Contract Support Specialist

Overview

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) advances U.S. security by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad, thereby protecting Americans at home. INL strengthens partner nations’ police, judicial, and corrections systems to reduce crime and illicit drug flows to the United States. Within INL, the Office of Security Assistance and Operations, Implementing Mechanisms Division (INL/SAO/IM) manages the mechanisms that support the Bureau’s foreign assistance objectives while prioritizing U.S. interests, including Bilateral Letters of Agreement and Inter-Agency Agreements, Federal Assistance awards such as grants and cooperative agreements, and the planning and execution of service and commodity procurements through Third Party Contracts and Personal Service Contracts.

Responsibilities

The Contract Support Specialist provides end-to-end support for procurement and assistance activities within the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), advising and training program staff, developing and reviewing contract documentation, conducting market research, and ensuring compliance with Department of State policies and regulations. The role requires close coordination with internal and external stakeholders, effective management of multiple priorities, and the safeguarding of sensitive information, all in support of INL’s mission to protect U.S. interests and promote international stability.

• Performs the full range of cradle-to-grave contracting activities, primarily supporting INL’s third-party contracts portfolio, with additional support for commodity and other service requirements, including personal services
• Serves as a business advisor to program office personnel by providing guidance and training in the development of complete and compliant procurement request packages
• Provides acquisition-related guidance and training to other members of the INL/SAO/IM Contracts Unit
• Assists in identifying and implementing strategic sourcing and category management efforts to streamline INL/SAO/IM contracting processes
• Plans, develops, and executes acquisition-related training sessions for INL and other Department of State staff, including personnel from domestic offices and overseas posts
• Assists in identifying and implementing office initiatives and special projects in support of continuous process improvement
• Develops new industry sources based on projected INL requirements and, under the direction of the Contracting Officer, coordinates with industry associations, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, and the Small Business Administration to engage the vendor community and expand competition
• Performs market research to assess the commercial availability of products and services and to identify the contracting approach that best satisfies program requirements
• Recommends socioeconomic set-asides for procurement actions to ensure compliance with Department of State and Small Business Administration socioeconomic utilization goals
• Prepares solicitations, recommends sources to be solicited, advertises solicitations, structures procurement schedules appropriately, and assists with the initial determination of offeror responsiveness and responsibility upon receipt of quotes
• Analyzes contractor quotes to determine technical acceptability and price fairness and reasonableness, and forwards determinations and findings to the Contracting Officer for review and approval
• Prepares and finalizes contract award documents for approval by the Contracting Officer
• Completes the full range of post-award contract functions
• Provides contract administration support by preparing unilateral and bilateral contract modifications to exercise optional periods of performance, add work within scope, de-obligate unliquidated obligation balances, and close out contracts
• Coordinates with program officers, Contracting Officer’s Representatives, financial management analysts, and Contracts Unit staff to identify and validate contracts with unliquidated obligations, assists with obtaining release of claims documentation when balances are invalid, and drafts modifications to de-obligate unused funds
• Retrieves and assembles relevant metrics, including award data, contractor staffing patterns, and contract information, for SAO and INL leadership
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of all actions taken and files records in accordance with INL and Department of State policies

Qualifications

Skills/Qualifications: The position requires demonstrated experience serving as a trusted business advisor to internal stakeholders, with strong oral communication skills sufficient to obtain information, present and defend recommendat