NSA is looking for Contracting Specialists who can administer and manage contracts. As a Contracting Specialist administering contracts, responsibilities include: - Designing acquisition strategies to meet the government's needs through the most appropriate contracting method - Conducting market research - Preparing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quote (RFQ) - Evaluating proposals from potential contractors/vendors - Negotiating contract terms with selected contractors/vendors - Evaluating procurements to ensure compliance with funding, legal, and program requirements - Preparing and awarding contracts with supporting documentation in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations and NSA policy - Administering contracts to include issuing modifications, and monitoring performance, and ensuring payment is issued - Solving complex and unique challenges that arise throughout the life of a contract - Interfacing with various levels of personnel and management and organizations throughout the Agency, as well as with external customers and contractors - If not already completed, training in federal acquisition to become certified in Contracting under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act within 24 months of employment - Excels at Microsoft Excel As a Contracting Specialist that manages contracts, responsibilities include: - Serving as the Primary Contracting Officer Representative (COR) which will be the lead and have overall responsibility for contract performance and delivery outcomes - Monitoring contractor performance and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with the contract terms - Meeting frequently with vendors and government technical experts to discuss contract cost, schedule, and performance - Collaborating with technical experts to establish unambiguous contract tasks; validating those tasks are within the contract scope and cost parameters - Serving as a Source Selection Evaluation Lead - Presenting status updates on expenditures, delivery timelines, and contractor performance to senior executive leadership - Partnering with contracting, finance, and mission experts to ensure long-term contracts are properly funded and that contract modifications are approved in a timely manner - Forecasting requirements for future contracts - Reviewing contract invoices and collaborate with vendors to resolve any errors or issues - Identifying opportunities to improve contract performance and reduce contract cost - If not already completed, training in federal acquisition to become certified in Contracting and Program Management under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) within 24 months of employment - Excels at Microsoft Excel

Job Summary

Start a career where you become a steward of taxpayer dollars, seeking the greatest return that money can provide: a superior intelligence service for the safety and security of our nation. Contracting specialists at NSA acquire commercial goods and services that allow the agency to collect foreign intelligence and protect national security systems. From purchasing comfortable kennels for NSA's working dogs to acquiring the latest and greatest computer technology, contracting professionals are the only people authorized to buy goods and services on NSA's behalf.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Relevant experience must be in business management (e.g., acquisition, procurement, finance, contracting, accounting, and logistics). ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. DAWIA Contracting I certification is preferred.
FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience or a Doctoral degree and no experience. A high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience may be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position. Federal contracting experience and DAWIA Contracting II certification is preferred.

Competencies

Skills required may include: - Develop or assist in developing acquisition strategies. - Develop and/or implement acquisition plans, programs, and policies. - Evaluate and negotiate proposals from potential contractors/vendors. - Evaluate procurements to ensure compliance with funding, legal, and program requirements. - Prepare acquisition and contract-related documents in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies (for example, FAR). - Research and evaluate potential contractors/vendors to determine best fit with needs, considering capabilities and costs. - Solicit proposals from potential contractors and vendors and make awards.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary offers are based on candidates' education and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary ranges vary by work level. Salary Range: $53,105 - $122,459 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance) On-the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, with basic 8 hr/day work requirements between 0600 and 1800 (flexible).

How to apply

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Due to time sensitive communications regarding your application, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. Please review the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet the described qualifications and are aware of all associated requirements. To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as job postings could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants, or the position is no longer available. You may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the application screening process and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to showcase within your resume those experiences relevant to this position. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet all position qualifications, may be contacted to begin employment processing. Please remain diligent in monitoring email and your SPAM folder. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

DCIPS Disclaimer

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.