Contract Specialist I

Nakupuna Consulting is seeking a Contracts Specialist I. Established in 2003, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation dedicated to reducing poverty through economic growth. Guided by principles of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and results, MCC invests in countries committed to good governance and economic freedom. By prioritizing projects that advance stability, security, and prosperity, MCC delivers cost-effective solutions with an evidence-based approach. The MCC Department of Administration and Finance (A&F), Contracts & Grants Management (CGM) Division, supports MCC operations by providing acquisition and federal assistance support. Most contracts awarded are for professional services, often performed outside the U.S., covering areas such as agriculture, finance, procurement, and legal expertise. Despite resembling employees, contractors must recognize the distinct authorities applicable to personal services contractors (PSCs) operating under MCC contracts, supporting the CGM Division's mission.

The Contract Specialist I is a key member of the procurement and contract management team, supporting the acquisition of goods and services for MCC programs and operations. This role assists in guiding program officials through Federal acquisition processes, including source selection, contract negotiation, and administration. Responsibilities include developing procurement strategies, preparing solicitation documents, and managing contracts from initiation to closeout. The specialist will assess business needs to determine suitable contracting vehicles, monitor contractor performance, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Additionally, this position handles inquiries, supports grant and cooperative agreement management, and safeguards the organization’s interests throughout the procurement process. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, knowledge of procurement regulations, and the ability to effectively contribute to contract negotiations and management.

• Serves as a technical resource and advisor for procurement of goods and services essential for MCC programs and operations, working closely with senior analysts and subject matter experts.
• Utilizes knowledge of administrative support functions in the Federal acquisition environment to assist program officials with all phases of procurement, including development of acquisition packages, evaluation of contract price quotes, and contract administration or closure.
• Manages contract administration tasks, monitors contractor performance, approves progress payments, verifies deliveries, and ensures compliance with contract terms.
• Assists in the development of statements of work, procurement strategies, and acquisition plans, including approaches, strategies, risks, and milestone schedules.
• Creates and reviews procurement documents for quality and compliance with regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation, ensuring clear, compliant, and effective solicitations and contracts.
• Conducts market research to identify potential suppliers and contracting vehicles and assists in documenting small business capability analysis.
• Prepares and evaluates pricing structures, solicitation documents, and contractor price/cost quotes for new or modified contracts.
• Supports the negotiation of terms and conditions for grants and contracts, including costs, schedules, and oversight responsibilities.
• Manages the issuance, tracking, and compliance of grants, assistance awards, and contracts.
• Provides guidance and training to contracting staff on pre-award and post-award functions, using various contracting methods to procure complex projects or services.
• Assists with the preparation and approval of final contract documents, including negotiation objectives, contract awards, and official contract files.
• Ensures all proper payments, performance, and compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the contract lifecycle, including audit resolutions and contract closeouts.
• Acts as a primary contact for internal and external inquiries, safeguarding the organization’s interests and ensuring compliance with laws, executive orders, and regulations.
• Develops and prepares evaluation and award documents, ensuring price reasonableness, adequacy of competition, and compliance with solicitation requirements.

Skills/Qualifications:

The Contract Specialist I requires knowledge of contracting principles, regulations, and procedures for pre-award and post-award stages to effectively procure and administer contracts for various services and projects. The candidate should understand different contracting methods, federal contract administration, oversight, and evaluation techniques. Proficiency in negotiation to secure best value and protect government interests is essential. Strong communication skills are necessary for articulating findings and collaborating with both private and government officials. The role may also involve managing federal grants and cooperative agreements, requiring knowledge of financial practices to assess recipient stability and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Possess a comprehensive understanding of contracting principles, regulations, and procedures applicable to both pre-award and post-award actions, enabling the procurement and administration of contracts for a diverse range of supplies, equipment, services, and construction requirements.
• Demonstrate proficiency in contracting methods, contract types, Federal contract administration policy, procedures, techniques, and evaluation/control methods.
• Exhibit adeptness in contracting and oversight management processes to supervise, monitor, and administer supplies, equipment, services, and construction requirements.
• Understand business practices, market conditions, and financial methods pertinent to program and technical requirements, facilitating effective evaluation and decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with contracts, pre- and post-award contracting policies, and negotiation techniques essential for planning, executing, and modifying contracts to ensure best value awards and protect the Government's interests.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills for presenting analyses, findings, and engaging effectively with stakeholders from the private sector and Government experts or managers to support procurement activities.
• Required for FA management upon MCC's request: Understanding of laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures, and methods governing the administration of Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and awards, along with grants/assistance management processes and techniques consistent with sound business and industry practices.

Education: A 4-year course of study leading to a degree in any field or 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organizations and management.  

Desired – A bachelor’s degree with a major in any field and 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organizations and management.  

Experience: Two or more years of direct experience in Federal contracting or related positions. At least one of these years must be specialized experience equivalent to Federal Government GS-11 grade level that has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.  

Training: Desired – FAC-C(Professional) or DAWIA in Contracting (Professional) certification, DAWIA or FAC-C Level I certification (now defunct), or other non-Federal certifications/qualifications, such as NCMA CFCM and CPCM. The current requirements for FAC-C(P) are identified at: www.fai.gov. 

Clearance Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a MRPT clearance.

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.

The Nakupuna Companies are dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment while providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require special assistance or accommodations during your job application process, please contactrecruiting@nakupuna.com.