Senior Procurement Specialist

CMA: Senior Procurement Specialist - CNC

DESCRIPTION OF ROLE:
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) improves national preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) accidents and attacks, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases by supporting the development and acquisition of medical countermeasures (MCM) against these threats. The Procurement Specialist will provide support to the Division of Contract Management and Acquisitions (CMA), Medical Countermeasures (MCM) Support Services, Clinical and Non-Clinical (CNC) Development Branch. The CNC Branch performs contracting activities in support of two BARDA program divisions, the Division of Non-Clinical Development (DNCD) and the Division of Clinical Development (DCD).
The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, have a strong work ethic, demonstrate strong critical thinking skills, possess a strong GS-1102 contracting background, and have experience managing activities across the full contracting lifecycle. Though open to a variety of backgrounds, experience with public health, cost-reimbursement, Advanced Research and Development (R&D) services, Consortia’s, and/or Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) contracting is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have significant experience and expertise in R&D acquisitions and cost-reimbursement FAR-based contracts. This full-time position is fully remote and requires a candidate to be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust; Tier 2 clearance

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:
• 100% FTE
• Ability to obtain HHS badge (Public Trust; Tier 2)

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
• Eight (8) years of relevant experience related to Federal Contracting
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods or organization and management
• 8+ years’ experience working with Contracting Officers to support full acquisition life cycle for FAR-based contracting, from Acquisition Planning through Contract Closeouts, to include demonstrated experience with Cost-Reimbursement, Fixed-Price, Cost Sharing, and Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts
• Ability to oversee the cost reimbursement process by examining invoices, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring that all reimbursable expenses meet organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Strong critical thinking, organizational and communications skills
• Ability to respond to requests independently, prioritize actions, and make recommendations based on assertive background research
• Ability to maintain complete contract files and ensure timely, accurate filing of all documentation in records systems and shared drives.
• Ability to work effectively with program managers, project officers, and technical subject matter experts analyzing requirements documents and developing work statements.
• Ability to quickly ramp up with limited guidance, maintain clear and complete contract notes, and efficiently gain familiarity with task order requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strong attention to detail while balancing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication and writing skills, specifically the ability to write complex technical documents.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience negotiating, awarding, administering competitive and sole source contracts; analysis of procurement policies and procedures; developing price and cost analysis
• Experience with non-commercial contracting in Public Health, Advanced R&D services and technology fields, and/or Consortia
• Experience with Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) is desirable but not required
• Prior federal experience as a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist is desirable

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES & SKILL SET
• Support the following aspects of contract management:
o Pre-Award:
 Analyze requirements; recommend appropriate contract type; establish milestones, provide procurement planning; perform market research
 Assist with development of acquisition plans; develop requests for quotes/proposals; develop source selection plans
 Analyze proposals; prepare award documentation
o Post-Award:
 Provide contract administration; tracking/monitoring contract actions; review and verify invoices (fixed price and cost reimbursement) and address discrepancies
 Prepare modifications and related documents for review by the Contracting Officer
 Maintain accurate contract files
 Perform contract closeout functions; provide customer responsiveness.
• Work effectively with program managers, project officers, and technical subject matter experts to analyze requirements documents and develop work statements.
• Analyze proposed prices or costs, including evaluating technical and audit reports, forecasting price trends, and evaluating economic factors.
• Evaluate methods of allocating cost through various types of overhead and general and administrative expense.
• Negotiate, award, and administer competitive and sole source contracts.
• Analyze and apply procurement policies and procedures related to FAR-based contracts.
• Assist Government Contracting Officers in the development of Request for Information, Request for Proposals, Request for Quotations, Market Research Reports, Source Selection Plans, Acquisition Plans, Acquisition Strategies, Solicitations, and Broad Agency Announcements.
• Apply knowledge of System for Award Management (SAM.gov), General Services Administration (GSA) eBuy, GSA Federal Supply Schedules, and Government-Wide Acquisitions Contracts.
• Support the Government Contracting Officer with completion of price and cost analysis through performing detailed analysis of all elements of cost and proposed indirect rates in proposals and drafting documents.
• Promptly respond to and collaborate with the Contracting Officer/Contracting Officer Representative when necessary.
• Respond to data calls/requests for information.
• Conduct targeted research of regulations (e.g., FAR) and assess when to elevate questions to the program/customer, recommending appropriate courses of action.
• Participate in technical and weekly customer status meetings, track related events, and independently prioritize and address urgent issues.
• Track workload and report updates to leadership and internal customers as required.
• Additional duties as needs emerge.