may apply as a Merit Promotion candidate if you are a current or former career/career conditional Federal employee with competitive status; OR, You may apply as an Open Competitive candidate if you are a US Citizen without Federal status.

 

This position is covered by the National Security Personnel System (NSPS).  NSPS is a pay for performance system using pay bands with salary ranges.  For more information on NSPS, please visit the website at http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/issuances.html

 

Position requires Acquisition Workforce Level II certification in Contracting.  Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 18 months after entry into this position.

This position is located in the Missile Defense Agency, Contracting Directorate, (DAC), C#153, 660, 1097, 1383, 1402, 2006. 

 

Multiple Selections may be made from this announcement.

The Missile Defense Agency develops and fields an integrated Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) capable of providing a layered defense for the homeland, deployed forces, friends, and allies against ballistic missiles of all ranges in all phases of flight.

Major Duties

The incumbent participates in the solicitation, analysis, evaluation, and negotiation of contractors’ proposals for research and development activities of the MDA. Conducts acquisition planning and, in coordination with the technical program office, determines the contractual strategy to be used in the acquisition of a specific program element. Prepares required determinations and findings. Prepares and assembles solicitation documents. Processes and evaluates proposals received. Analyzes proposals, performs cost analysis, makes competitive range determinations, and develops a pre-negotiation position. Negotiates individual contracts within the program to obtain services for the Government. Designs final contract. Serves as the principal contact for the contract, and represents the Government in conferences with industry and educational institutions pertaining to the acquisition. Participates in the planning, coordinating, and negotiating a variety of procurements pertaining to research, development, test and evaluation requirements essential to MDA’s mission. As part of the negotiating team, the specialist’s work involves overall planning and coordinating activities performed on a variety of contracts associated with spiral development, deployment and sustainment of Ballistic missile Defense System elements and supporting services. Complexities include: Use of cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost sharing, negotiated or advertised firm fixed-price, requirements, indefinite quantity and incentive contracts; and evaluation of unsolicited proposals. Serves as a point of contact for advising and assisting the MDA Deputies and Directors in areas not requiring contracting officer authorization, such as, coordination of future procurement requirements, preparation of required procurement supporting documentation, and the resolution of potentially controversial matters. Utilizes and promotes the use of electronic initiatives, systems, technology, and information.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes the following parts:

1. Assessment Questionnaire,

2. Résumé

3. Required Documents (Specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement. An applicant may not be considered if proper documentation is not received.)

 

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing. Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager. Your Application Package status must be Complete by Thursday, May 08, 2008,the closing date of this announcement.

Option A:  Application Manager (preferred method)

To begin, choose one of these options:

1.  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.

2.  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, simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org 

Option B:  Fax

If it is not possible for you to use Application Manager (you have a disability or do not have access to the internet), you can write your answers on paper.  Follow these steps:

1.  Print a copy of this job announcement so that you can read the questions offline.

2.  Obtain and print a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX, which you will use to provide your answers. You can obtain the form at this URL http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf or by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850; after the introduction, press 1, and listen for instructions.

3.  You may submit the Form 1203-FX (hard copy questionnaire), resume, and/or any supporting documents by fax.

·    If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet. Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

.    If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here -- http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf -- and be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.

·    If you do not have access to the internet or have other concerns please contact our Teamline or Barbara J. Sefchick at (614)692-0299 or email Dhrc-dmdahr@dla.mil for further assistance.

     KS185060

Required Documents:
This position is open to all US Citizens and Merit Promotion eligibles.  You may apply under both merit promotion and open-competitive procedures; however, you must meet the requirements for one of the following categories to apply as a Merit Promotion eligible.  Also, please note the required supporting documentation required per category. 

 

Please note: You must submit your supplemental documents regardless as to whether you have applied to an announcement in the past or not.  We will not use supplemental documentation from another announcement; therefore, you must resubmit each time you apply.

Veterans:

Veterans' Readjustment Appointment (VRA) eligible or Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) of 1998 eligible: You are required to submit DD Form 214, Military Discharge (Member Copy 4).
Disabled Veterans: You are required to submit DD Form 214, Military Discharge (Member Copy 4), a completed SF-15, Claim for 10-Point Veteran Preference, AND a letter from the Department of Veteran's Affairs certifying an OVERALL SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY of 30% or more. The OVERALL rating must be identified on your certification letter.
Future Military Retirees WHO ARE CURRENTLY ON TERMINAL LEAVE*: You are required to submit a copy of your retirement DD214 or a copy of your retirement letter AND a copy of your terminal leave request.
Future Military Separatees WHO ARE CURRENTLY ON TERMINAL LEAVE*: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent DD214 and/or a copy of your most recent active duty orders AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable).

MDA will accept military service member's "Statement of Service" up to 120
days prior to separation date IF a terminal leave form or DD 214 cannot be provided. The "Statement of Service" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters.

*Applicants must be qualified and eligible by the closing date of a job opportunity announcement. Active duty military members are not eligible for appointment unless currently on terminal leave.

Current Permanent Federal Employee: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your current Pay Plan/Pay Schedule, Series/Occupational Code, and Grade/Pay Band. If you are a current temporary/term employee who previously held a permanent Federal position see below.

Former Permanent Federal Employee: You are required to submit a copy of the most recent SF-50, which shows your appointment eligibility for the position for which you are applying. Your tenure in Block #24 of the SF-50 will be 1 if you attained career status OR Block #24 will be 2 if you were a career-conditional employee.

Applicant with Disability(ies): You are required to submit proof of disability in the form of written certification from a licensed medical professional, OR a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, OR any Federal agency, State agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligible: You are required to submit a copy of your reduction-in-force notice and a copy of your most recent SF-50 showing your current pay plan/pay schedule, series/occupational code, grade/pay band, and duty location.  To be well-qualified ad exercise selection priority for his vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position.

Military Spouse Preference: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 and a copy of your Military sponsor's PCS orders.

Interchange Agreement: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (or equivalent) providing information pertinent to your appointment eligibility for the position for which you are applying.

Overseas Family Member Appointment: You are required to submit a copy of your sponsor's PCS orders.

Former Overseas Family Members Eligible for Career-Conditional Appointment under E.O.12721: You are required to submit a copy of your SF-50(s) and sponsors PCS orders.

Applicants Relying on Education to Qualify: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified". Note that your name and social security number must appear on the transcript.

Application Documents:

Applying for this position requires you to submit the following materials:

1.      Assessment Questionnaire

2.      Resume

3.      Required Documents (i.e. SF-50, DD-214, etc.)

4.      Transcript (REQUIRED)

All materials must be received by the closing date of this announcement in order to be considered.

NOTE: To show proof of meeting the Education requirement, applicants MUST submit a copy of their college transcripts.

To submit the documents requested follow the options listed above. Your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process or fax. Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone and at least your last four digits of your social security number.

Contact Information:
Barbara J. Sefchick

Phone: (614)692-0299

Email: Dhrc-dmdahr@dla.mil


Or write:
DHRC D
3990 E Broad Street
Building 11
Columbus, OH 43213-2560


What To Expect Next:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.

To check the status of your application please check Application Manager, simply go to http://applicationmanager.org .

Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire: If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, 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


Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is: KS185060
1. Title of Job

Contract Specialist
2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address


4. Work Information

5. Employment Availability

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


02
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

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date


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

Merit Definition: All Current Appointable Federal Employees; Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles; Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) of 1998 Eligibles; Reinstatement Eligibles; and applicants with disabilities seeking employment under Special Appointing Authorities approved by OPM (reference OPM Web Site: www.opm.gov/disability; for eligibility requirements for disabled veterans reference: www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp)

Public Definition: All US Citizens may apply

Instructions: By reading the definitions above please indicate if you wish to be considered Merit, Public or Both. Please check the appropriate box(es).

001 Merit002 Public (DEU)
21. Geographic Availability


0005 Huntsville, AL
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience



24. Personal Background Information

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

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. Have you completed 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.

A. Yes
B. No

2. From the descriptions below, select the letter that best describes your level of specialized experience.

A. I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level/pay band in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled (as described in the Qualification Requirements section. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
B. I have 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree (such as LL.B. or J.D).
C. I have a combination of education and experience that makes up 100% of the Specialized Experience requirement.
D. My experience does not meet the requirements listed above.

Instructions: In this part, you will respond to questions about experience you have had that are related to the requirements of the job for which you are applying. Carefully review the level of descriptions listed below. For each statement, select the ONE response description that best describes your experience and record your selection.

Level Descriptions

My experience does not meet the requirements listed above.

Instructions: In this part, you will respond to questions about experience you have had that are related to the requirements of the job for which you are applying. Carefully review the level of descriptions listed below. For each statement, select the ONE response description that best describes your experience and record your selection.

Level Descriptions

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.

3. Knowledge and experience implementing Federal and Department of Defense contracting regulations, policies and procedures.

4. Knowledge and familiarity of major systems acquisition processes, policies and procedures.

5. Experience with determining and using different types of contracts, for prototype development, advanced research and procurement of test equipment.

6. Creates contracts for major weapons systems.

7. Develops acquisition plans and contractual strategies to be used in the acquisition of specific program requirements.

8. Independently analyzes direct, indirect, material, subcontracting and other direct costs when determining a fair and reasonable price for the program requirement.

9. Develops approaches for procurement lacking precedent, accommodating technological challenges, and resolves major differences in the interpretation of the statement of work during discussions and negotiations.

10. Utilizes Electronic-business/commerce systems, initiatives and technologies.

11. Develops pre-negotiation positions.

12. Negotiates individual contracts to obtain services.

13. Conducts negotiations independently.

14. Utilizes alternate pricing strategies when historical cost data is not available.

15. Participates in development of the solicitation, analysis, evaluation, and negotiation of contractors proposals for research and development activities.

16. Establish and maintain relationships with key individuals/groups outside immediate work unit.

17. Reconciles diverse viewpoints and resolves controversial issues.

18. Formulates and presents briefings.

19. Manages the organizational interactions with customers from a strategic standpoint.

20. Works with customers at senior management levels to resolve problems affecting program/projects and to stimulate customer alliances for support.