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 Senior Contract Specialist III serves as the Contractor's Site Lead under this contract. Each contract will have one Senior Contract Specialist III (Site Lead). The primary duties and responsibilities include supporting the Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director, and primarily the Supervisory Procurement Analyst with projects related to policies, data, training, and systems. Secondary duties and responsibilities are administrative and include onboarding and orientation, training, timesheet review and approval, performance appraisals, and the monitoring and correction of performance issues.

Provide advice, recommendations, and document preparation support for pre-award acquisition processes, including formulating acquisition documents, conducting market research, and advising on source selections.
• Assist in the evaluation and selection of contractors through formal and informal source selection processes, including vendor screening.
• Manage contract administration activities, including contract modifications, delivery/task order support, invoicing, and closeouts.
• Serve as a technical resource for developing statements of work, procurement strategies, and evaluation plans.
• Prepare solicitation documents, contract awards, and related documentation in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Conduct price/cost analysis and negotiate contract terms to ensure best value awards.
• Oversee grants and assistance awards, including eligibility determinations, solicitation, negotiation, and compliance monitoring.
• Manage a team of Professional Services Contractors (PSCs), providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation of new PSCs, including training on relevant systems and procedures.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to address procurement and administrative matters.
• Manage the FAC-C program, including monitoring certifications, providing technical assistance to CORs and PMs, and conducting training sessions.
• Assist in researching, creating, and updating internal policies, guidance, instructions, and data.
• Facilitate quality assurance reviews of contract actions to ensure adherence to contracting principles and procedures.
• Lead negotiations and serve as a primary cost/price negotiator for complex contracts and modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and procedures governing procurement activities.
• Serve as a point of contact for program officials on acquisition and administrative matters affecting major procurement of supplies and services using source selection procedures.
• Coordinate contract administration activities for long-term technical service contracts, including monitoring contractor performance, approving progress payments, and resolving delivery disputes.
• Negotiate complex modifications to contracts, based on in-depth analysis of contractor capabilities and performance.
• Utilize price/cost analysis techniques to support the development of cost-related sections of solicitation documents and analyze contractor price/cost quotes.
• Provide high-level technical assistance to managers, supervisors, and colleagues on complex award actions and contract administration.
• Conduct post-award reviews and analyses to identify management, financial, and administrative issues.
• Manage complex procurement programs and initiatives, serving as a guide for other procurement activities.
• Coordinate with CGM leadership and colleagues to address and correct performance issues among PSCs.
• Conduct annual performance reviews of PSCs, resolve complaints and grievances, and facilitate separations as needed.
• Assist the MCC Acquisition Career Manager in managing the MCC FAC-COR Program, including monitoring certifications and providing guidance to CORs and PMs.
• Research, create, and update internal policies, guidance, instructions, and data to support procurement activities.
• Facilitate quarterly quality assurance reviews of contract actions to ensure adherence to contracting principles and procedures.
• Participate in CGM standardization projects to improve and streamline award documents and processes.
• Complete other tasks as needed.

Skills/Qualifications: The Senior Contract Specialist III position demands a diverse skill set encompassing contracting principles, legal frameworks, and procedural acumen. This role entails overseeing procurement, contract administration, and project management across a spectrum of supplies, services, and construction projects. Effective leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving are imperative. Additionally, managing Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and awards mandates familiarity with pertinent regulations and financial management practices. Candidates must exhibit self-motivation, meticulous attention to detail, and adept oral and written communication.

• Expertise in contracting principles, laws, statutes, regulations, and procedures, including Federal contract administration policy.
• Leadership in managing PSCs, providing consultation, and evaluating capabilities.
• Proficiency in oversight management processes for various requirements.
• Understanding of business practices, market conditions, and program/technical strategies.
• Skill in negotiation, written/oral communication, and engaging with stakeholders.
• Capability to analyze complex acquisition issues, adapt to changes, and work independently.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies governing grants, and financial assessment methods for grant recipients.

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.
• Ten or more years of direct experience in Federal contracting. At least one of these years must be specialized experience equivalent to the Federal Government GS-15 grade level that has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined in this job description.

Desired -

• A postgraduate 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.
• 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.
• Experience and knowledge with standard Government systems necessary for contract and FA actions such as Oracle Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) contracting system, FPDS, SAM, G-Invoicing, grants.gov, etc.

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

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.