Contracting Specialist - Entry Level Maryland

Contracting Specialists at NSA acquire the technology, services, and supplies that enable NSA's mission. They also work as part of a team that handles a wide range of acquisition tasks to effectively manage the total acquisition requirements of an organization, department, or program in support of NSA's mission.

Contracting Specialists at NSA award, administer, oversee, and monitor contracts.

Responsibilities may include the following:

• Conducting market research
• Preparing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quote (RFQs)
• 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 (FAR) and NSA policy.
• Administering contracts to include issuing modifications and ensuring payment is issued.
• Solving complex and unique challenges that arise throughout the life of a contract
• Interfacing with various levels of personnel, management, and organizations throughout the Agency.
• Meeting frequently with vendors and government technical experts to discuss contract cost, schedule, and performance.
• Completing training in federal acquisition to become certified in Contracting under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) within 24 months of employment.
• Utilizing Excel and Word at an advanced level on a daily basis to provide analytic support on assigned contracts.
• Monitoring contractor performance and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with contract terms and identifying opportunities to improve contract performance and reduce contract cost.
• Collaborating with technical experts to establish clearly defined contract tasks; validating those tasks are within the contract scope and cost parameters.
• Generating cost estimates using historical data and future projections in an effort to build accurate and reliable spend plans.
• Serving as part of a Source Selection Team and often times serving as the Source Selection evaluation lead or as an administrative lead/liaison with industry.
• Presenting status updates on expenditures, delivery timelines, and contractor performance to senior executive leadership.
• Partnering with finance and mission experts to ensure long-term contracts are properly funded and contract modifications are approved in a timely manner.
• Forecasting requirements for future contracts and meeting with mission to draft pre-solicitation documents.
• Reviewing contract invoices and collaborating with vendors to resolve any errors or issues prior to payment authorization.

This position requires a DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Acct) professional certification in Contracting. A training plan will be put in place to allow the required certification to be achieved within 36 months of employment.The ideal candidate demonstrates the following:

• Effective Communication
• Problem Solving
• Interpersonal Skills
• Partnering
• Customer Service
• Accountability
• Continual Learning
• Resilience

Preferred degrees include Finance, Accounting, Business Administration/Business ManagementThe qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

A degree in any field is acceptable.

Relevant experience must be in business management or contracting (for example, acquisition, procurement, program management, finance, accounting, and logistics). Relevant experience must also include using email, spreadsheets, and word processing.

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level 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 Range: $57,736 - $91,815 (Entry/Developmental) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.