Contract Specialist (Jr) (0002)

As a Contract Specialist (Jr) at OCT Consulting, your primary responsibilities will include preparing pre-award documentation, providing support for post-award activities, and assisting in contract closeouts. You'll be working with various contract types like fixed price, IDIQ, and BPA, ensuring compliance with federal regulations throughout the process.

To be considered for the Contract Specialist (Jr) role at OCT Consulting, candidates should have 1-3 years of experience in federal acquisitions, preferably handling various contract types. A bachelor's degree is preferred, and acquisition certifications such as FAC-C or DAWIA are highly desired. Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is also crucial.

Essential skills for the Contract Specialist (Jr) position at OCT Consulting include proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, attention to detail, and effective communication skills. The ability to collaborate with various stakeholders and subject matter experts is also important to ensure successful contract management.

OCT Consulting is committed to the professional development of its employees, including Contract Specialists. We provide training benefits and create an inclusive work environment that values individual merit and growth opportunities, helping you enhance your skills and advance your career.

The Contract Specialist (Jr) position at OCT Consulting includes a competitive salary between $55,000 and $65,000, based on experience. Employees receive a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, paid time off, and life insurance.

When preparing pre-award documentation, it's vital to understand the requirements of the contract type you are working with. Start by ensuring that you have all necessary data and stakeholder input, then compile and format the documentation according to the FAR guidelines.

In discussing my experience with federal acquisition processes, I would highlight specific projects or positions where I actively engaged in contract management. I would detail how I supported various milestones and ensured compliance with the federal regulations, drawing on real examples.

Handling post-award contract activities requires good organizational skills. I prioritize clear communication with stakeholders and have a meticulous approach to tracking deliverables, ensuring that every obligation is met and documented properly.

Collaboration is key in contract management. Successful contract specialists must engage with subject matter experts, acquisition professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure that all perspectives are acknowledged and that the contract processes flow smoothly.

I would share a specific challenge I faced, outlining the problem, my approach to resolving it, and the outcome. Emphasizing steps taken to collaborate with my team or mentors will show my ability to tackle issues proactively.

I would express my understanding of the FAR by detailing specific regulations I've worked with in previous roles. Demonstrating familiarity with how these regulations apply to contract types would show my preparedness for the Contract Specialist role.

In my experience, I've extensively used tools like Microsoft Word and Excel for document creation, along with SharePoint for collaborative projects. Familiarity with PRISM or similar contracting systems also enhances document management efficiency.

To ensure accuracy in contract documentation, I adopt a systematic approach that includes thorough review checks, peer reviews, and maintaining an organized filing system. This minimizes errors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Effective communication involves both active listening and clear articulation of information. I would emphasize the importance of regular updates and open channels for feedback, which builds trust and fosters collaboration.

I would express my interest in OCT Consulting by highlighting my alignment with the company’s values, the opportunity for growth in federal contract management, and my excitement about contributing to solutions that impact Federal government operations.