Contract Specialist, SSC/PK

Duties
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The United States Space Force (USSF) at Peterson SFB, Colorado Springs, CO is searching for a Contract Specialist to support SSC/PK (NH-1102-03, GS-12/13 equivalent).

Description:
The Space Systems Command's Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Contracting Office is a dynamic and growing team dedicated to acquiring and sustaining the critical infrastructure that prepares our Guardians for the future of space operations. Our office, led by the Chief of Contracting, is comprised of five Procuring Contracting Officers (PCOs) with both limited and unlimited warrants and is further supported by a team of seven dedicated contracting professionals.
We directly support the OTTI Program Executive Office in its mission to deliver a realistic, integrated, and threat-informed training enterprise. In line with Secretary Hegseth's strategic push to put the Department on a "wartime footing," we are aggressively pursuing a commercial-first approach to accelerate the fielding of next-generation test and training capabilities. We are seeking motivated and innovative contract specialists to join our team and help us drive the rapid acquisition of the systems and services that will ensure our nation's dominance in the space domain.
As a Contract Specialist, you will be a key agent in executing the Department's shift to a wartime acquisition posture. You will be empowered to accelerate contracting processes, with a focus on delivering capabilities at the speed of relevance. A major part of your role will be to conduct market research and execute a "commercial-first" approach, seeking out innovative solutions from a wide range of industry partners, including non-traditional vendors. You will be expected to utilize the full range of flexible contracting methods, such as Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs). This position requires a proactive, results-oriented mindset and the ability to make risk-informed decisions that prioritize getting capabilities into the hands of our warfighters faster than our adversaries can adapt.

Ideal Candidate:
- Experience: Years of progressively responsible federal government contracting experience is required, with a preference for experience at the systems level. Experience within the Department of Defense and/or specifically within space systems acquisition is highly desirable.
- Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution is required.
- Government Contracting Expertise: Deep understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific regulations (e.g., DFARS) is essential. Demonstrated ability to apply contracting principles, policies, and procedures to a wide variety of acquisitions.
- Cost/Price Analysis: Proven skill in applying cost and price analysis techniques to evaluate proposals and negotiate fair and reasonable contract prices.
- Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills are critical. Ability to effectively communicate complex information to a variety of audiences, including program managers, technical experts, and contractors.
- Security Clearance: Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Eligibility: Must meet the qualifications for GS-1102-12 or NH-1102-03 positions, including the requirement for 52 weeks Time-in-Grade (TIG).
- Technical Skills: Proficient in the use of standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and electronic contracting systems.
- Warrant Authority: Limited warrant authority is preferred. The willingness to obtain a warrant is essential.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• May be required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "unscheduled telework".
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.
• PCS /relocation funding is authorized.
• Financial Disclosure Statement: Yes Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, "Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
• This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 20 days per year.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.

Qualifications

DOD QUALIFICATION STANDARD FOR GS-1102 CONTRACTING POSITIONS

This is an individual, single agency qualification standard for Department of Defense positions. This standard implements requirements contained in Title 10, United States Code, Sections 1723 through 1733, as amended by Section 861(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) and implemented on a policy exception basis by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment memorandum, Exception to 24 Semester Hours Requirement for Contracting Positions, effective and dated August 2, 2020.

Basic Education Requirements for GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent) positions:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

NOTE: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel 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 are exempt from meeting this requirement. Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirement.

GS-12 thru GS-15

(no educational equivalent)

One year equivalent to at least next lower grade level

Basic Qualification Requirements for Contracting Officer Positions: In addition to meeting, the basic educational requirement as well as the requirements in the table above, applicants must have:

Have at least two years of experience in contracting positions; and

Have completed all contracting courses required for a contracting officer for positions at the level and grade at which the person is serving. Certification at this level is sufficient to meet this standard.

In addition:

Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic education requirements above, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression is qualifying for positions at grades GS-7 (or equivalent) and above. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.

Basic Requirements for Critical Acquisition Positions: The Secretary of Defense shall designate the acquisition positions in the Department of Defense that are critical acquisition positions, applicants must:

Be eligible for GS-14, or equivalent; and

Hold a bachelor's degree; and

Have completed all mandatory training requirements for Level II or III certification as prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to higher level contracting positions; and

Possess four years of acquisition experience. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower grade level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position.

Basic Qualification Requirements for Senior Contracting Officials: A Senior Contracting Official is a position such as a director of contracting, or a principal deputy to a director of contracting, serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Office of the Secretary of a Military Department, the Headquarters (HQ) of a Military Department, the HQ of a Defense Agency, a subordinate command HQ, or a major systems or logistics contracting activity in the Department of Defense. Before a person may be assigned to a critical acquisition position as a senior contracting official, the person must have at least four years' experience in contracting.

Waivers: With the exception of Specialized Experience, the component acquisition career management authority may waive any or all of the requirements listed in this qualifications standard with respect to any employee of the Department of Defense if the board certifies that the individual possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated job performance and qualifying experience.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here .