Contract Specialist (Mid) (0002) - job 1 of 2

As a Contract Specialist (Mid) at OCT Consulting, your primary responsibilities include preparing pre-award documentation, supporting post-award activities, and assisting in contract closeouts. You will work closely with various stakeholders, including subject matter experts, to ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations and maintain accuracy throughout the contracting process.

Candidates for the Contract Specialist (Mid) position at OCT Consulting should possess 3 to 10 years of full-spectrum federal contract experience. While a bachelor's degree is preferred, acquisition certifications such as FAC-C or DAWIA are highly desired. Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and proficiency in software tools like Microsoft Word and Excel are vital for success in this role.

At OCT Consulting, Contract Specialist (Mid) employees enjoy a competitive compensation package ranging from $70,000 to $80,000 based on experience. Additional benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, paid time off, life insurance, and opportunities for training and professional development.

While prior government contracting experience as a federal employee or contractor supporting a Federal Agency is preferred for the Contract Specialist (Mid) position at OCT Consulting, the most critical requirement is to have relevant experience in federal acquisitions with exposure to various contract types.

A successful Contract Specialist (Mid) at OCT Consulting should possess strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders. Moreover, being knowledgeable about federal contracting procedures and capable of handling multiple tasks while adhering to project timelines is essential.

When answering this question, discuss specific roles you’ve held that involved federal acquisition processes. Highlight your familiarity with the FAR and types of contracts you’ve worked on, such as fixed-price contracts or IDIQs, to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field.

In your response, you should outline the steps you take to ensure compliance, such as conducting thorough reviews of contract documentation, collaborating with legal experts, and staying updated with changes to federal acquisition regulations to ensure that all contracts meet required standards.

To answer this, provide examples of your past work where you managed post-award activities. Discuss how you tracked the performance of contractors, ensured compliance with terms, or handled amendments and modifications, showcasing your ability to manage contracts after they have been awarded.

Mention specific software tools you have experience with, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, or PRISM. Explain how you have utilized these tools to create, edit, and collaborate on contract documents, which will illustrate your technical capabilities in contract management.

Discuss a specific challenge you encountered in previous roles, such as tight timelines or complex stakeholder requirements. Highlight the strategies you implemented to overcome those challenges, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Explain your time management strategies, such as using prioritization techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix or to-do lists. Discuss how you assess the urgency and importance of tasks to effectively manage your workload while meeting deadlines.

In your response, focus on your communication skills. Discuss how you break down complex information into understandable terms and use analogies or visual aids when necessary. This shows your ability to effectively convey important information to a diverse audience.

Talk about your meticulous approach to reviewing documents. Mention practices such as double-checking figures, cross-referencing contracts with regulatory guidelines, and involving team members for peer review to ensure the accuracy of all contract documentation.

Share your thoughts on the importance of maintaining compliance with regulations throughout the contracting process. Explain how adherence to regulations safeguards both the organization and the stakeholders, ensuring successful contract execution.

This is an opportunity to convey your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Talk about the values and mission of OCT Consulting that resonate with you, and how you believe your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Contract Specialist position.