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 T14 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

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Competencies: Contract Award Determination of How Best to Satisfy Requirements for the Mission Area Influencing/Negotiating Problem Solving Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package. Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)" eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.