Contract Specialist, GS-1102-12/13 DH: (U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)) – Closes 10-14-2026

Published: 7 October 2026
Categories: NSF Jobs

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

This job is open to Help Clarification from the agency

Any U.S. Citizen and ICTAP/CTAP eligible employee. This position is being filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority for Acquisition positions grades GS 11-15. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330, as well as 5 CFR 330.

As a Contract Specialist you will:

Manage the acquisition lifecycle for contracting activities for research, services, and equipment, including pre-award/acquisition planning oversight, post-award administration, and close out. Conduct competitive source selection, including prepare request for proposals, coordinate technical evaluations, and support source selection decisions. Negotiate contract terms and conditions, cost/price, and establish negotiation objectives. Perform and document cost analysis. Advise program staff and stakeholders on procurement planning and contract matters. Apply knowledge of Federal Acquisition

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

Podcast: Could holographic 3D printing be real?

Published: 6 October 2026
Categories: National Science Foundation

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Coordinated action across disciplines can deliver transformative technologies. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researcher Rajesh Menon discusses his work combining optical systems with cutting-edge nanofabrication.

Listen to NSF Discovery Files wherever you get your podcasts.

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

Scientists finally see how nature moves energy so efficiently

Published: 6 October 2026
Categories: Engineering News

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Researchers have captured key steps in a chemical reaction that helps nature transfer energy with remarkable efficiency. Ultrafast X-rays revealed how changes involving electrons and protons are closely linked to the rearrangement of surrounding water molecules. Because similar reactions drive photosynthesis and other energy-conversion processes, the technique could help scientists develop better catalysts, fuel cells, and flow batteries.

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.

Crude oil prices and refinery margins generally increased throughout the third quarter

Published: 5 October 2026
Categories: US Energy Information Administration

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

In-brief analysis

October 5, 2026

Data source: Bloomberg L.P.
Note: 3Q26=third quarter of 2026

Petroleum markets in the third quarter of 2026 (3Q26) were characterized by increasing prices for crude oil and petroleum products amid persistent conflict in the Middle East.

Crude oil prices

Crude oil prices steadily climbed in 3Q26 as markets adjusted to renewed military strikes in the Middle East. The front-month futures price of a barrel of Brent crude oil began the quarter at $72 per barrel (b) on July 1, the lowest since February 26, two days before the start of the war. The low prices at the start of the quarter reflected increased flows through the Strait of Hormuz in June following the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Following the resumption of military strikes on July 7, crude

Click this link to continue reading the article on the source website.