Supervisory Contract Specialist; Branch Chief

Contracting Specialist Duties

As the subject matter expert in contracting and in the Branch's assigned program of work, the employee is responsible for exercising independent judgment to accomplish a myriad of contracting responsibilities in support of the USDA mission.

Serves as a contracting officer with signatory authority for lower-grade subordinates, which may include awarding contracts for critical acquisition programs.

Oversees all aspects of contracting including requirements development, evaluation and award, pre and post award, administration, and closeout.

Conducts internal reviews of pre- and post-award contract files within the Branch, in accordance with the guidance provided by the procurement compliance team in OCP.

Maintains responsibility for ensuring the quality and accuracy of all contract file reviews for the Branch.

Reviews Branch data from automated systems for accuracy, timeliness, and completeness and takes appropriate corrective action, when necessary.

Applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to assess and improve operational effectiveness and/or complex management processes, projects, and systems.

Regularly communicates with Branch customers regarding the quality of their procurement packages, providing them opportunities for feedback on the Branch's procurement operations and level of service.

Works with other Branch Chiefs to identify process improvements and operational challenges and develops solutions for a more efficient organization.

Supervises a group of contracting professionals performing all aspects of the contracting process for a variety of types of acquisitions.

Provides administrative and technical supervision and training necessary for accomplishing procurement operations.

Ensures subordinates are trained and fully comply with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and acquisition policies and initiatives.

Job duties may vary slightly depending on assigned mission area. For additional information regarding mission areas participating in this recruitment effort, please review the Education section.