Summary The NRC will utilize Direct Hire Authority to fill future vacancies in the 1102 Series of Acquisitions/Contract Specialist occupations. This vacancy is a REPOSITORY of applications. Applications MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and after the closing date of this vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicants status will not be updated UNLESS referred. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGveRC54Tas Responsibilities Contract Specialists perform a variety of duties in support of contract negotiation, administration, award, termination, and procurement. Contract Specialists are responsible for the solicitation, analysis, evaluation, and negotiation of proposals and budgets. These positions also provide advice and assistance related to acquisition processes and prepare solicitation documents for contracts and inter-agency agreements. Duties and responsibilities vary and may increase according to the grade level and series of the position. These positions may be in the bargaining unit with the National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 208 or may not be in the bargaining unit. This position may be subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and to security ownership restriction reporting requirements. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship Required This is a Drug Testing position. Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority. All positions, dependent upon grade levels being filled, require some level of related experience and/or education. In order to qualify, in addition to the educational requirements you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. You must meet the qualifications for this position no later than 30 days after the date you submit your application and before placement in the position. Qualifications In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. The ideal candidates for these positions will demonstrate in their resume the following: Successful completion of formal training that is part of the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) curriculum or the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) curriculum. Experience soliciting, negotiating, awarding and administering routine and complex competitive and noncompetitive acquisitions for commercial and noncommercial products and services. Experience presenting information, ideas and advice to customers in a clear, concise and logical manner, orally and/or in writing. Experience establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with individuals at all levels, including managers and supervisors, coworkers, staff personnel of other offices. Specialized experience varies by grade level, but includes knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Federal Property Management Regulations, knowledge of the principles and techniques of acquisition, with experience and judgement adequate to ensure that all contractual actions are consistent with the applicable laws, executive orders, regulations and policies governing Federal procurement and to provide guidance and assistance and to make sound decisions on all contractual matters. Specialized experience by grade level: Grade 11: At least 1 year specialist experience equivalent to Grade 9 plus knowledge of the FAR, NRC Acquisition Regulation, 2 CFR 200, Federal Property Management Regulations, and applicable agency policies and procedures relating to procurement or financial assistance. Applies skills consistent with experience and FAC-C certification. Grade 12: At least 1 year specialist experience equivalent to Grade 11 level experience plus Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level II or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level II. A copy of this certification must be provided within 30 calendar days after the closing of this announcement. Grade 13: At least 1 year specialist experience equivalent to Grade 12 level experience plus Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level III or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III. A copy of this certification must be provided within 30 calendar days after the closing of this announcement. Grade 14: At least 1 year specialist experience equivalent to Grade 13 level experience plus detailed knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of acquisition. Must possess a FAC-C Level III certification. Grade 15: At least 1 year specialist experience equivalent to Grade 14 level experience plus demonstrated experience evaluating or implementing contracting programs; leading or supervising contracting professionals providing contracting services for the acquisition of a wide range of supplies and services (professional and non-professional); contracting experience that demonstrated the ability to perform the full range of highly complex pre-award and post award activities utilizing a variety of types of contracts and evidence of professional potential, business acumen, drive for results, relationship building, and self-motivation in order to procure supplies or services. You must indicate, IN DETAIL, in your resume how you meet the qualifications for this position. Education BASIC EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL GRADES: A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field; OR 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. GG-11: Candidates must have 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG-9 level. GG-12: Candidates must meet the basic qualifications required by completing a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field OR 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. GG-13 and above: Candidates must meet the basic qualifications required by completing a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree that included 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. PLEASE NOTE: Both a degree and 24 semester hours in the above fields are required for promotion to the GG-13 level. It is your responsibility to furnish documentation that verifies you meet the basic education and professional knowledge requirements; in the absence of such documentation, you would be rated not qualified. Additional Information The duty location of this position is Rockville, Maryland. In general, employees are expected to be in the office at a minimum of 4 days per pay period. Telework schedules, including full-time telework, are approved, on a case-by-case basis. If selected, telework will be determined in accordance with Agency policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable. The NRC is a zero tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing. The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 287-0745 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Applications MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and after the closing date of this vacancy. You MAY BE referred to selecting officials based on your UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS and NRC's NEEDS. Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service, a transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you need favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication are required for continued employment. If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.