Contract Specialist

Summary
As a senior Contract Specialist you will support OPM's transformative Federal Human Resources Information Technology (HRIT) Modernization initiative. This effort advances OPM's mission as the federal government's central HR agency by modernizing systems to improve workforce management, ensure compliance, and enhance service delivery.

Duties
Plans, develops, and manages complex procurement actions for multi-year, high-value, or high-visibility contracts. Advises program officials on acquisition strategy, market research, and contract type selection to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Prepares solicitations, conducts negotiations, and awards contracts for a variety of goods and services. Serves as a senior advisor on contracting policy, interpreting Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency guidance. Manages contract administration activities including modifications, performance monitoring, and resolution of disputes or protests. Leads or participates in reviews and audits of contract actions to ensure quality assurance and legal sufficiency. Represents the agency in interagency or external procurement forums to advance contracting best practices.

Requiremennts
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Males born after must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit

Qualifications
All applicants must have a 4-year course of study, from an accredited college or university, 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. (The exception is if you have been continuously employed in a GS or GS position in the competitive Federal Service since January 1, AND In addition to the requirement above applicants must have at least 4 years of experience in contracting or related positions which includes at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service performing all of the following: Leading and managing complex, high-value procurements; developing acquisition strategies for multi-year or mission-critical programs; Interpreting and applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific policies; Conducting negotiations and awarding contracts for a wide range of goods and services; Providing authoritative guidance on acquisition planning and contract administration; Resolving complex procurement issues, protests, or disputes to ensure compliance and mission success. Training Requirement: Applicants must also have a FAC-C (Professional) or DoD Contracting Professional or Legacy FAC-C Level III or DAWIA (Contracting) Level III or higher certification. Note: After September 30, 2023, you will need to submit the FAC-C (Professional) or DoD Contracting Professional certifications or you will need to request a waiver. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

At OPM, we are champions of talent for the Federal Government. We lead Federal agencies in workforce policies, programs, and benefits in service to the American people. We will create a new vision of work, together, positioning the Federal Government as a model employer for past and present employees through innovation and leadership. We will build a rewarding culture that empowers the workforce to solve some of our nation's toughest challenges. For information on OPM's goals and objectives, please refer to our Strategic Plan.