Contract Specialist

About the Position: As the Commander's Deputy for Small Business, you will serve as the principal expert on all socioeconomic contracting programs. This role develops policy, advises leadership, and ensures compliance with federal regulations (FAR) for a multi-million dollar acquisition program. You will act as the primary liaison to the SBA and business community, driving strategic change to increase small business participation and achieve program goals. Serve as the principal advisor to the Commander and district staff on the Small Business program, providing expert guidance on acquisition plans, policies, regulations (FAR), and the impact of socioeconomic compliance on the mission. Plan, implement, and administer the District’s full range of socioeconomic programs, developing and interpreting policy and guidance on statutes and directives to champion small business utilization and cultural change. Act as the primary liaison between the District, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and other agencies, building relationships with the business community, including tribal entities, through targeted outreach and training. Monitor and report on small business goal attainment, providing quarterly and annual performance statistics to division, USACE headquarters, Department of the Army, and DoD leadership to ensure program accountability. Review acquisition strategies and documentation to ensure compliance with small business policies, and evaluate and negotiate complex subcontracting plans with prime contractors to maximize opportunities for small businesses. Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible People with Disabilities, Schedule A Postal Service/Peace Corps and Other Unique Authorities Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible Reinstatement Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for a Contract Specialist: Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Exemption: You are exempt from the education requirements above if (A) you are a current civilian employee 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; OR (B) you are a current military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 on or before September 30, 2000. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes ??????1.) Advising on federal small business programs (e.g., 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone) and interpret acquisition regulations (FAR) to ensure compliance; 2.) Developing and implementing acquisition strategies to maximize small business participation in a multi-million dollar federal contracting program; and 3.) Serving as a key liaison to the SBA and business community, conducting outreach and providing guidance to increase small business contract awards. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12)). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12). FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.