SENIOR TECHNICAL WRITER
We need someone who understands construction, engineering, or OBO-related work. We may
consider someone with minimal experience, but strong FAR/Acquisition technical writing
experience. As a Technical Writer, the contractor supports the Department’s overseas facility
construction and maintenance program by providing professional expertise in the development of
complex and highly technical specifications for contract vehicles used in the acquisition of
architectural/engineering (A/E) services for the planning and design of overseas facilities utilized by the
Department’s diplomatic corps and affiliated tenant agency employees. In addition, the contractor
leverages in-depth personal knowledge of all technical requirements of projects, including requirements
related to multiple engineering disciplines and architecture, as well as the full range of administrative
requirements of projects, to achieve the highest priority and effectiveness in meeting the scope, schedule,
and cost goals of projects. In furtherance of these responsibilities, the contractor performs tasks and
assignments that typically include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
• Works closely with professional staff to prepare template specifications and statements of work (SOW)
for professional services, including project due diligence, project development, and design services
including preparation of bridging documents and full design for new construction, rehabilitation,
renovation, and other projects at government facilities worldwide.
• Provides support to project management officials in all contract administration matters dealing with
planning and design, including preparation and interpretation of contract requirements, specifications,
modifications, and change orders.
• Works with assigned project team members to achieve project scope and cost-effective contract
requirements.
• Participates in pre-qualification of potential bidders, bid evaluations, and contract award meetings as a
technical expert in specifications.
• Assists Project Managers in formulating contractual responses to contractor requests for information.
• Participates in project meetings and conferences as the technical expert on specification requirements
and related planning and design issues as appropriate.
• Coordinates with members of the Directorate and other government organizations as appropriate on
matters pertaining to specifications.
• Conducts reviews of all planning and design specifications and prepares clear, concise, and costeffective specification templates for all types of Capital, NonCapital, and Functional projects.
• Develops presentations, special reports, and special projects related to planning and design
specifications.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Expert technical writing skills, preferred in the area of statements of work and specifications for
professional Architecture/Engineering services.
• Experience in applying, the theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies of professional
engineering and design sufficient to anticipate, investigate, evaluate, and resolve problems and
issues arising from the development of A/E contract specifications tailored to the unique requirements
of the Department’s overseas construction and maintenance program; to advise on and interpret
complex specifications to fit unique situations; and to anticipate, investigate, evaluate, and resolve
design and engineering problems and conditions affecting the quality, scheduling, budgeting, or
progress of work performed in completing projects;
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the mission, functions, and objectives of the Office,
Directorate, Bureau, and Department and the sequence and timing of key program events and
milestones, sufficient to coordinate work efforts and to ensure that work is performed successfully and
in a cost-effective manner and that work efforts are not duplicated.
• Knowledge in United States and international planning, design, and construction principles and
processes, including budget and resource control, cost/benefits analysis, risk management,
scheduling, metrics development and utilization, and analysis to provide authoritative guidance in
these areas and to resolve complex engineering issues arising during the development of A/E
contract specification.
• Familiar with Federal contracting and procurement processes in both the pre- and post-award
environment, in order to advise on, prepare, and interpret complex and highly technical contract
specifications that reflect unique or unusual requirements for facility design, construction, and
maintenance.
• Skill in oral and written communications techniques in order to develop expert assessments and
recommendations on a broad range of architectural, engineering, and contract specification issues,
communicate and exchange complex technical information with both technical and non-technical
personnel, and prepare and present briefings to senior management officials on complex and/or
controversial engineering or acquisition management issues.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment
such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy
machine, and computer printer.
• Expresses or exchanges ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must
convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Frequently moves standard office equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to work indoor conditions 90% of the time.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee
frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evening and weekend hours required, as required by business need.
TRAVEL
• Travel approximately 10-20%
EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 10 years’ experience
• Experience in applying, the theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies of professional
engineering and design sufficient to anticipate, investigate, evaluate, and resolve problems and
issues arising from the development of A/E contract specifications tailored to the unique requirements
of the Department’s overseas construction and maintenance program; to advise on and interpret
complex specifications to fit unique situations; and to anticipate, investigate, evaluate, and resolve
design and engineering problems and conditions affecting the quality, scheduling, budgeting, or
progress of work performed in completing project