Contract Specialist

Summary NIST is seeking a Contract Specialist to carry out all potential activities for the full acquisition cycle (pre-award and post-award) for a wide variety of complex, mission-critical acquisitions of products and services. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates. This announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on the date the first 100 applications are received or 05/18/2026, whichever comes first. Learn more about this agency Duties Serves as a contract specialist for all potential activities for the full acquisition cycle (pre-award and post-award) for a wide variety of complex, mission-critical acquisitions of products and services. Responsible for all actions related to acquisition planning, solicitation, evaluation, negotiations, contract award, contract administration, and contract management functions for highly specialized and significant agency procurements. Develops acquisition planning and procurement objectives to create complex supply and/or service contracts; utilizes intricate contractual strategies requiring original research, unique requirements, and long term acquisition impact. Prepares solicitations and may conduct pre-solicitation/pre-proposal conferences to afford industry opportunities to ask questions, express concerns, or offer suggestions that impact the overall acquisition strategy. Maintains full responsibility for contract administration and adherence; determines actions related to contract performance, coordinates support for programs, establishes milestones and performance schedules, and ensures compliance. Analyzes price and cost data contained in the contractor's proposals to ascertain the reasonableness of price with or without competitive pricing. Conducts negotiations to consummate award actions with responsible contractors; ensures the government's requirements are obtained at a fair and reasonable price and within the required timeframes established. Investigates and handles complex, controversial post-award actions and problems; explains and justifies issues and positions; and resolves particular contractual claims. Conducts training in the contracting functions for technical, administrative, and contract support personnel. Perform mentoring and review of work products for other contract specialists who are performing pre-award and post-award actions. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment Completion of Confidential Financial Disclosure, Form OGE-450 Bargaining Unit Position: No Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field; OR Completion of 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. IN ADDITION to the basic qualification requirements above, an applicant must meet the criteria below: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 (ZA-II for NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in in contracting principles and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post-award actions sufficient to procure and/or administer contracts for a variety of specialized equipment, services, and/or construction. This includes skill in negotiating sole-source contracts and modifications. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration Education This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required before a final offer of employment. Use of foreign education for qualifications. An accredited organization must evaluate education completed outside of the U.S. to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with course-by-course listing) is required with your application. Additional information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities. For more information, please visit our Careers website. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.