Contracting Specialist

Since 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) has delivered the VCS benefits to millions of Veterans enrolled in the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Healthcare system, the largest Healthcare system in the United States. VCS is a program office in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) that is Veteran facing, providing reasonably priced goods and services for the comfort and well-being of America’s Veterans. 

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS), Central Office, located on the Jefferson Barracks VAMC campus in St. Louis, MO is seeking a Contracting Specialist. This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of VC-13. At the VC-12 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of VC-13. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance.

DUTIES: 

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare and review contract documents, including solicitations, bids, proposals, and c
modifications, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable
regulations (e.g. FAR, D FARS).
• Lead contract negotiations to achieve favorable terms and conditions for the VCS while
maintaining fair and competitive practices.
• Ensure that all contracts comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including
procurement policies, ethical standards, and conflict of interest guidelines.
• Review requests and analyze the appropriate method of procurement.
• Serve as a central point of contact on assigned procurements and respond to inquiries
from bidders, Central Office management, and Canteen personnel.
• Prepare the final contract for the Contracting Officer's signature to include price analysis,
final specifications, delivery schedules, contract start and expiration dates, credit
applications, payment schedule, and provisions.
• Research products, services, equipment, and specifications identified by the requestor
and ensure there is a full understanding of the request.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.
OR
24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
 

This position will require you to be FAC-C certified or willing to acquire FAC-C certification within 24 months of hire. To move to the grade VC-13 you will be required to become a FAC-C.

Transcripts will be asked to be provided before we send your resume to the Hiring Official.

SPECIALIZED REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct analysis, problem-solve, and make
decisions.
• Exceptional organizational skills, capable of multitasking and meeting deadlines with
changing or conflicting priority levels.
• Proficient in PC skills and ability to work with various computer applications and
programs.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of negotiation skills and procedures.
• Basic understanding of contract administration principles and practices to monitor
contractor performance and compliance with all terms and conditions of the contract.
• Familiarity with commercial and government procurement regulations and methods is
preferred.