HBCU Public Service Program - Contract Specialist OCP

General Job Information

HBCU Public Service Program Vacancy Announcement: Contract Specialist (OCP)

Introduction to the Agency:

The DC Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP), under the direction of the Chief Procurement Officer, was established by DC law in 1997 and provides contracting services for selected agencies and offices in the District. The mission of OCP is to partner with vendors and District agencies to purchase quality goods and services in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost while ensuring that all purchasing actions are conducted fairly and impartially.

OCP manages the purchase of $5.7 billion in goods, services and construction annually, on behalf of over 78 District agencies. In its authority under the Procurement Practices Reform Act of 2010 (PPRA), OCP is responsible for both establishing procurement processing standards that conform to regulations and monitoring the effectiveness of procurement service delivery.

The Role:

As a Contract Specialist, you will be responsible for overseeing the procurement process, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with government regulations and policies. This role involves collaborating with various departments, vendors, and stakeholders to facilitate efficient and transparent procurement activities.

The main responsibilities of the Contract Specialist are as follows:
• Identifies the level and type of services to be provided, groups or individuals to be contacted, acceptable results, and alternative courses of action.* Develops procurement objectives for the program in terms of competition and price range.* Prepares and maintains current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules.* Develops pre-negotiation position, determines the types of contracts and negotiation authority to be used, and prepares justification.* Advises program officials of the procurement objectives to be used and assists in the preparation of statements of work (SOW).

Qualifications and Relevant Experience:

To participate in the HBCU Public Service Program, you must have the following eligibility requirements:
• Graduate from either Howard University or the University of the District of Columbia with a bachelor's degree in either December 2023 or May 2024.* Commit to being a resident of the District of Columbia for two years upon being hired.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experiences:
• Familiarity with contract management software and procurement systems.* Knowledge of cost/price analysis techniques* Knowledge of 27 DCMR, Federal contracting procedures, small purchasing procedures and procedures for negotiated services contracts.

Familiarity with business practices and market conditions applicable to program and technical requirements enough to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and/or contractor performance.

Relevant coursework & internship experience:
• Any courses in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.* Any internship experience in government contracting or procurement. Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) are a plus.

Please note that these experiences are not required to apply. However, you are encouraged to write about these experiences or similar ones in your cover letter.

Working Conditions and Environment:
• The work schedule is 4 days per week at the office to encourage interaction with team members, and you may work remotely one day per week.* Work hours are somewhat flexible, but it is expected that you will work 40 hours per week, such as 9am - 5:30pm if you take a half hour for lunch.* There is no requirement to own or drive a vehicle.

Benefits and Salary:

District government provides a full benefits package including:
• Health insurance* Dental insurance* Vision Insurance* Group Life Insurance* Short-term Disability* Long-term Disability* Commuter Benefits* Flexible Spending Accounts* Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts* Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Indemnity Coverage provided through Aflac* Employee Assistance Program: Counseling; legal and financial services; identity theft services; work-life referral services for child and elder care, lactation support, home repairs, pet care, etc.; wellness coaching; and more.

Paid Time Off:

District Government employees earn 4 hours of paid leave each pay period (every two weeks) until they have 3 years of service, at which point they begin accruing 6 hours of paid leave per pay period.

The District provides employees paid leave on 12 annual holidays per year.

Salary:

Apprentices will earn an annual salary of $65,285 during their first year of employment. After successful completion of the 1-year apprenticeship program and contingent upon funding availability, the apprentice will become a regular employee earning $69,481.

Application Criteria:

In order to complete your application to this role, please submit the following:
• Résumé* Cover letter detailing relevant experiences* Unofficial transcript

The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability - Security Sensitive.

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Term Appointment - 24 Months

This position is not represented under a collective bargaining unit.

Candidates who apply to this position may be considered for future openings.

If you have any questions, or need support with your application, please contact Nina Mason, Learning & Talent Program Manager, at *** for assistance.

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Submission of a resume alone is NOT a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional form/s and/or supplemental materials. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.
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