CONTRACT SPECIALIST

Created at: September 04, 2025 00:14

Company: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Location: Arlington, VA, 22201

Job Description:

This position is part of the Contracts Management Office (CMO), and the incumbent, a warranted contracting officer, is responsible for a variety of acquisition and assistance related elements reaching across the full range of services acquisitions, but also including supplies, research and development, and other unique contracting situations in support of DARPA's mission.
You may qualify at the GS-1102-13 if you fulfill the following qualifications: 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). 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. Experienced, warranted Contracting Officers interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment. You may qualify at the GS-1102-14 if you fulfill the following qualifications: 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. Experienced, warranted Contracting Officers interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment. Experienced, warranted contracting officer interested in working the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment while providing excellent customer service Innovative self-starter and problem solver 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.
As a Contract Specialist GS-1102-13/14, some of your typical work assignments may include: Serve as business advisor and warranted contracting officer for diverse portfolio of simplified, commercial, non-commercial, and FAR Part 8 / 15 / 16 services acquisitions. Prepare and coordinate the most appropriate, streamlined, and efficient acquisition plans/strategies for primarily services contracts considering competition, contractual vehicle, and contract type including use of incentive arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside policies, and similar considerations. Explore and execute new or innovative contracting approaches to reduce acquisition timelines, increase performance flexibility, and improve contractor motivation. Work closely with requirements owners, leadership, and other stakeholders with varying communication styles in leading services procurement planning meetings and source selection processes. Prepare determinations and findings, solicitations, and other appropriate pre-award documentation. Perform detailed price fair and reasonable and cost realism analyses and serve as lead negotiator when required. Assess and resolve complex pre- and post-award issues by interpreting regulations/policies to apply to new or changing circumstances and coordinate with General Counsel as appropriate. Perform contract administration, including incremental funding, option exercises, in-scope changes, time extensions, change orders, stop work orders, cure notices or show cause letters, terminations, monitoring of property reporting, and contract closeout. Manage workload and perform contract management using a host of electronic tools. Maintain DoD continuous learning requirements through participation in training courses, professional activities, and conferences.


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