Contracting Specialist - Entry Level (Maryland)

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Fort Meade (MD)

On-site

USD 58,000 - 92,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

National Security Agency/Central Security Service in Maryland seeks an Entry Level Contracting Specialist to join a team handling acquisition tasks to support NSA's mission.

Responsibilities include market research, issuing RFPs/RFQs, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, administering contracts, and ensuring compliance with FAR and NSA policies. A DAWIA contracting certification is required within 36 months of employment.

Qualifications

DAWIA contracting certification is required; training plan provided to achieve certification within 36 months.

Responsibilities

Conducting market research
Preparing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quote (RFQs)
Evaluating proposals from potential contractors/vendors
Negotiating contract terms with selected contractors/vendors
Evaluating procurements to ensure compliance with funding, legal, and program requirements
Preparing and awarding contracts with supporting documentation in accordance with FAR and NSA policy

Education

DAWIA Contracting certification

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Contracting Specialist - Entry Level (Maryland)

Hiring Agency: National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Contracting Specialists at NSA acquire the technology, services, and supplies that enable NSA's mission. Contracting Specialists work as part of a team that handles a wide range of acquisition tasks to effectively manage the total acquisition requirements of an organization, department, or program in support of NSA's mission.

Key Responsibilities

Contracting Specialists at NSA acquire the technology, services, and supplies that enable NSA's mission. They also work as part of a team that handles a wide range of acquisition tasks to effectively manage the total acquisition requirements of an organization, department, or program in support of NSA's mission. Contracting Specialists at NSA award, administer, oversee, and monitor contracts.

Conducting market research
Preparing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quote (RFQs)
Evaluating proposals from potential contractors/vendors
Negotiating contract terms with selected contractors/vendors
Evaluating procurements to ensure compliance with funding, legal, and program requirements.

Preparing and awarding contracts with supporting documentation in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and NSA policy.
Administering contracts to include issuing modifications and ensuring payment is issued.
Solving complex and unique challenges that arise throughout the life of a contract
Interfacing with various levels of personnel, management, and organizations throughout the Agency.

Meeting frequently with vendors and government technical experts to discuss contract cost, schedule, and performance.
Completing training in federal acquisition to become certified in Contracting under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) within 24 months of employment.
Utilizing Excel and Word at an advanced level on a daily basis to provide analytic support on assigned contracts.

Monitoring contractor performance and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with contract terms and identifying opportunities to improve contract performance and reduce contract cost.
Collaborating with technical experts to establish clearly defined contract tasks; validating those tasks are within the contract scope and cost parameters.

Generating cost estimates using historical data and future projections in an effort to build accurate and reliable spend plans.
Serving as part of a Source Selection Team and often times serving as the Source Selection evaluation lead or as an administrative lead/liaison with industry.
Presenting status updates on expenditures, delivery timelines, and contractor performance to senior executive leadership.

Partnering with finance and mission experts to ensure long-term contracts are properly funded and contract modifications are approved in a timely manner.
Forecasting requirements for future contracts and meeting with mission to draft pre-solicitation documents.
Reviewing contract invoices and collaborating with vendors to resolve any errors or issues prior to payment authorization.

This position requires a DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Acct) professional certification in Contracting. A training plan will be put in place to allow the required certification to be achieved within 36 months of employment.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Security Agency/Central Security Service, Department of Defense.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $57736 – $91815/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-16.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Excepted' hiring path.