Career Opportunities
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of Inspector General
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 09-16NJ
POSITION: Contract Specialist, GS-1102-12/13
Salary Range: 73,100.00 - 113,007.00 USD per year
Opening Date: Wednesday, May 06, 2009
CLOSING DATE: Thursday, May 28, 2009
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 13
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time Permanent
LOCATION: 1 Vacancy - DC - Washington DC Metro Area, all
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Applications will be accepted from current and former competitive service
Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities.
Job Summary:
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent organization that is
responsible for the audit, investigation and fraud control activities relating to
USAID's worldwide programs and operations. We are interested in individuals who
are committed to superior service, and who can help us continue to meet these
high standards.
The incumbent of this position serves as the Contract Specialist, and is
responsible for providing the Inspector General and his world-wide staff of
auditors and criminal investigators with contract and procurement support to
the limits authorized by delegated authorities and warrant. The incumbent is
responsible for providing advice, assistance, and to ensure compliance with
statutory laws, procedures, governing directives, and approved practices, for
all contracts and procurement initiated and consummated for and by the OIG.
Major Duties:
You will be responsible for developing, reviewing and recommending policy
covering all aspects of contracting and procurement. You will be responsible
for the full range of preaward and postaward functions involving negotiated
procurement of considerable complexity and importance. Contract requirements
involve technical services, fixed price and cost reimbursement procurement.
Procurement involves, negotiations, follow-up, unsolicited proposals, and
subcontracting.
You will perform procurement planning, and in coordination with the
appropriate technical office, develop the contractual strategy to be used in
the procurement of a specific contract or contract program. Determine the
appropriate contract instrument to be used, prepare and assemble the appropriate
solicitation document.
You will participate in the development of evaluation criteria and processes,
and evaluated proposals or applications received. Analyze proposals, perform cost
or price competitive price range. Negotiate individual contracts to obtain services
for OIG at a fair and reasonable cost within acceptable time frames. Design final
contract, and make recommendations for awards. Prepare memorandum of negotiations
and ensure that other required documentation is in support of the price and terms
of agreement are secured.
You will negotiate and execute contract instruments within delegate authority,
and according to statutory and procedural regulations, and general agreements with
other Federal agencies.
You will provide backstop services to OIG field personnel world-wide advising
resolution of special procurement problems associated with waiver request, expediting
deliveries, apparent overlapping of responsibilities, resolution of claims,
interpretation of terms and specifications, and approval and acceptance of bids
and offers.
You will review and analyze contractor proposal for technical adequacy and cost
effectiveness, and negotiate contracts where precedent is lacking, utilizing sound
judgment, based upon contracting procedures, regulations, and policies.
You will advertise in the Federal Business Opportunity as necessary to satisfy
contract requirements. Solicit proposals and bids from vendors, and conduct pre-award
conferences when required. Analyze cost contained in bids and proposals, verify
cost data, and conduct all necessary pre-award surveys. Select contractors and
awards within the limits of personal warrant.
You will interpret contract provisions for contractors and for officials of OIG,
and provide appropriate advice and guidance. Request audits when necessary, and deal
with recommendations for OIG or GAO auditors, and prepare responses to public or
Congressional inquiries.
Qualifications:
All applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Office of Personnel
Management's Qualification Standards Handbook.
You must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work
this job that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required
to successfully perform. Typically we would find this experience in work within this
field or a field that is closely related.
Basic Requirement for GS-12
A. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with
a major in any field;
Or
B. 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.
GS-12: Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or
equivalent to work at the GS-11, that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to
perform successfully the work of the position, in addition to meeting the basic requirements
in paragraph A or B, above.
C. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will
be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000.
Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet
the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified
at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12.
However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another
position.
Basic Requirements for GS-13 and above
A. Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of
the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions, including at
least 4 years experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that
experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next
lower level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities
to perform successfully the work of the position.
AND
B. A four year course of study leading to 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.
C. Exception: Employees in GS-1102 positions will
be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000.
This also applies to positions at the same grade in the same agency or other agencies
if the specialized experience requirements are met. However, they will have to meet
the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for
promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver under Paragraph D.
D. WAIVER: When filling a specific vacant position,
the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion,
may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior
procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential
for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated
analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience.
With respect to each waiver granted under this Paragraph D, the senior procurement
executive must document for the record the basic of the waiver, the agency may later
reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency
without additional waiver action.
Specialized Experience:
For GS-12: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at
least the GS-11 level in the Federal government. Examples of qualifying experience
include (1) plans the overall contracting program, including the preparation of
annual plans and scheduling of procurement actions; (2) conducts public bid opening
for formally advertised contracts; (3) plans and conducts post award conferences to
assure understanding of contractual requirements; and (4) determines methods of
procurement, either formally advertised or negotiated; prepares the procurement plan
and necessary justifications and/or determinations and findings.
For GS-13: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to
at least the GS-12 level in the Federal government. Examples of qualifying experience
include (1) serves as contract specialist responsible for preaward and postaward
functions, including price/cost analysis, negotiation, and administration for
services and etc.; (2) serves as contract negotiator responsible for the solicitation,
analysis, evaluation, and negotiation of contractor's proposals for one or more
organizations; (3) serves as team leader responsible for large-scale centralized
procurement of supplies, services, equipment, or other material for an agency or
department; or as a team leader with delegated contracting authority officer
authority; and (4) directs or performs various contract administration functions,
such as verifying evidence of contractor's progress for approval of progress
payments; reviewing and providing recommendations on contractor proposals resulting
from change orders; negotiating delivery schedule changes; monitoring contractor's
compliance and etc.
You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
In order to qualify for this position, you must possess a Secret security
clearance.
You must meet time-in-grade restrictions by the closing date of this
announcement.
How You Will Be Evaluated:
You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications
required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the
knowledges, skills, and abilities associated with this position as defined below:
Knowledges, Skills and Abilities (Describe and explain the
following):
1. Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and procedures
governing procurement, negotiation techniques, contract types, performance
requirements, and a variety of contracting methods.
2. Ability to communicate orally sufficient to represent
the Government or a company.
3. Ability to communicate in writing to prepare and
complete a variety of contracting and procurement functions.
4. Knowledge of cost/price analysis techniques, and
budget preparation to conduct negotiations in the pre-award and post post-award
phases of contracting.
Benefits:
The USAID/OIG offers excellent benefits programs some of which may include:
Comprehensive health and life insurance
Competitive salaries
Generous retirement programs
Paid holidays, annual and sick leave
Flexible work environment and alternate work schedules
Paid employment related training and education
Subsidized transportation (Metro check)
Payment of licenses, certification, and academic degree, as applicable
Incentives and awards, as appropriate
Telecommuting, as appropriate
Long Term Care Insurance is offered
Flexible Spending Account is offered
Thrift Savings Plan (401 K Plan)
We are located in the beautifully designed Ronald Reagan Building (RRB) and International
Trade Center (ITC), which is within walking distance of the White House, the Capitol,
Smithsonian Museums, and much more! The RRB is easily accessible to the Federal Triangle
metro station (blue/orange line), has an on-site fitness center and day care center, a DC
Visitor and Information Center, food court, and an underground parking garage.
If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized.
Our human resources office can provide additional information.
Other Information:
When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not
obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions
will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the
continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative
approval.
The materials you send with your application will not be returned.
Send only those materials needed to evaluate your application. Please do not place
your application in a notebook or binder.
The U.S. Agency for International Development is a participant of E-verify. E-verify
provides an automated link to Federal database to help employers determine employment
eligibility of new hires and the validity of their social security numbers.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If
you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process,
please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be
made on a case-by-case basis.
How To Apply:
Mail your applications so it will be postmarked by the closing the date and received
within five (5) days of that date. If hand delivered, be sure your application is
received by closing date. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure
that his/her application is complete. The personnel office will not be responsible
for soliciting additional information from applicants.
Your application package must include:
If you are a current or former federal employee with reinstatement eligibility,
you must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF50) showing
your position, title, series, grade and eligibility.
1. A resume or OF-612, Optional Application for Federal
Employment, which can be obtained at
http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf. Applications must include
the following:
Vacancy announcement number; title and grade(s) of the position for which
they are applying;
Full name, social security number, day and evening telephone numbers, mailing
address, country of citizenship. If applicable, reinstatement eligibility to
Federal service and highest Federal civilian grade ever held on a permanent
basis.
Name, city and State of high school and colleges/universities attended with
date(s) of diploma or degrees. For college include major and type and date of
degree(s).
Job titles, salaries, employer's name and addresses, supervisor's name and
telephone number (indicate if we may contact your current and former supervisors),
starting and ending dates, hours per week and any unpaid or non-paid work experience
that relates to this vacancy.
2. All applicants must submit an OF-306, Declaration for Federal
Employment Form. This form may be downloaded from the OPM website at
http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf
3. All applicants must prepare a concise narrative addressing
each Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). Responses must be separate from
the application form.
4. If a particular level of education/certification is required
or you are asking us to qualify you based on education, you must submit a copy of
your college transcript. Credit for college education will be given if it was
obtained through an accredited university.
5. Status candidates and reinstatement eligibles (current
or former government employees) must provide a copy of the last or most recent
SF-50, 'Notice of Personnel Action' which indicates proof of competitive status
(reflecting career, career-conditional or reinstatement eligibility).
6. Candidates eligible for other non-competitive appointments
must present appropriate documentation reflecting their eligibility.
7. All current Federal employees must provide a copy of their
current performance appraisal (must be within 18 months from the closing date of
the announcement).
8. If you are a Federal employee seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility,
you must submit proof that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP
and 5 CFR 330-704 for ICTAP. In addition to your application/resume, you must
include a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating
and a copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and
duty location. You must clearly annotate your application package to reflect
that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
9. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59
and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act. The Defense
Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible
for appointment in this agency.
10. We may hire at any of the grades shown in this announcement.
You are encouraged to identify the grade level (s) or salary for which you
wish to be considered.
11. Applications mailed using government postage or through
an internal Federal government mail system will not be considered.
Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated
under honorable conditions may be eligible for veterans' preference.
For service beginning after October 15, 1976, the veteran must have served the
required length of time and have a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, a
service-connected disability, or have served in the Gulf War between August 2, 1990,
and January 2, 1992.
The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA)
gives veterans access to job vacancies that might otherwise be closed to them. The
law allows eligible veterans to compete for vacancies advertised under agency's
promotion procedures when the agency is seeking applications from outside of its
own workforce.
To claim veterans' preference, veterans should be ready to provide a copy of their
DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof. Veterans
with service connected disability and others claiming 10 point preference will need
to submit Form SF-15, Application for
10-point Veterans' Preference
For more specifics on all veterans employment issues such as Veterans preference or
special appointing authorities see the VetGuide.
https://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp
Social Security Number- Your Social Security Number is requested
under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from
those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential
directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from
employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your
Social Security Number on your application materials, will result in your application
not being processed
Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information
requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized
under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information
requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized
under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign
and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part
of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work;
or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Contact Information:
Keyonna Washington
Phone: (202)712-4189
Fax: (202)216-3392
Email: recruitmentoig@usaid.gov
Or write:
U.S. Agency for International Development
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Room 8.07A
Washington, DC 20523-8700
US
Fax: (202)216-3392
What To Expect Next:
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of
your qualifications and determine your ranking. The qualified candidates will be
referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
You will be notified of the outcome.
EEO Policy Statement
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis
of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual
orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization,
or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with
disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation
for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring
agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will
be made on a case-by-case basis.
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