Contract Specialist

This Contract Specialist position is with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Department of Health and Human Services) in Phoenix, AZ. This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Acquisition and Grants Management (OAGM). As a Contract Specialist, GS-1102-14, you will you will be responsible for procurement activities such as the development of solicitation, negotiation, award, administration, close-out and termination of contracts. Key duties: • Develop and implement comprehensive acquisition plans at progressive stages for complex technical programs involving multiple contracts, applying in-depth knowledge to ensure effective procurement strategies. • Serve as Contracting Officer responsible for the entire life cycle management of contracts with significant financial impact (exceeding $50 million annually), including monitoring contractor performance. • Exercise fiduciary responsibilities for government funds in non-national security operations by managing high-risk procurement activities, and maintaining proper stewardship of financial resources. • Consult with program officials and stakeholders to determine procurement requirements, applying discretion and independent judgment on significant contract matters while coordinating to align procurement objectives with organizational needs. • Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing and reviewing junior Contract Specialist procurement documentation for accuracy and compliance. Qualifications: ALL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. Your resume (limited to no more than 2 pages) must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position. Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating. This will prevent you from being considered further. In order to qualify for the GS-14, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: (1) Reviewing incoming requests for contracts to determine the proper method of acquisition based on the appropriate regulations and policies; AND (2) Providing guidance in the development of procurement requirements to prepare a solicitation package; AND (3) Establishing negotiation strategies to obtain the most favorable terms and conditions. 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: To be eligible, current or former Federal employees and current or former Federal employees applying under the VEOA eligibility who hold or have held a permanent General Schedule position in the previous year must have served at least 52 weeks (one year) at the next lower grade level from the position/grade level(s) to which they are applying. View the full announcement and apply on USAJOBS.gov.