RESPONSIBILITIES
Do you love to negotiate a win-win, desire to impact national security, and enjoy the idea of overseeing multi-million dollar acquisitions? NSA is seeking experienced Contracting Specialists who are detail-oriented, and enjoy collaborating. Contracting Specialists at NSA acquire commercial goods and services that allow the agency to collect foreign intelligence and protect national security systems. From purchasing comfortable kennels for NSA's working dogs to acquiring the latest and greatest computer technology, contracting professionals are the only people authorized to buy goods and services on NSA's behalf. The National Security Agency employs a wide range of business professionals who play a critical role through budgetary and contract activities that support our nation's security every day. We rely on the skills of our acquisition, finance, and accounting professionals to support the internal infrastructure of a federal agency comparable in size and budget to Fortune 100 companies. The professionals at the National Security Agency (NSA) have one common goal: to protect our nation. The mission requires a strong offense and a steadfast defense. The offense collects, processes and disseminates intelligence information derived from foreign signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. The defense prevents adversaries from gaining access to sensitive classified national security information. As a Contracting Specialist with NSA, you will be empowered to develop, negotiate and manage contracts of varying types and dollar values (simplified purchases to multimillion dollar awards). You will have the opportunity to see your contributions to the mission first hand, while overseeing your requirements from cradle-to-grave. As a Contracting Specialist at the NSA, responsibilities include but are not limited to: - Designing acquisition strategies to meet the government's needs through the most appropriate contracting method - Conducting market research - Preparing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quote (RFQ) - 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 and NSA policy - Administering contracts to include issuing modifications, monitoring performance, and ensuring payment is issued - Solving complex and unique challenges that arise throughout the life of a contract - Implementing best practices and processes - Communicating program successes and issues with various levels and organizations throughout the Agency, as well as with external customers and contractors - If not already completed, training in federal acquisition to become certified in Contracting under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act within 24 months of employment
SKILLS
The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and who possesses strong communication (both oral and written), problem-solving, analytic and interpersonal skills, along with experience using the Microsoft office suite. Selected individuals must be willing to work in a high-paced, rapidly changing environment. Knowledge and experience in the following areas is required: - Applying Federal and DoD Acquisition concepts, regulations, and statutes (e.g., FAR, DFAR, MPOAS, NSA acquisition directives, policies, and procedures) - Negotiating and awarding contracts - Understanding cost analysis We are looking for someone who: - Loves to learn - Is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment - Can juggle multiple priorities and deadlines - Enjoys problem-solving and strategic-thinking - Communicates clearly and builds positive working relationships - Doesn't mind taking time to get the details right - Enjoys teamwork and collaboration - Curious to learn about unfamiliar topics - Excels at Microsoft Excel
PAY BENEFITS & WORK SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 and 1800 (flexible). Our agency's success in helping preserve the nation's security depends on the dedicated civilian and military members of our workforce. NSA is equally committed to its employees and offers tremendous benefits and developmental opportunities. Checkout our benefits guide to see what working at NSA has to offer you. At NSA, your professional development begins on day one and continues throughout your career. We offer a variety of internal and external academic opportunities to help you meet your professional goals. On-the-job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee. Learn more about career development at NSA.
POSITION SUMMARY
The National Security Agency employs a wide variety of business professionals who play a critical role through budgetary and contract activities that support our nation's security every day. We rely on the skills of our acquisition, finance, and accounting professionals to support the internal infrastructure of a federal agency comparable in size and budget to Fortune 100 companies. Start a career where you become a steward of taxpayer dollars, seeking the greatest return that money can provide: a superior intelligence service for the safety and security of our nation.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. ***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility. Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing. Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
DCIPS Disclaimer
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.