Contract SpecialistGS-1102-13/14 (Career Ladder)
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Office of the Chief Acquisition Executive (OCAE)
Location: Arlington, VA
Clearance: Secret (ability to attain)
Who May Apply:- Veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability rating
Summary:CISA, the Nation's risk advisor, is seeking Contract Specialists at the GS-13 and GS-14 levels to join the Office of the Chief Acquisition Executive (OCAE). The OCAE provides acquisition, procurement, and contract management support for CISA's mission-critical programs and initiatives. These positions are responsible for planning, negotiating, awarding, and administering complex, high-value contracts and ensuring that all acquisitions address cybersecurity, supply chain, and performance requirements.
Major Duties:
As a Contract Specialist, you will:- Serve as a senior contract specialist responsible for the full range of pre-award and post-award acquisition functions for complex and major procurements, including supplies, services, and research and development.
- Plan, direct, and administer acquisitions that are Agency-wide in scope, including developing acquisition strategies, statements of work, evaluation plans, and contract administration plans.
- Ensure that all acquisitions, procurements, and outsourcing efforts address information security, cybersecurity, supply chain, and performance requirements consistent with organizational goals.
- Develop, review, and approve contract language to ensure inclusion of cybersecurity and supply chain requirements; work with the Contracting Officer or Head of Contracting Activity to ensure delivery of these requirements.
- Serve as a Contracting Officer authorized to solicit proposals, negotiate, enter, execute, administer, and terminate contracts for DHS/CISA.
- Perform contract administration functions, including verifying contractor progress, negotiating modifications, resolving disputes, approving payments, and conducting contract closeouts.
- Provide authoritative recommendations to improve procurement operations and customer service; develop and deliver training on procurement-related topics.
- Manage complex procurement programs and initiatives that serve as a guide for other DHS/CISA procurement activities.
- Assist customers in developing statements of work and procurement strategies; develop evaluation plans, pricing methodologies, and major contract administration plans.
- Report procurement integrity and unlawful behavior to appropriate authorities; provide guidance and assistance to lower-graded specialists.
- Prepare a variety of written correspondence and documentation to transmit information and support contract actions.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, executive orders, regulations, and procedures, including clearance approvals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Qualifications/ResponsibilitiesQualifications:
GS-13:- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level in federal service, including:
- Performing pre-award and post-award contracting functions for complex, high-value acquisitions.
- Developing acquisition strategies, statements of work, and contract administration plans.
- Negotiating, awarding, and administering contracts using formal advertising and negotiation procedures.
- Ensuring cybersecurity, supply chain, and performance requirements are included in contract language.
- Providing guidance and recommendations to customers and lower-graded specialists.
- Education/Training: Must meet the basic requirements for the GS-1102 series (see below).
- Certification: DHS Level II Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or equivalent (must obtain within 18 months of appointment if not already held).
GS-14:- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level in federal service, including:
- Independently managing the most complex and major acquisitions, including planning, negotiating, awarding, and administering contracts Agency-wide in scope.
- Serving as a technical authority on acquisition and procurement matters, including cybersecurity and supply chain requirements.
- Developing and interpreting acquisition policies, guidelines, and procedures for complex procurements.
- Providing authoritative recommendations and training on procurement operations.
- Serving as a Contracting Officer with full authority to execute and administer contracts.
- Education/Training: Must meet the basic requirements for the GS-1102 series (see below).
- Certification: DHS Level III Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or equivalent.
Basic Requirements for GS-1102 (Contracting Series):- A. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with 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- B. Exception: Employees in GS-1102 positions as of January 1, 2000, are considered to have met the basic education requirements for other GS-1102 positions.
Conditions of Employment:- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Moderate Risk public trust clearance.
- Pre-employment drug testing required; must have a negative result.
- Financial Disclosure Statement (OGE-450) required annually.
- Essential personnel: May be required to report during continuity of operations events regardless of government closures.
- Must obtain and maintain the appropriate Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) level for the position.
