Contract Specialist

Duties: This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be September 8th, 2026, with subsequent cut-off dates every 2 weeks after that. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Incumbent assists the Branch Chief in coordinating contracting activities, performing contract reviews, providing guidance regarding complex contracts administered by other Contract Specialists, identifying special training needs, conducting mentoring, and supporting contract training. The incumbent will guide, assist, mentor, and train Contract Specialists. The incumbent will be required to possess the requisite skills and experience to effectively deal with an assortment of contract issues at a full performance level. Duties includes but are not limited to: Fully utilize electronic systems for: contract writing (eCMS), long-term contract management and reporting (FPDS), and financial management (IFCAP) in accordance with agency policies. Incumbent ensures uploaded information is accurate and in the correct format. Provides data analysis for both formal and informal management meetings involving contracting and financial matters concerned with the establishment of policies and decisions leading to the accomplishment of mandated VHA goals and objectives. Assists the requiring activities by serving as a member of acquisition planning teams. In this role, incumbent aids requiring activities in performing market research, reviewing specifications and drawings, reviewing statements of work, other required documents, and approving acquisition milestone plans. Responsible for selecting the appropriate method of procurement (i.e. - simplified acquisition procedures, sealed-bidding, or negotiations). Responsible for advertising all applicable requirements and preparing the solicitation document using agency contract writing systems for issuance, ensuring regulatory and legal sufficiency, and promoting maximum competition. When authorized, incumbent serves as the Source Selection Authority (SSA) and establishes Technical Evaluation Boards (TEB) to determine acceptability and ranking of technical proposals. Identifies appropriate negotiation team members, formulates pre-negotiation objectives, and facilitates the negotiation as the Senior Contract Specialist and chief negotiator. Serves as contract administrator on awarded contracts. Conducts post-award conferences with contractor and government personnel to provide information and to clarify standard and special contractual provisions of the contract. Incumbent negotiates required changes to contract conditions to protect the agency.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Contract Specialist/ PD52417ARelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized