Supervisory Contract Administrator

Introduction

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best‑known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground‑based astronomy and astrophysics research to space‑based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground‑based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution’s Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non‑Federal contracts and grants.

This is the position of Supervisory Contract Specialist, which is in the Procurement, Contracts, and Property (PCP) Department of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory [SAO]. The Incumbent is responsible for managing the day‑to‑day operations of the Subawards section, including all elements of complex procurement projects involving subcontracts and research subawards [funded via incoming contracts and grants] and contracts [funded with federally appropriated funds or other types of trust funds].

The Incumbent is responsible for pre‑award and post‑award functions related to procurement and sponsored project activities that are of significant importance to SAO. Procurements include major and varied technical services, scientific research, and scientific instrumentation. Incumbent is delegated authority to be determined under a formal delegation of authority.

• Provides overall supervision and operational leadership for the Subawards Section, including planning and assigning work, establishing priorities and deadlines, monitoring workflow, evaluating performance, mentoring staff, identifying training needs, supporting workforce development, and recommending personnel actions, awards, and disciplinary actions. Serves as a senior contractual advisor to SAO leadership, principal investigators, program managers, and administrative staff on subcontracting, procurement strategy, acquisition planning, sponsor compliance, contractual risk, and research administration matters involving federally funded and trust funded activities.
• Performs subcontract, contract, and subaward planning, solicitation, negotiation, award, administration, modification, and close‑out activities for complex scientific, technical, research, construction, and service‑related procurements and sponsored projects of significant institutional importance. Develops acquisition and subcontracting strategies for complex projects involving multiple funding sources, collaborating institutions, scientific programs, long‑range program objectives, and sponsor requirements. Reviews procurement and subcontract requests; analyzes technical and administrative requirements;
  
  develops evaluation criteria; recommends revisions to statements of work and specifications; determines appropriate procurement methods and contract types; and establishes milestones, schedules, and procurement plans. Prepares solicitation, award, and modification documentation for complex procurements and subawards, including incorporation of sponsor requirements, contractual provisions, flow‑down clauses, cost accounting standards, technical proposal…