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Contract Specialist

Contract Specialists with NRC assist in the awarding of contracts for products or services. They bring their business savvy and exceptional communications skills to bear on solicitations and procurements and work through the entire contracting process – from cradle to grave. The contributions made by knowledgeable Contract Specialists contribute significantly to the overall administrative health of the agency.

They work diligently to understand contractual requirements and the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Often the guidance they provide to decision-makers is the difference between correct and potentially incorrect actions.
Through thorough research and collaboration, Contract Specialists develop accurate and complete descriptions of needs.
Their documentation of final award decisions is thorough and unbiased.
Using their contractual, procedural knowledge, Contract Specialists communicate steps in the competitive and award process so that internal and external stakeholders understand their roles.
On occasion, their role goes beyond the final award as they work with various program offices on the day to day administration of contracts, including the proper and correct payment of invoices and vouchers based on the assessment of reasonableness of costs.
They assist key officials to better understand the legality of actions over the life of a contract.
Working in Acquisitions at the NRC

photo of a woman holding a pen in her hand with her elbow propped on a table, looking forward toward what you assume is a computer monitor. To her right in the background is another computer monitor.

Quotes from current or former employees in this position:

“You have to be willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”

"As a Contract Specialist you see the contract process from cradle to grave.”

“NRC really tries to put people where they will excel.”

Skill set consistently found in this position

Incumbents have incredible ethical resolve.
They are dependable, honest, and fair in their approach to all contractual tasks, from announcement through award.
Their impartiality in decision-making is a behavioral strength.
They are clear communicators and excellent listeners.
Contract Specialists are continually aware of changes to regulations and procedures that impact their overall duties.
They understand the need for accuracy and clarity and the need to be conduits of information for both internal and external stakeholders.
Timeliness of actions is a given in all aspects of their task accomplishments.
They understand that their performance is measured on their ability to bring issues to closure.
Incumbents are collaborators, problem solvers and individual and team-based communicators.
They have an outstanding ability to participate in negotiations that result in mutual agreements on acquisition-related matters.
Incumbents enjoy the challenge of doing the planning and research necessary to provide prospective bidders with complete and accurate information and the award process that results in the delivery of products or services that will enable NRC to fulfill its short- and long-term mission goals and objectives.

Career level of this position

Contract Specialists range in grade from GG-11 - 15, depending upon level of duties and responsibilities.

Major duties and responsibilities

Plans, researches, analyzes, negotiates and manages solicitations, including the actual award and post-award of contracts and procurements.
Helps administer contracts following award, including advising on payment of invoices and vouchers based on assessments of costs associated with claims.
Advises agency management
Uses agency management systems and tools
Performs research that contributes to the legality of contract competitions and awards as well as post-award procurement actions
Analyzes facts, draws conclusions, presents alternatives
Prepares studies and reports
Presents problem-solving options
Participates in procurement review matters
Coordinates input and collaborates with internal and external parties
Makes oral and written presentations

Locations

Headquarters—Offices/Divisions, Rockville, MD

Qualities contributing to success in the role

Planning ability
Research ability
Analytical and evaluative abilities
Organizational ability
Attention to detail
Ability to self-manage
Ability to define a scope of work
Ability to resolve contractual/procurement issues in a fair and impartial manner
Oral and Written Communication skills
Interpersonal skill
Negotiations skill
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of procurement actions
Skill in presenting, informally and formally, information and recommendations
Effective listening ability
Skill in maintaining effective working relationships
Knowledge of agency contractual/procurement management programs
Knowledge of sources of supplies and services
Skill in use of modern computer software and agency procurement/acquisition systems for reporting and extracting data

Route to or from this position

Route to or from the Contract Specialist position:

Candidates for Contract Specialist opportunities can be found in the following types of NRC jobs:

Procurement Analyst
Program Analyst
Financial Analyst
Management Analyst
Budget Analyst

Or can grow in their field by moving into:

Senior Contract Specialist
Branch Chief
Team Lead

View Current NRC Vacancies and explore the possibilities!

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Monday, January 29, 2024

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