Summary These positions serve as a Supervisory Contract Specialist with responsibility for delivering the contracting program of work for several National Forests or Research Stations/labs, including construction/architecture and engineering (A&E) and/or service/supply projects. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Michael Reed at 503-680-8234, michael.reed2@usda.gov, or Justin Hicks at 480-689-8915, justin.hicks@usda.gov The closing date has changed to 01/10/25 Responsibilities Provides contracting expertise to all Contract Specialists and Purchasing Agents within zoned geographic area of responsibility. Reviews high priority procurement packages for adequacy and completeness after submission by program staffs. Initiates investigations of labor violations and evaluates contractual issues and disputes in order to resolve controversies and make sound decisions. Strengthens the contracting function within geographic area of responsibility by developing and directing training programs in contract law and procedures. Negotiates settlement agreements with private contractors, including the settlement of cost claims, determining allowable costs, agreeing on termination inventory or amount of work remaining and determination of profit. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Basic Requirement: GS-13: A. Completed all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions and at least 4-years of experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower level of the position (GS-12 grade level or equivalent), and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position. AND B. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. C. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for promotion to GS-13 or above, unless granted a waiver by the senior procurement executive of USDA. D. Waiver: The senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-13: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as two or more of the following: serving as a contract specialist responsible for all aspects of contracting transaction including recommendation of contract award to procure supplies or services with specialized requirements such as the procurement of complex equipment, services, and/or construction; and/or leading a team or subordinate staff toward accomplishment of the agency's goals and objectives; and/or serving as a technical expert and advisor to management, customers, and contractors on various procurement subjects. 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. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Education See the qualifications section for education requirements. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary and term employees the opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years and the last temporary or term appointment must have been with the Forest Service. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Part-time and intermittent service will be credited only for time actually worked. Non-pay status such as leave without pay is credited for up to six months in a calendar year; anything beyond six months is not credited. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information/documentation to determine if the 24 month criteria is met. This is a non-bargaining unit position. This position is remote eligible. Remote work employees are expected to work at an approved remote worksite, typically the employee's residence, on a regular and continuing basis. Final determination of the duty station will be made by the selecting official at the time of the job offer. Pay rates vary depending on location, the salary shown is for the Rest of the U.S. See OPM.gov for additional information on pay rates.