Contract Specialist - DIRECT HIRE

This position is located in the Office of Financial Management, Procurement & Supply Division for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. You will perform pre-award and post-award functions, including acquisition planning, market research, price/cost analysis, negotiations, and contract administration from requirement receipt through contract closeout. Major duties: As a Contract Specialist, you will: Reviews requirements package, clarifies requirements with program office, and assists in developing acquisition plans and milestones. Selects appropriate contract types and drafts solicitation incorporating standard FAR and TAR clauses and special provisions. Evaluates bids, quotes, and proposals; performs price/cost analysis; conducts negotiations; and recommends contract awards. Monitors post-award contractor performance, processes contract modifications, and executes administrative contract closeouts. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in awarding and administering contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), specifically Parts 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. Candidates should possess experience across a wide variety of contract types—including firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, and cost-reimbursement—for professional and technical services as well as research and development, alongside skill in conducting price analysis and detailed cost analysis. The breadth and depth of experience will be evaluated relative to the target grade level (GS-09 vs. GS-11). Knowledge of interagency acquisitions, grants, and cooperative agreements is desirable, though not required. Requirements: CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).