Contract Specialist

What you would do

• Negotiate contract changes, costs, and termination settlements with contractors.
• Plan and negotiate complex purchases of supplies, IT, services, equipment, or construction.
• Prepare acquisition plans, including statements of work, budgets, and schedules.
• Guide technical evaluation teams on proper evaluation methods for each purchase.
• Evaluate contractor claims, resolve disputes, and interpret contract terms for officials.

Do you qualify for GS-11 to GS-12?

With experience: You need at least 1 year of specialized experience equal to the GS-11 level to qualify for GS-11, or equal to the GS-11 level for GS-12 as well. The experience must include contract administration using formal advertising or negotiation, price or cost analysis, reviewing vendor proposals, applying procurement rules, and building Microsoft Office materials for acquisition meetings.

With education: A 4-year bachelor's degree in any major, or at least 24 semester hours in fields like accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, or management. Applicants with Superior Academic Achievement qualify for GS-7. For GS-11, a doctoral degree, 3 years of full-time graduate study toward one, or a related LL.M. can replace specialized experience. The school must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized body.

Licenses and certifications you need:

• FAC-C (Professional) certification from FAI or DAWIA, or eligibility for it
• Or the ability to earn FAC-C certification within 12 months of appointment

How to apply well

What to send:

• Resume of no more than 2 pages with name, email, work schedule, and hours per week
• Resume dates (month/year) and duties for each job, plus pay plan, series, and grade for federal jobs
• Unofficial transcripts if you use education to qualify
• Copy of your FAC-C certification
• Veterans' preference proof, such as DD-214, if you claim it
• Optional: cover letter and most recent performance appraisal

How you will be rated: Your resume is checked against the required qualifications, then rated on competencies like knowledge of contract types, acquisition planning, clear writing, communication, and problem solving. A Subject Matter Expert reviews your application, and some applicants may be asked for writing or work samples. Missing required documents or information can lead to an ineligible rating or loss of consideration.

Tips for this job:

• Show the month and year for each job, plus your weekly hours, on your resume.
• Attach a copy of your FAC-C certification or note your eligibility and source (FAI or DAWIA).
• Apply early, since the job may close after 100 applications.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time, permanent position.

Incentives and relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Conditions of employment:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Employer uses the e-Verify program
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Pass a pre-employment background investigation
• Must be suitable for federal employment
• May be required to complete a probationary period

Job details

Salary

$85,447 – $133,138 per year

Pay scale and grade

GS-11 to GS-12 · General Schedule

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Appointment

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Competitive

Openings

2

Security clearance

Other

Travel

Occasional travel

Drug test

Not required

Supervisory

No

Occupation

Contracting (1102)

Announcement

NGA-26-269-DHA