Contracting Specialist (Procurement Analyst)
: Job Details :

SummaryThis position is located in the Section of Financial Services (SFS), Office of the Managing Director. SFS is responsible for the preparation and oversight of the STB's financial statements and operations, the annual budget, development and monitoring of spending plans, payroll program management, travel, and user-fee collection.Merit promotion and/or non-competitive referral lists may be issued based on the needs of the agency.One or more positions may be filled through this announcement.This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.
• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities
• Military spouses

Clarification from the agencyStatus Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles,and Land Management).DutiesAs the Contracting Specialist/ Procurement Analyst you will serve as the procurement/contracting subject matter expert and advisor to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for planning, advising, and administering contracts, and interagency agreements for services and supplies all in support of the agency, and performing a variety of financial functions to facilitate financial and operational management applicable regulations adherence.You will perform the following duties:

• Serves as the contracting/procurement expert and advisor on the acceptability and applicability of overall procurement objectives. Provides advice and guidance on contracting matters to project managers and contracting officer representatives.
• Utilizes knowledge of various contract vehicles and applicable statutory requirements to develop and formulate standard operating procedures on issues critical to the STB contracting and procurement activities.
• Develops procurement objectives and strategies including terms of competition, selecting appropriate methods of generating proposals (solicited and unsolicited) and selecting appropriate methods, techniques, and instruments for implementing widely differing types of proposed projects or activities.
• Provides general oversight of agency purchase requests, interagency agreements, purchase orders, contracts, and other source documents to ensure that the agency's expenses remain within applicable limits and thresholds, are accurately documented, and does not violate agency policies, the Anti-Deficiency Act, the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR), and applicable acquisition regulations.
• Reviews external audit reports on procurements and makes recommendations on findings. Analyzes Congressional inquiries involving procurements and prepares appropriate responses based on knowledge of procurement operations.
• Provides consultative technical advice and guidance to clients including the adequacy of work statements and specifications and provides guidance and support in the selection strategy, evaluation process, negotiation of business and technical terms, and the subsequent administration and formal closeout of the area's contracts.
• Monitors purchases, agreements, and contracts, to ensure award requirements are met. Communicates frequently with program managers and subject matter experts to discuss and advise on contractual, financial, and other administrative management matters.

Must be FAC- COR II level certified or higher.Requirements Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• All qualification requirements must be met by 12/02/2024. Please Note: Your application package will not receive consideration if it lacks any of the required documents under the Required Documents tab.
• Probationary Period: A One-year probationary period may be required.
• Required to participate in the Direct Deposit program.
• Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See
• E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form 1-9 will be verified through the DHS E-Verify System. The STB is an E-Verify Participant.
• Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation and the granting of a Federal suitability clearance. If selected, you may be offered a tentative offer until the background investigation has been adjudicated.
• Transcripts are required to be submitted for this position.
• Relocation expenses are not authorized
• Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
• FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE IS REQUIRED
• Certification at Contracting Level Il or higher via the Federal Acquisition Institute (Federal Acquisition Contracting-Certification (FAC-C), or the Defense Acquisition University (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) is required upon selection and must be maintained. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your current certification/training with your application. Failure to do so may result in your being removed from further consideration).

QualificationsTo qualify for this position applicants must meet the basic requirement, the mandatory training requirement, and the Specialized Experience as described below.Basic RequirementsA. Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions, including at least 4-years of experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position.ANDB. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by 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.C. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. This also applies to positions at the same grade in the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met. However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver under Paragraph D.D. Waiver: When filling a specific vacant position, the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this Paragraph D, the senior procurement executive must document for the record the basis of the waiver. If an individual is placed in a position in an agency on the basis of a waiver, the agency may later reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency without additional waiver action.IN ADDITION

• FAC-C Level II or equivalent is required

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCEGS-13 LEVEL:To be qualified for this position at the GS-13 grade level, you must demonstrate in your resume one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level of Federal service such asExperience in advising agency personnel with objectively based information for decision-making on the administrative and programmatic aspects of agency procurement operations and management; 2) Evaluating programs, developing solutions to problems, formulating recommendations and providing input to a wide range of key planning documents; 3) Providing comprehensive recommendations on the need, operational feasibility, organizational structure, budget priorities, resource and operation constraints;GS-14 LEVELTo be qualified for this position at the GS-14 grade level, you must demonstrate in your resume one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level of Federal service such asExperience advising agency personnel with objectively based information for decision-making on the administrative and programmatic aspects of agency procurement operations and management; 2) Evaluating programs, developing solutions to problems, formulating recommendations and providing input to a wide range of key planning documents; 3) Providing comprehensive recommendations on the need, operational feasibility, organizational structure, budget priorities, resource and operation constraints; 4) Coordinating and/or administering all phases of assigned contracts from inception to completion including analyzing program requirements; and 5) Monitoring contract costs, schedules and performance; prepares monthly reports.Applicants will be evaluated on their resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies needed to perform this job

• Acquisition Strategy
• Communication
• Contracting/Procurement Regulations
• Federal Acquisition Regulations

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.EducationYou must provide your transcripts to support your educational claims (Bachelor's degree and any additional transcripts containing required coursework listed in the Basic Requirements above). Transcripts may be unofficial copies, but they must come from an accredited college or university, and they also must include course names and the number of credit / semester hours. Click here to search the database of accredited institutions.Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit You must provide translated transcripts.Additional informationOnce the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation.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. In addition, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has work/life-balance flexibilities that may be right for you, such as .A Flexible Work Schedule options. This position is Telework eligible based upon the STB Telework policy.Fitness Center: STB employees, at no cost, have access to the fitness center conveniently located in the building; andA monthly transit subsidy for a portion of your commuting costs to help defray the commuting costs of employees who use mass transportation, including commuter bus, Metrorail or Metrobus, or commuter rail systems.More than one position may be filled from this announcement.The lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting your current position, grade level, and duty location) and be rated well-qualified by scoring 85 or better on the assessment. Please use this link to find out additional information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources.If you are a veteran claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or an official statement (including Character of Service) from your command if currently on active duty. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) and the required supporting documents listed on that form. For more information on veterans' preferences please see Feds Hire Vets.Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions (you must submit a DD214-member copy 4).Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:Persons with Disabilities-Schedule ASpecial Hiring Authorities for VeteransSpecial Hiring Authority for Certain Military SpousesOther Special Appointment Authorities

• BenefitsA 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.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.

How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.All applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational and specialized experience requirements.Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to accurately reflect the submitted documentation.DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume. If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. Well-qualified means you must be within the Best and Highly Qualified categories; meet medical, suitability, and minimum educational and experience requirements; all selective factors where applicable and appropriate quality ranking factor levels; be physically qualified, with reasonable accommodation where appropriate, to perform the essential duties of the position; meet any special qualifying condition(s) that OPM has approved for the position; and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Information about ICTAP is on OPM's website at Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are best qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.Candidate who apply under Noncompetitive and Special Hiring Authorities procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume, supporting documentation submitted and their responses to the assessment questionnaire.If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click {INSERT ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE}

• BenefitsA 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.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.
• Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.Please be advised, the following documents are required even if you are already a current Federal or STB employee:1. Resume that includes the experience you wish to be considered for the review of your qualifications, the dates of employment with month and year, and hours worked per week, if part-time. Resumes that do not contain all of the necessary information to determine qualifications may be marked as insufficient and applicants may not receive consideration for this position. Your latest resume submission is the one that will be used to determine your qualifications.2. Responses to questionnaire.3. Transcripts from all educational institutions where courses were taken.4. Supporting documentation that will be used to verify your eligibility or any preference eligibility along with your application package. These documents may include, but are not limited to:
  • Veterans documentation: All veterans MUST submit a DD-214, MEMBER 4 copy, if you are currently on active duty, you must submit an official statement of service from your command or other official documentation that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions;
  • Preference eligible documentation: If claiming 10-point preference you must also submit a SF-15 and any other proof that you are eligible for 10-point preference if a job offer is extended to you, final VA letter including percentage (please do not include letter from VA noting specific private medical information);
  • ICTAP documentation: RIF separation notice along with last performance rating or appraisal; and
  • Transcripts are required due to this positions positive education requirement.
  • MOST SF-50 are required for all FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
  5. SF-50: DO NOT submit NON-Pay Impacting Action SF-50's to include Org Cost Center Change SF-50's, Award SF-50's and/or General Adjustment SF-50's ect. as they cannot be used to prove time-in-grade.
• How to ApplyPlease read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, which includes the submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on {INSERT DATE} to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
• To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
• Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: may preview the assessment questionnaire by clicking here: {insert assessment questionnaire}Agency contact informationTara RauchPhone202-###-####Email...@stb.govAddressSurface Transportation Board395 E Street, SWWashington, DC 20423USNext stepsOnce referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period.Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.
• Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required DocumentsPlease be advised, the following documents are required even if you are already a current Federal or STB employee:1. Resume that includes the experience you wish to be considered for the review of your qualifications, the dates of employment with month and year, and hours worked per week, if part-time. Resumes that do not contain all of the necessary information to determine qualifications may be marked as insufficient and applicants may not receive consideration for this position. Your latest resume submission is the one that will be used to determine your qualifications.2. Responses to questionnaire.3. Transcripts from all educational institutions where courses were taken.4. Supporting documentation that will be used to verify your eligibility or any preference eligibility along with your application package. These documents may include, but are not limited to:

• Veterans documentation: All veterans MUST submit a DD-214, MEMBER 4 copy, if you are currently on active duty, you must submit an official statement of service from your command or other official documentation that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions;
• Preference eligible documentation: If claiming 10-point preference you must also submit a SF-15 and any other proof that you are eligible for 10-point preference if a job offer is extended to you, final VA letter including percentage (please do not include letter from VA noting specific private medical information);
• ICTAP documentation: RIF separation notice along with last performance rating or appraisal; and
• Transcripts are required due to this positions positive education requirement.
• MOST SF-50 are required for all FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

5. SF-50: DO NOT submit NON-Pay Impacting Action SF-50's to include Org Cost Center Change SF-50's, Award SF-50's and/or General Adjustment SF-50's ect. as they cannot be used to prove time-in-grade.How to ApplyPlease read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, which includes the submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on {INSERT DATE} to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.

Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.

Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: may preview the assessment questionnaire by clicking here: {insert assessment questionnaire}Agency contact informationTara RauchPhone202-###-####Email...@stb.govAddressSurface Transportation Board395 E Street, SWWashington, DC 20423USNext stepsOnce referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period.Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request