Contract Specialist

This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration, Chief Administrative Office, Supply Chain Services, Contracts and Strategic Sourcing.

As a key acquisition expert, you will drive the projects that power the Pacific Northwest. You will lead the procurement process for a diverse portfolio, including major substation construction, advanced scientific services, and specialized equipment. This is your opportunity to manage critical, high-dollar contracts from planning to completion.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 18, 2026. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis.

Build Tomorrow's Grid:
Lead Complex Acquisitions at Bonneville Power Administration

Join the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a leader in the nation's energy sector, and take a pivotal role in modernizing the region's power infrastructure. As a Contract Specialist, you will not just be managing paperwork; you will be the business expert at the center of complex, multi-million dollar projects that keep energy flowing to millions of Americans. This is a career opportunity for a skilled acquisition professional to tackle challenging, mission-critical work with tangible impact.

As a Contract Specialist, you will:

* Lead Procurement Strategy:
Serve as a business advisor, analyzing project requirements and developing innovative procurement plans for complex construction, cutting-edge technology, and specialized professional services.

* Conduct High-Stakes Negotiations:
Act as the lead negotiator, securing favorable terms and ensuring best value for the government on multi-year, high-dollar contracts with industry partners.

* Perform In-Depth Cost and Price Analysis:
Dive deep into contractor proposals, analyzing complex cost breakdowns and market data to determine fair and reasonable pricing for unique and specialized projects.

* Manage the Full Contract Lifecycle:
Take ownership of contracts from cradle to grave, guiding them from initial planning and award through performance monitoring, modification, and successful closeout.

* Develop Creative Contracting Solutions:
Move beyond the standard playbook by devising innovative contractual provisions and financial arrangements to meet the needs of unique procurements where no precedent exists.

* Resolve Complex Contractual Issues:
Act as the primary point of contact for resolving disputes, interpreting contract provisions for technical experts, and preparing the agency's response to contractor claims and protests.

* Administer Major Infrastructure and Technology Projects:
Directly manage the acquisition of critical assets, including high-voltage substation facilities, specialized scientific studies, and enterprise-level IT systems.

* Drive Contractor Performance:
Proactively monitor contractor progress, resolve performance challenges, and work with technical representatives to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to specification.