Rail Rate Negotiations Subject Matter Expert - Transportation and Logistics

Job Description

ProSidian Seeks a Rail Rate Negotiations Subject Matter Expert (SME) | Transportation and Logistics [DOENEOST001006] - DPLH Est.: 600 Hrs. ST | 0 Hrs. OT on a Exempt 1099 Contract: No Overtime Pay Technical Element Basis Key Personnel | Analyst 4 Labor Category - High Level Exempt 1099 Contract: No Overtime Pay Professional aligned under services related to NAICS: 541611 - DPLH Est.: 600 Hrs. ST | 0 Hrs. OT (Annually) on a Exempt 1099 Contract: No Overtime Pay Technical Element Basis located CONUS:  Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA Across The Mid Atlantic Region supporting Government agency focused on nuclear energy and waste management.

Seeking Rail Rate Negotiations Subject Matter Expert (SME) candidates with relevant Government And Public Services Sector Experience (functional and technical area expertise also ideal) to support professional services engagement for Government And Public Services Sector Clients such as DOENEOST.  This as a Technical Element or Contract W-2 (IRS-1099) Position and ProSidian reserves the right to convert to a Full-Time ProSidian employed W-2 Position.

JOB OVERVIEW

Provide services and support as a Rail Rate Analysis Support (Consultant) in the Government And Public Services Industry Sector focussing on Risk Management Solutions for clients such as U.S. Department of Energy (DOE | NE-OST) | DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Generally Located In CONUS:  Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA and across the Mid Atlantic Region.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Rail Rate Negotiations Subject Matter Expert (SME) | Transportation and Logistics [DOENEOST001006]

Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Rail Rate Negotiations shall Serve as a consultant and technical expert knowledgeable in the area of rail rate negotiations.   Provide Services and Support for Rail Rate Analysis to support DOE in negotiating rate contracts with rail carriers.  Provide Rail rate analysis concerning rail shipment rates for the transport of spent nuclear fuel and other DOE-managed wastes including high level radioactive waste and associated rolling stock, containers (casks), and equipment.  Rail Rate Analysis subject matter expertise in support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) efforts to negotiate rail shipping rates with commercial railroad carriers. DOE is engaged in ongoing efforts to establish transportation capabilities to facilitate the government’s acceptance of used nuclear fuel at one (1) or more storage facilities. In furtherance of this effort, DOE needs support negotiating with Class I railroads and smaller rail carriers regarding rail shipping rates for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and greater than Class C (GTCC) waste, and other DOE-managed wastes including High Level Waste (HLW) and associated rolling stock and containers (casks). 

The ProSidian Engagement Team will support the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy and Office of General Counsel by conducting rail cost modeling analyses and preparing documentation related to Surface Transportation Board (STB) proceedings and settlement negotiations regarding rate disputes with rail carriers. Their work will focus on evaluating rail shipment rates for spent nuclear fuel (SNF), high-level waste (HLW), and other DOE-managed materials, including associated equipment and containers. ProSidian will provide technical analysis and recommendations to aid the U.S. Government in reaching settlement agreements with Class I and smaller rail carriers, while addressing rate methodologies, service requirements, rate updates, and maximum revenue-to-variable cost ratios. Additionally, ProSidian will assist with STB proceedings by presenting oral and written testimony and incorporating special circumstances into cost models. However, ProSidian will not lead or negotiate contracts for near-term rail services; this will be managed by the U.S. Government. The settlements will be applicable to both current and future transportation activities for various origin-destination pairs, and ProSidian's consultants and experts will provide essential technical expertise throughout the process. 

Rail Rate Analysis typically falls under the Transportation and Logistics functional area, often intersecting with Supply Chain Management, Regulatory Compliance, and Economic Analysis. It involves analyzing rail freight costs, negotiating rates, and understanding the economic and regulatory frameworks governing rail transportation, particularly for industries requiring the shipment of bulk goods, hazardous materials, or other specialized freight. This area may also involve expertise in Contract Management and Rate Negotiation for transportation services.

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications For Rail Rate Negotiations Subject Matter Expert (SME) | Transportation and Logistics (DOENEOST001006) Candidates:

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Rail Rate Negotiations, who will play a critical role in supporting the ProSidian Engagement Team in negotiations for rail shipping rates related to radioactive material transport for the DOE and DoD.  This role will require the SME to support rail shipping rate negotiations for the transport of radioactive materials, focusing on ensuring compliance with federal requirements and optimizing rate outcomes for the government.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Extensive experience analyzing rail shipping rates for transport contracts across the U.S.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field, or comparable work experience in rail rate calculation, analysis, and/or rail rate and service negotiations.
• Experience working with federal agencies on rail carrier concerns especially relating to the shipment of radioactive materials by rail. A strong knowledge of the railroad industry is required.
• Strong knowledge of Surface Transportation Board Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS), especially maximum reasonable rate tests and how the maximum reasonable rate is calculated.
• Experience with court and arbitration proceedings concerning rate adjustment procedures, the level of rates, rail operating procedures and other economic components of specific contracts.
• Experience in development of variable costs of service calculations, implementation of maximum rate principles, contract interpretation, economic principles concerning the maximum level of rates, rail traffic and operating patterns, and calculation of reparations or damages, including interest.

Education / Experience Requirements / Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field such as economics, logistics, transportation, or engineering.
• Equivalent work experience may substitute for formal education, particularly in areas like rail rate calculation, analysis, and rail service negotiations.

EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in analyzing rail shipping rates, with a focus on transport contracts across the U.S.
• Proven experience working with federal agencies (such as the DOE and DoD) on rail carrier concerns, especially relating to the shipment of radioactive materials.
• Strong knowledge of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS), with a deep understanding of maximum reasonable rate tests and the calculation of these rates.
• Experience in court or arbitration proceedings regarding rate adjustment procedures, contract rates, rail operations, and the economic elements of transport contracts.
• Proficiency in developing variable cost models, interpreting transportation contracts, implementing maximum rate principles, and analyzing rail traffic and operating patterns.
• Experience calculating reparations or damages, including interest, as part of rate disputes.

SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:

The SME-Rail Rate Negotiations Expert will be responsible for assisting the government in obtaining favorable rates for current and future U.S. Department of Energy and joint U.S. Department of Energy/U.S. Department of Defense shipments of radioactive materials. This includes shipments to a federal interim storage facility and/or federal permanent geologic repository. To accomplish this, the SME Rail Rate Negotiations Expert must have exceptional experience understanding rail rate charge structures and calculation models and methods. Understanding of rail carrier economics and concerns regarding the sensitive issue of shipping radioactive materials will be necessary to successfully accomplish this task.

• Strong analytical skills to understand rail rate charge structures, calculation models, and methods.
• In-depth understanding of rail carrier economics and concerns related to transporting radioactive materials.
• Expertise in negotiating favorable rail shipping rates and assisting with settlement agreement negotiations.
• Strong communication skills for working with government agencies and presenting findings during negotiations or meetings.
• Proficiency in modeling and analyzing rail rates, especially in sensitive transport sectors like radioactive materials.       

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

• This Work requires no security considerations; however, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)/ Conflict of Interest (COI) form will be required upon award.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY, AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

• This Work consists of modeling and analyzing rail carrier rates for shipment of spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste, and associated railcars and shipping equipment, and will only include settlement agreement negotiations and meetings. Because of this, there are no Environmental, Safety and Health Considerations.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (This employer participates in the e-Verify program).  Proficient with Microsoft Office Products (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, & Adobe)

- Ancillary Details Of The Roles:  Employees are subject to regulatory and mandatory training requirements. These requirements will change for individuals based on their job duties or position assignment.

- Standard Skills Required: Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools. | Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills for effective team management. | Outstanding time management and prioritization abilities to meet project milestones. | Adaptability to changing project requirements and priorities | Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail. | Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills | Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

- EEO Statement: We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow.  We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment.  We provide career opportunities spanning various disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build, and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients.

- Ful Time Regular VISA Sponsorship: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e., H-1B or TN Visas for this position.  U.S.  Citizenship Required - You must be a United States Citizen

- Background Check And Drug testing: ProSidian reserves the right to require background checks, including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions.  In addition, ProSidian may conduct drug testing for designated positions.

Other Details

• Work products shall be thorough, accurate, appropriately documented, and comply with established criteria. All employees, in the performance of their respective responsibilities, shall conduct themselves in the highest possible standards of ethical and business conduct.  The candidate shall ensure that duties are performed in a competent and professional manner that meets milestones/delivery schedules as outlined.

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Additional Information

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork – ability to foster teamwork collaboratively as a participant, and effectively as a team leader
• Leadership – ability to guide and lead colleagues on projects and initiatives
• Business Acumen – understanding and insight into how organizations perform, including business processes, data, systems, and people
• Communication – ability to effectively communicate to stakeholders of all levels orally and in writing
• Motivation – persistent in pursuit of quality and optimal client and company solutions
• Agility – ability to quickly understand and transition between different projects, concepts, initiatives, or work streams
• Judgment – exercises prudence and insight in decision-making process while mindful of other stakeholders and long-term ramifications
• Organization – ability to manage projects and activity, and prioritize tasks

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Business Tools – understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office. The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
• Business Tools – understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office. The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, and proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytic tools, and Visio with the ability to quickly learn other tools as necessary.
• Commitment - to work with smart, interesting people with diverse backgrounds to solve the biggest challenges across private, public, and social sectors
• Curiosity – the ideal candidate exhibits an inquisitive nature and the ability to question the status quo among a community of people they enjoy and teams that work well together
• Humility – exhibits grace in success and failure while doing meaningful work where skills have an impact and make a difference
• Willingness - to constantly learn, share, and grow and to view the world as their classroom

Risk Management | Compliance | Business Processes | IT Effectiveness | Engineering | Environmental | Sustainability | Human Capital