Established in 2003, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation dedicated to reducing poverty through economic growth. Guided by principles of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and results, MCC invests in countries committed to good governance and economic freedom. By prioritizing projects that advance stability, security, and prosperity, MCC delivers cost-effective solutions with an evidence-based approach. The MCC Department of Administration and Finance (A&F), Contracts & Grants Management (CGM) Division, supports MCC operations by providing acquisition and federal assistance support. Most contracts awarded are for professional services, often performed outside the U.S., covering areas such as agriculture, finance, procurement, and legal expertise. Despite resembling employees, contractors must recognize the distinct authorities applicable to personal services contractors (PSCs) operating under MCC contracts, supporting the CGM Division's mission.

The Contract Specialist II serves as a technical advisor, focusing on the procurement of goods and services for MCC's programs and operations. This role requires understanding of administrative functions and federal acquisition processes to guide program officials through procurement phases. Responsibilities include developing procurement strategies, overseeing contract documentation, and conducting price/cost analyses. The specialist manages contract negotiations, monitors contractor performance, ensures compliance with relevant laws, and facilitates contract closeouts. Additionally, this position acts as the primary contact for major procurement inquiries, offering recommendations to improve operations and customer service. The candidate will lead complex procurement projects, setting standards for MCC's practices.

Serves as a technical advisor in the procurement of goods and services for MCC programs and operations.
• Applies knowledge of federal acquisition to guide program officials in source selection, contract price evaluations, and administration.
• Manages contract administration, monitors contractor performance, approves payments, and verifies deliveries.
• Develops statements of work, procurement strategies, evaluation plans, and pricing methodologies.
• Determines appropriate contracting vehicles and prepares related documents in compliance with laws and regulations.
• Executes contract modifications, analyzes alternatives, and applies cost analysis techniques for solicitation documents.
• Develops budgets for procurements, analyzes costs, and evaluates contractor proposals for various procurement scenarios.
• Coordinates procurement and contract administration for complex technical service contracts, ensuring compliance with requirements.
• Acts as the primary contact for acquisition matters, providing recommendations to improve operations and customer service.
• Negotiates complex contract modifications, leads cost/price negotiations, and evaluates contractor financial and operational policies.
• Manages performance period extensions, resolves disputes, approves payments, and oversees contract closeouts.
• Manages significant procurement programs and initiatives that guide MCC's procurement practices.
• Reviews and evaluates grant applications, negotiates award terms, and ensures compliance with reporting requirements.
• Updates acquisition plans, conducts market research, and provides guidance on contracting methods and strategies.
• Assists in maintaining official contract files, preparing documentation, and ensuring procurement compliance.

The Contract Specialist II requires mastery of contracting principles, laws, regulations, and procedures for both pre-award and post-award phases across various supplies, equipment, services, and construction. This role demands expertise in federal contract administration policies, techniques, and evaluation methods for managing complex, long-term contracts. Additionally, CS II must understand business practices and market conditions, excel in negotiation to secure the best government deals, and possess strong communication skills for presenting findings. The position involves interacting with private sector representatives and government managers to support procurement. For Financial Assistance (FA) management, required by MCC, CS II should also know how to administer federal grants and cooperative agreements, including financial methods to assess recipient stability, ensuring adherence to business and industry practices.

• Understanding of contracting principles, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations, and applicable procedures for both initiating and concluding contracts, enabling the procurement and management of a wide range of supplies, equipment, services, and construction projects.
• Proficiency in specific contracting methods and types, necessitating a deep grasp of federal contract management policies, techniques, and monitoring strategies to oversee complex, ongoing contracts.
• Knowledge of oversight and contracting processes required to manage and supervise the procurement of supplies, equipment, services, and construction.
• Familiar with relevant business practices and market dynamics pertinent to programmatic and technical specifications, crucial for appropriate assessments.
• Awareness of both initial and concluding phases of contracting policies and practices necessary to orchestrate, implement, and oversee contract adjustments and completions.
• Insight into programmatic and technical strategies and requirements, enabling the evaluation of operational effectiveness and the provision of consultancy to MCC staff.
• Mastery of negotiation strategies aimed at safeguarding government interests and achieving optimal contract terms.
• Competence in articulating and disseminating analytical results and insights, both in writing and verbally.
• Capability to interact effectively with private sector representatives and government authorities in facilitating the procurement processes for various needs.
• (Required upon MCC's demand for FA management) Familiarity with the regulatory and procedural framework governing federal grants, cooperative agreements, and related awards.
• (Required upon MCC's demand for FA management) Understanding of management processes and best practices for grants and assistance, aligning with established business and industry norms.
• (Required upon MCC's demand for FA management) Proficiency in financial methodologies and practices essential for evaluating and overseeing the fiscal aspects of federal grants and agreements.

Education and Experience:

Required - A bachelor's degree with a major in any field and 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organizations and management. Four or more years of direct experience in Federal contracting or related positions. At least one of these years must be specialized experience equivalent to the Federal Government GS-12 grade level that has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this job description. Desired - FAC-C(Professional) or DAWIA in Contracting (Professional) certification, DAWIA or FAC-C Level I certification or other non-Federal certifications/qualifications, such as NCMA CFCM and CPCM.

Clearance Requirements: The candidate will successfully obtain a Public Trust or equivalent security clearance from the MCC DIS Office. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Physical Requirements: In addition to the skills and qualifications mentioned above, candidates should be able to, at a minimum:

• Lift up to 25 pounds.
• Use stairs without assistance.
• Perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.
• Engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.