(02) Contract Support Specialist
Description
Creative Corrections is actively recruiting exceptional candidates to be considered for a CONTRACT SUPPORT SPECIALIST position located in Washington, DC. This will be a contract role within the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for American diplomacy, with the Secretary of State serving as the President’s chief foreign policy advisor. Guided by an America First approach, the Department’s mission is to advance U.S. national security, combat terrorism, protect American interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that promote a freer, more prosperous, and secure world for the American people.
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) directly supports this mission by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability overseas, thereby safeguarding Americans at home. INL strengthens partner nations’ police, judicial, and corrections systems to reduce crime and illegal drug flows to the United States.
INL’s Office of Security Assistance and Operations, Implementing Mechanisms Division (INL/SAO/IM) manages the mechanisms that support the Bureau’s foreign assistance objectives, always prioritizing U.S. interests. INL/SAO/IM includes the Bilateral Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and Inter-Agency Agreements (IAAs) Unit, which provides analytical and subject matter expertise for the development, formulation, and oversight of regional and functional portfolios; the Grants Unit, which manages Federal Assistance awards, including grants and cooperative agreements, and oversees property and travel grants; and the Contracts Unit, which handles the planning, development, and execution of service and commodity procurements, including Third Party Contracts (TPCs) and Personal Service Contracts (PSCs).
This position is contingent upon award of contract for BPA Call.
POSITION OVERVIEW
TITLE: Contract Support Specialist
LOCATION: Washington, DC.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: A Secret security clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with an interim Secret security clearance.
CLOSING DATE: January 26, 2025
CLOSING DATE: January 26, 2025
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Contract Support Specialist provides comprehensive support for the full lifecycle of procurement and assistance mechanisms within the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This role advises and trains program staff on procurement processes, develops and reviews contract documentation, conducts market analysis, and ensures compliance with Department of State regulations and policies. The incumbent collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, manages multiple priorities, and safeguards
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The period of performance for this order will be one (01) year from the date of award with the option to extend for six (06) months subject to performance, need, and funding.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide comprehensive cradle-to-grave support for implementing mechanisms, including initiation, documentation, tracking, and closeout.
- Guide and train Program Office personnel on developing procurement request packages, including statements of work, IGCEs, DS-4208 determinations, risk mitigation plans, market research, acquisition plans, and related documents.
- Advise Program Offices on contract development, including data requirements, contract type selection, special clauses, and terms and conditions.
- Support strategic sourcing and category management initiatives by identifying optimal approaches to meet requirements.
- Conduct market analysis, identify potential sources, and assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on procurement actions.
- Determine appropriate quantities based on economic order quantities, market conditions, delivery requirements, production capabilities, specifications, and pre-award samples.
- Assist in establishing contract language and clauses, coordinating with socio-economic specialists, setting order limitations, and selecting transportation and delivery methods.
- Track delivery dates and periods of performance to ensure timely submission of requirements for exercising options.
- Respond promptly to requests for information and provide status reports and substantive recommendations to stakeholders.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, INL program office staff, U.S. embassies, and other federal agencies.
- Foster a positive work environment, promote teamwork, and proactively recommend improvements.
- Complete tasks efficiently to reduce the burden on team members and management; remain open to training and feedback.
- Build strong interpersonal relationships through exceptional customer service and project management skills.
- Comply with all applicable regulations, internal controls, management directives, and standard operating procedures.
- Safeguard organizational integrity by preventing unauthorized use or misappropriation of classified and sensitive materials and equipment.
- Report security violations or concerns to the appropriate authority.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- U.S. Citizen;
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and two to ten years’ experience at the equivalent GS-12 or higher level; or an Associate's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of ten years’ experience at the equivalent GS-12 or higher level;
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite;
- Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills;
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; prior experience conducting research.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Demonstrated knowledge of procurement procedures.
- Proficient in cost and price analysis techniques to evaluate offers and provider responsibility, using competition, historical costs, audit reports, vendor cost breakdowns, and other evaluation criteria.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present briefings, develop and interpret policies, defend recommendations, and resolve issues.
- Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate activities, provide guidance, and advocate INL policies in close coordination with leadership.
- Superior organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, shifting priorities, and short deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and other computer and web-based applications.
- Proven ability to deliver exceptional customer service at all levels.
- Experience with and knowledge of DoS and foreign assistance.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Department of State Acquisition Regulations (DOSAR).
- Demonstrated knowledge of Department of State Acquisition Manual (DOSAM).
- Demonstrated knowledge with Global Financial Management System (GFMS)-Momentum and Regional Financial Management System (RFMS)Momentum.
LEVEL OF EFFORT
Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of INL/SAO/IM: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.
TELEWORK
If applicable, telework is authorized only with prior INL Office Director, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer’s Representative approval, in accordance with Department of State and INL policies.
POSITION LOCATION
The physical work location is the INL/SAO/IM office at State Annex (SA-01), Columbia Plaza, 2401 E St. NW Washington, DC 20520.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT
The position requires a Secret security clearance. However, the contractor may begin work with an interim Secret security clearance.
This position is contingent upon award of contract for BPA Call.
ABOUT CREATIVE CORRECTIONS
At Creative Corrections, we strive to create a culture where we are able to attract and retain highly talented and qualified individuals. These relationships are built on trust, respect, and an assurance each person feels valued. We offer a strategic Total Compensation Package for qualified employees. In the end, we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of the Company and provide the services our customers rely upon.
In addition, we are honored to be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and are equally proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, committed to creating a diversified workplace where everyone feels valued and respected because of their differences.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.