USAJOBS · 3 weeks ago
Contracting Specialist - Entry Level (Maryland)
USAJOBS is seeking a Contracting Specialist to support the National Security Agency (NSA) in acquiring technology, services, and supplies essential for its mission. The role involves conducting market research, preparing proposals, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with legal and program requirements.
ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency
Responsibilities
Conducting market research
Preparing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quote (RFQs)
Evaluating proposals from potential contractors/vendors
Negotiating contract terms with selected contractors/vendors
Evaluating procurements to ensure compliance with funding, legal, and program requirements
Preparing and awarding contracts with supporting documentation in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and NSA policy
Administering contracts to include issuing modifications and ensuring payment is issued
Solving complex and unique challenges that arise throughout the life of a contract
Interfacing with various levels of personnel, management, and organizations throughout the Agency
Meeting frequently with vendors and government technical experts to discuss contract cost, schedule, and performance
Completing training in federal acquisition to become certified in Contracting under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) within 24 months of employment
Utilizing Excel and Word at an advanced level on a daily basis to provide analytic support on assigned contracts
Monitoring contractor performance and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with contract terms and identifying opportunities to improve contract performance and reduce contract cost
Collaborating with technical experts to establish clearly defined contract tasks; validating those tasks are within the contract scope and cost parameters
Generating cost estimates using historical data and future projections in an effort to build accurate and reliable spend plans
Serving as part of a Source Selection Team and often times serving as the Source Selection evaluation lead or as an administrative lead/liaison with industry
Presenting status updates on expenditures, delivery timelines, and contractor performance to senior executive leadership
Partnering with finance and mission experts to ensure long-term contracts are properly funded and contract modifications are approved in a timely manner
Forecasting requirements for future contracts and meeting with mission to draft pre-solicitation documents
Reviewing contract invoices and collaborating with vendors to resolve any errors or issues prior to payment authorization
Qualification
Required
A degree in any field is acceptable
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience
Relevant experience must be in business management or contracting (for example, acquisition, procurement, program management, finance, accounting, and logistics)
Relevant experience must also include using email, spreadsheets, and word processing
This position requires a DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act) professional certification in Contracting. A training plan will be put in place to allow the required certification to be achieved within 36 months of employment
All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph
Benefits
NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Company
USAJOBS
USAJOBS enables federal job seekers to access job opportunities across hundreds of federal agencies and organizations.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageRecent News
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