Summary This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in an organization that reports to the Contracts and Strategic Sourcing (NSS) organization, Supply Chain Services (NS), Chief Administrative Office (N). A successful candidate in the Contract Specialist position will be responsible for the full range of contract administration for preaward and postaward functions, including price/cost analysis, negotiation, and administration for services, materials, equipment and/or construction. Responsibilities This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be May 09, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis. As a Contract Specialist, you will: Be responsible for the full range of contract administration for preaward and postaward functions, including price/cost analysis, negotiation, and administration for services, materials, equipment and/or construction within a major spend category, organizational component, or in a geographical area associated with operating and maintaining a high-voltage electric utility industry. Review requests for the procurement of complex equipment, services, and/or construction. Prepare solicitation documents incorporating provisions, such as cost price analysis standards, requirements for technical proposals with appropriate weighing factors, testing procedures, cost escalation factors, cost data requirements, and socioeconomic programs. Negotiate with potential contractors. Award contracts within delegated contracting officer authority, or recommend award to higher level contracting officer on contracts outside delegated authority. Assist contract administration offices in the administration of contracts, including performance of termination actions, until final delivery and payments are completed and the contract is closed and retired. Prepare initial agency position on protests from unsuccessful bidders and renders or recommends a decision on claims arising under the contract. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field; -OR- B. 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. Exception: Employees in the GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 though 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified as GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through graded 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must meet the specialized experience as identified below. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-11, in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) administering complex contracts requiring special handling provisions or specialized terms and conditions that may include technical equipment; 2) analyzing work requirements in order to make revisions to statements of work for contracts; and 3) negotiating with potential contractors or customers to award contracts in the most cost effective manner. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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 Education This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Additional Information About the Position - Vancouver This position is located in Vancouver, WA, a splendid place to live because of its picturesque downtown area full of trendy shops, delicious restaurants, and exclusive breweries. There are several breathtaking nature parks, miles of bike trails, and amazing panoramic mountain views! Vancouver is the perfect place for anyone who loves to be outdoors and really enjoys nature! About the Position - Portland This position is located in Portland, OR which boasts huge spans of amazing trees, foliage, landscape, and everywhere you look you can appreciate beautiful greenery! It is known as the most bike-friendly city in America, has a train system that greets you at the airport spanning across the city, and is home to the Portland International Rose Garden, the oldest in the country! Portland is the one place where you will find lively festivals, energetic music, mouthwatering food, and for you basketball fans, the Portland Trail Blazers are a 7 minute walk from the HQs building! There is always something new to experience in this eco-friendly town! The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Information on how to create a federal resume https://www.usa.gov/government-jobs https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Veterans Information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/disabled/ Telework: www.telework.gov Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. If you are a current federal employee, appointed under the direct-hire authority, you will be given a new appointment. BPA strives to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.