Job summary

These positions are part of the Contract Management Office (CMO) in one of the Research & Development (R&D) Divisions. The incumbent a warranted contracting officer, is responsible for a variety of acquisition and assistance related elements reaching primarily across the full range of R&D contracting, international contracting and other unique DARPA contracting situations in support of DARPA's mission. A Group retention incentive of 10% of the annual salary to be paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Major duties

As a CONTRACT SPECIALIST GS-1102-13/14, some of your typical work assignments may include: Serve as the principal acquisition advisor to technical clients, providing expertise on use of Other Transactions in non-procurement and prototyping situations. Active involvement in the acquisition planning process, adapting to each technical offices varying internal processes, management and communication styles and personalities while reviewing and assessing requirements and developing the most appropriate, streamlined, and efficient acquisition strategy. Serve as a contracting officer, a grants officer, or an agreements officer with specified negotiation authority for assigned technical programs across technical offices and acquisitions. Assess and resolve complex pre-award issues including evaluating contractor technical and financial capability and perform cost analysis, negotiating subcontracting issues including utilization of small disadvantaged businesses as sub-contractors, and reinterpreting policies to apply to new or changing circumstances. Independently monitor contract performance, changes, deliverables, schedules, & financial status. Serves as the principal acquisition representative for a primary technical office, but also assists DARPA's technical offices in matters related to acquisitions and assistance. Inform senior management of significant actions, anticipated acquisition strategies and potential issues requiring management and/or General Counsel involvement. Manage workload and perform contract management using a host of electronic tools. Maintain continuous learning through training courses, professional activities, attendance at conferences, and speaking to maintain DoD education requirements.

Qualification

Experienced, warranted Contracting Officers interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment. Innovative self-starter and problem solver Empowered and expected to work in close partnership with supported program managers and other functionals, singularly focused on delivering capability to the warfighter ("Speed with Discipline"). You may qualify at the GS-1102-13 if you fulfill the following qualifications: GS-13 - One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS -12) in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the military or private sector). Specialized experience at this level is: Pre-award and post-award functions involving highly specialized procurements of significant importance; procurement planning; advise officials in procurement planning meetings; lead negotiations; and contract administration. GS-14 - One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS -13) in the federal service (experience may have been gained in the military or private sector). Experience establishing acquisition strategy, awarding and administering complex research and development, services, or systems contracts. Experience with pre-award planning, negotiation, awarding and administering other unique and innovative award instruments such as, procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and other transactions. This position has a Basic Requirement for the 1102 series: A. Earned a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degree; OR B. A current or former civilian in DoD, who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000. OR C. A current or former military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS-1102 on or before September 30, 2000. *NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the DoD basic qualifications requirements. See:https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/DoD_Qualification_Standard_For_GS-1102.pdf for DoD qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS section of this announcement by the close of this announcement. 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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Foreign Education

Evaluations

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position. Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria AND 2) be rated well-qualified for the position AND 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. Well-qualified means you possess the type and quality of experience that exceeds the position's minimum qualifications. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for more information.