Contract Specialist

Summary

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.

Major duties

This permanent position is eligible for 100% distant or local telework. The salary range advertised is for the Washington, DC area and may be adjusted based on the geographic locale of the selected applicant(s). Selectee(s) will not be eligible for relocation expenses in the event the Library determines the position is no longer suitable for distant telework. This announcement has an APPLICATION LIMIT of 200 applications. Therefore, applicants should apply as soon as possible. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE AT 11:59 PM EST ON THE DATE THAT 200 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED UNDER THIS POSTING. If the 200-application limit is not met, the job announcement will close at 11:59pm, on Friday, November 20, 2026. Applicants need to ensure they provide all supporting documentation at the time they apply to the vacancy announcement. This position serves as a Contract Specialist in the Contracts and Grants Directorate (CGD), Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), at the Library of Congress (LOC) and reports to the Supervisory Contract Specialist. The Contract Specialist plans and carries out assignments, and exercises judgement in the selection of supporting data, industry sources and contracting techniques to be followed within established procedures for a number of Service Units within the Library. As the Contract Specialist, you will: Be responsible for all aspects of the contracting transactions from initiation to recommendation of award for the procurement of recurring of supplies and services. The contracts may range from the micro purchase level to several millions of dollars and vary from simplified acquisitions to moderate complexity. Analyze and prepare negotiation documentation for routine modifications to contracts. Evaluate contractor's financial status and profit and loss statement, balance sheets, and other financial data. Administer a group of contracts which may involve supplies, furniture, furnishings, and technical equipment and which require cost/price analysis and price redetermination when contract actions are well defined and well precedented. Modifications may also include equitable adjustment due to changes subject to the Service Contract Act, and the exercise of contract options. In recommending any negotiation action, must comply with FAR and LCR regulations. Monitor contractor's performance on basic contract, regulatory, and statutory provisions through telephone conversations, correspondence, reports, vouchers, and visits. Conduct routine analyses of contractors' financial and management systems and facilities for ability to perform and for compliance with Government or contractual requirements. Check the status of contract performance and work closely with a Senior Contract Specialist in recommending approving progress payments; reviewing and providing recommendations on contractor proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling changes, and problems that have arisen and proposed solutions; verifying deliveries, and similar activities. Conduct initial research and prepares timely draft responses to Congressional inquiries, Freedom of Information Act requests, or other sensitive correspondence. Provide resolution of routine contracting problems through investigation and interpret contract provisions. Assist team leader to develop procurement objectives in terms of competition and price range, and construct the contractual vehicle including use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set- aside policies, and similar considerations. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position are 433679, 433677, and 433676. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a Compflex, Flexitime, or Maxiflex work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. GS-09 Ability to manage and monitor contracts.** Knowledge of Federal contracting laws, regulations, principles, and procedures to develop and issue solicitations and contracts.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to interact collaboratively with others. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. GS-11 Ability to manage and monitor contracts.** Knowledge of Federal contracting laws, regulations, principles, and procedures to develop and issue solicitations and contracts.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to interact collaboratively with others. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. GS-12 Ability to manage and monitor contracts.** Knowledge of Federal contracting laws, regulations, principles, and procedures to develop and issue solicitations and contracts.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to interact collaboratively with others. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.