USA Staffing

Eligibilities

1. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:

you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy; AND,
your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

A. Yes

B. No

2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs? If yes, confirm:

you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

A. Yes

B. No

Preferences

1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.

2. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.

A. Yes, I am considered a political appointee as described under 5 U.S.C. sections 5312 through 5316.

B. Yes, I am considered a Non-career Senior Executive Service (SES), Limited Term SES, Limited Emergency SES Executive Branch employee.

C. Yes, I am considered a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or appointee who served in a political capacity under agency-specific authority in the Executive Branch.

D. Yes, I am considered a political appointee in the Executive Branch (as described in a., b. or c above) in a covered position in an agency having an interchange agreement with OPM, which allows movement from the agency's system to the competitive civil service.

E. None of the above. I am not considered a current or recent (last 5 years) political appointee as described above in items a, b, c, or d.

Assessment 1

Thank you for your interest in a Contract Specialist position with the Federal government.

1. Basic Requirements for GS-5 through GS-12
A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field;

- or -

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.

A. Yes, I meet the basic requirement.

B. No, I do not meet the basic requirement.

2. Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Contract Specialist GS-09/11/12 work at the level(s) or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. Please select the response that best reflects your current highest level of education/experience.

A. GS-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization: Examples of specialized experience would include: • Knowledge of commonly used contracting methods and contract types relating to the performance of pre-award, post-award, and/or contract prices and cost analysis functions. • General familiarity with business practices and marked conditions applicable to program and technical requirements sufficient to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and contractor performance. • Skill in solving practical problems relating to transportation, basic contract performance issues, commodity usage, interchangeabilities and pricing matters. • Knowledge of business practices and market conditions to evaluate bid responsiveness and contractor performance. • Ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations by analyzing facts and conditions. • Ability to make comparisons of prices, discounts, delivery dates or handling of charges. OR 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D.

B. GS-11: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization: Examples of specialized experience would include: • Experience developing procurement plans by reviewing previous history, market conditions, and specifications or technical data packages. • Knowledge of acquisition regulations, contract law, and procedures applicable to acquisition and contract administration including change orders, supplemental agreements, terminations, claims, and close out of contracts. • Citing the authority in determinations and finding reports prepared for the contracting officer when procurement is by negotiation. • Knowledge of contract administration principles and practices sufficient to monitor contractor performance and compliance with all terms and conditions of the contract. • Experience in compiling bidder’s list from qualified bidders’ applications, knowledge of suppliers, contacts with traded associations, Small business Administration, or other sources. • Prepares and issues solicitation documents. • Selects appropriate clauses ensures clear and complete specifications including packing and delivery requirements or other stipulations and serves as a central point of contact on assigned procurements to respond to inquiries. • Performs detailed analysis of bids or proposals which have been received. OR 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

C. GS-12: Applicants must have One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-11) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: • In expert knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations, Acquisition Regulations, contract law, and procedures applicable to acquisition and contract administration including change orders, supplemental agreements, terminations, claims, and close out of contracts. • Expert knowledge of cost/price analysis techniques used in evaluation of contractor proposals, change order proposals and to conduct negotiations. • Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner. • Expert knowledge of various types of contracts, including firm-fixed price, firm-fixed price with economic price adjustments, and cost reimbursement; and contract methods to include simplified acquisitions, sealed bidding, negotiations, cost sharing, multiple awards, commercial items and special provisions. • In Depth knowledge of negotiation techniques sufficient to negotiate prices, terms and conditions, contract modifications and settlements. • Advanced knowledge of commercial and industrial business practices. • Expert knowledge of contract administration principles and practices sufficient to monitor contractor performance and compliance with all terms and conditions of the contract. • In depth knowledge of the Agency’s electronic Contract Writing and Management System (i.e. e-CMS) and ability to fully solicit, award, and administer contracts. There is no educational substitution for the GS-12 level.

D. My experience is not reflected in any of the above statements.

3. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.

A. Yes, I certify that the information provided in this questionnaire is true, correct and provided in good faith, and I understand the information provided above.

B. No, I do not certify/understand the information provided above.

Terms & Conditions

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