Lead Contract Specialist

This permanent position is eligible for 100% distant or local telework. The salary range advertised is for the Washington, DC area and may be adjusted based on the geographic locale of the selected applicant(s). Selectee(s) will not be eligible for relocation expenses in the event the Library determines the position is no longer suitable for distant telework. The incumbent serves as a contract specialist for the Library of Congress programs. This position will be utilized through the Office of the Chief Operating Officer. The incumbent awards and administers a wide range of contracts actions for the various library service units. The incumbent serves as a Contracts Team Leader. Negotiates contracts for several Library programs that include various contract types of varying complexity. Contracting methods and types are utilized to procure large, highly sophisticated, and important equipment systems, programs, and services where little or no contractual precedent exists. Plans the negotiation strategy, coordinates strategy with negotiation team, and conducts negotiations with contractors to arrive at contract prices and terms. Prepares the contracts and recommends award. Serves as Contract Specialist responsible for complex procurements containing numerous differing processes or elements. Performs procurement planning. Prepares novel or innovative acquisition plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions, or financial arrangements which serve as models for future acquisitions. Prepares procurement objectives relating to the terms of competition and price range and constructs the contractual vehicle including use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, and like considerations. Prepares milestone charts and related schedules. Advises program officials in procurement planning. Advises program officials of the procurement objectives to be utilized and assists in preparing statements of work. Identifies need for regulatory or policy deviation and prepares determinations and findings. Prepares pre-award contract file and solicitation documentation Engages in contract administration activities for important, highly specialized procurements. Responsibilities typically include functions such as exercising options, reviewing and negotiating requests for equitable adjustment and claims, coordinating schedule extensions, incorporating change orders, issuing stop work orders, approving payment schedules and terms, and ensuring final payment and release of claims prior to closeout. Independently reviews contractor performance through site visits, correspondence, and phone conversations for completion of applicable contract clauses e.g., intellectual property rights, labor laws, and performance reports, and deliverables. Makes recommendations and issues cure or show cause notices when the contractor is not in compliance. Conducts contract reviews to assess performance. Oversees contractor activities through personal contact or review to ensure compliance with technical, financial, delivery, and other contract terms. Serves as a Team Leader. Articulates and communicates to the team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Identifies, distributes, and balances workload and tasks among employees in accord with established workflow, skill level, and/or occupational specialization. Makes adjustments to accomplish the workload in accord with established priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned team tasks. Monitors and reports to the supervisor on the status and progress of work, checking on work in progress and reviewing completed work to ensure instructions on work priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality have been met. Answers questions from team members on procedures, policies, regulations, etc. Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required, and coordinates the preparation, presentation, and communication of work-related information. Estimates and reports to the team on progress in meeting established milestones and deadlines for completing assignments, projects, and tasks. Ensures all team members are aware of and participate in planning for achievement of team goals and objectives.