PSC Contracts Unit Lead

XL Associates, Inc. (XLA) has provided institutional support services to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for over twenty years.  XLA has a new requirement for a US Personal Services Contracts (USPSC) Contracts unit lead under a support contract with USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). USAID/OTI is a fast-paced, dynamic organization that supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by helping local partners advance peace and democracy by providing fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key political transition and stabilization needs.

The unit lead manages three contracts specialists and one contracts assistant to support the full acquisition lifecycle of approximately 12 new USPSC awards and 60 anniversary modifications each year conducted in accordance with FAR Part 15, AIDAR Appendix D, and ADS 309. The role works in the post-selection pre-award phase of the lifecycle in close cooperation with the USPSC recruiting team and with post-award administration. The role is matrixed with accountabilities both to the Contracting Officer (CO) and the technical office (OTI). The CO focuses on compliance with FAR and USAID rules and regulations related to contract awards. OTI focuses on the timely delivery of all award actions and managing an efficient procurement process. Together, the Contracts team delivers compliant and efficient award of USPSCs.

The unit lead is the day-to-day supervisor for the Contracts team responsible for training and mentoring the team as well as overall quality control of all work product. In addition, the team lead is a subject matter expert for OTI on issues related to the award and administration of USPSCs and the associated processes within the award lifecycle. The role’s key deliverables are USPSC award and administration oversight, team supervision and development, and the application of subject matter expertise to support continuous process improvement and complex issue resolution.

Key Deliverables

• Review quality and accuracy of outgoing contracts, budgets, modifications, and other contract- related documents; ensure documents are error-free;
• Ensure USPSC contracts follow USAID, US Government, and other regulations, laws, standards, procedures and update templates, systems, and processes as needed;
• Manage and maintain electronic and hard copy files and systems in compliance with US Government, USAID and OTI standards;
• Monitor upcoming USPSC actions and deadlines, and ensure all assigned contracts/tasks are completed in a timely manner;
• Assist in the development of contract-related documents, presentations, and other written reports;
• Provide ad hoc and regular reports on USPSC contract status, progress and issues to CO and/or OTI and ensure that all reports are accurate, complete, and timely;
• Liaise with OTI and CO to ensure a good working relationship and that the needs and expectations are met;
• Anticipate client and USPSC needs, and advise on recommendations;
• Address and resolve priority and complex issues;
• Provide expert interpretation of and recommendations on policies and USG regulations;
• Research and recommend ways in which the USPSC contracts award and modification processes can be streamlined and improved;
• Responsible for training new contracts staff;
• Mentor contracts team on client business processes, policy interpretation and application;
• Advise contracts staff on communication with OTI, OAA, and individuals being hired on all aspects and execution of contract and contract modifications for assigned actions; and
• Responsible for team performance feedback, staff growth, and professional development including track training.

Basic Qualifications

• 8 years of government contracting experience, including demonstrated understanding of and experience with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures required including the FAR;
• Experience with Basic Human Resources personnel intake processes; and
• Work in environments where contracts had to be produced both quickly and accurately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in contracting, business, law, or a related field;
• Active secret clearance;
• Experience with the USAID Acquisition Regulations supplement;
• Experience with Personal Services Contract award and administration;
• Familiarity with USAID Acquisition and Financial Systems such as GLAAS and Phoenix; and
• 2 years of Supervisory experience.

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