Contract Specialist-SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Contract Specialist-SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Department: Department of Transportation

Location(s): Norfolk, Virginia

Salary Range: $75788 - $118092 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is established to perform a variety of functions related to the procurement of supplies and services, ranging from Simplified Acquisitions to more complex multi-million dollar negotiated acquisitions. Contracts/cooperative agreements are awarded and administered for support of the programs of various field and headquarters offices of the Maritime Administration.

Major Duties:

• The Contract Specialist: Provides guidance to technical personnel involved in the development of the statement of work or data requirements. Formulates the contracting approach to be taken that will best satisfy the requirement. In formally advertised procurements, insures that the bid schedule is properly structured, prepares the solicitation, determines sources to be solicited, conducts pre-bid conferences, processes protests, determines the responsiveness of bids and determines the responsibility of the apparent low bidder based on an analysis of financial and technical information gained during the pre-award survey, and awards or recommends award of the contract. Exercises responsibility for the procurement of contract requirements which are often among the most complex and difficult procurements conducted by MARAD, frequently involving critical and/or sensitive program efforts and multi-million dollar funding commitments. Services include such efforts as construction, Reserve-Fleet-site towing contracts, ship managers for husbanding of vessels, cooperative agreements, IT support services, and vessel acquisition, overhaul and repair of vessels. Conducts post-award conferences; monitors and reports on contractor’s performance; resolves performance deficiencies; conducts all required actions with respect to contract termination; and prepares all supporting documentation (e.g. D & F's, Sole Sources Justification). Evaluates proposed contract modifications, analyzes cost and price proposals with respect to modifications, contract changes, and claims; negotiates and prepares contract changes, modifications, and claim settlements. The ideal candidate will have experience in the full range of acquisition planning, contract award, contract negotiation, and contract administration techniques.

Qualifications: To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience performing pre-award and post-award functions for a variety of products and services. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience performing pre-award and post-award functions for products and services. Experience reviewing incoming requisitions documents for clarity and completeness. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of Federal contracting law, regulation, policies and precedents, and related principles, policies and procedures sufficient to plan, lead, review, or audit the most complex procurement functions. Skill in promoting e-commerce, and supporting the use of automated acquisition systems, contractor performance evaluation systems, electronic invoicing systems, and other electronic systems facilitating the agency's move to paperless contracting Ability to present factual information; compose memoranda and reports; and draft contract provisions and supporting documents. For all types of consideration, 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 For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How to Apply: You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting. Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire. You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/ If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov

Application Deadline: 2026-01-19