CONTRACT SPECIALIST Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. DISA-12908586-26AM Department Defense Information Systems Agency
Salary $70,623.00 to $133,142.00 Grade 9 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/26/2026 Close Date 4/2/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Summary

This position is located in Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) - PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIRECTORATE (PSD-PS6)

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current Federal Career/Career-Conditional employees, Current Federal VRA employees, eligible DoD Cyber Excepted Service Employees, Reinstatement eligible, Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) and eligible DoD PPP Military Spouses, eligible PPP applicants.

Duties

  • Performs a wide range of contracting procedures, methods and contract types, including competitive proposals, fixed price, and cost-type contracts.
  • Formulates negotiation techniques to serve as a team leader over engineers, attorneys, industrial security specialist, contractors and/or cost analysts in the negotiation and settlement action.
  • Responsible for IT Products, systems and services being acquired, related business practices, and prevailing market conditions sufficient to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility and performance.
  • Utilizes price/cost analysis techniques to evaluate contractor proposals, develop complex non-contractual pricing arrangements and incentives.
  • Skill in written communications sufficient to present factual information, develop and issue memoranda, minutes, reports, complex modifications, supplemental agreements, draft contract provisions, supporting documents and other materials.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S.Citizen.
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
  • Obtain/Maintain Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Certification (DAWIA).

Qualifications

Basic Education Standards for positions in the 1102 series:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

NOTE: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000 are exempt from meeting this requirement. Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirement.

Transcripts are required at the time of application.

Time in Grade:
For entry at the GS-09 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-07 or higher grade in the Federal Service.
For entry at the GS-11 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-09 or higher grade in the Federal Service.
For entry at the GS-12 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-11 or higher grade in the Federal Service.

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements, qualified applicants must also possess the quality of experience as it relates to how closely or to what extent an applicant's background, recency of experience, education, and training are relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the announced position. Candidates must clearly demonstrate the possession of knowledge, skills and abilities, or competencies necessary to successfully perform the work of the position at the appropriate level to be qualified for the position. Applicants must describe how their experience meets the competencies within the body of the resume. No separate statements addressing KSA's or competencies are required.

Specialized Experience:

For the GS-09, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal Service, Military, or Private Sector.

Your resume MUST demonstrate experience assisting with pre-award or post-award procurement functions OR Performing price or cost analysis to support contract actions OR Drafting procurement documentation (such as market research reports or performance work statements).

For the GS-11, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal Service, Military, or Private Sector.

Your resume MUST demonstrate experience awarding or administering contracts OR performing price or cost analysis to evaluate proposals.

For the GS-12, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service, Military, or Private Sector.

Your resume MUST demonstrate experience planning and soliciting requirements for federal contracts; evaluating proposals against solicitation requirements; negotiating contract terms and conditions; and awarding and administering contracts.

Candidates must describe how their experience meets the specialized experience requirement within the body of their resume.

Competencies:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Decision Making
  • Reasoning

Qualification and time-in-grade requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Basic Education Standards for positions in the 1102 series:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE AT GS-09 LEVEL: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or Master's or equivalent graduate degree such as LL.B. or J.D., may be substituted to meet the experience requirement.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE AT GS-11 LEVEL: Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Additional information

  • A one year probationary or trial period may be required.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • Individuals tentatively selected for drug testing designated positions at the Defense Information Systems Agency will be required to submit to urinalysis for illegal drugs prior to appointment or placement.
  • Management has the prerogative to select at either grade level.
  • This recruitment provides promotion opportunity to target position without further competition when selectee is eligible and recommended by management. However, promotion is not guaranteed, and no promise of a promotion is implied.
  • Moving costs MAY be paid.
  • Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives MAY be authorized.
  • The incumbent is required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement (FDS), OGE-450 Executive Branch Confidential FDS, upon entering the position and annually thereafter, in accordance with DoD 5500.07-R, Joint Ethics Regulation (JER).
  • Contracting Foundational/Professional: Selectee must have their Contracting Professional Certification (or be eligible for certification within 36 months of appointment) of entry into this position, in accordance with DoD Instruction 5000.66, Defense Acquisition Workforce Education, Training, Experience, and Career Development Program. The incumbent must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two years in accordance with the 4th Estate Director for Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Common Continuous Learning Cycle from the time they are appointed to an Acquisition Workforce position, both while working toward and after obtaining the required certification. https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (to verify your registration status click here).
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
  • Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments (CBA), you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire CBA and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CBA. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire CBA, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire CBA, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a RA for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information
  • This position is subject to the limitations imposed by the DOD Priority Placement Program.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12908586

Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil

Required Documents

FOR THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED:

  1. Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two-page resume requirement may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ .
  2. Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
  3. Transcripts (Required) - This position has positive education requirements; you must submit all of your transcripts; this includes current Agency employees. The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating.
  4. SF-50 - Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.
  5. Veterans Preference Documentation:
  • You must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active-duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD-214, you must submit a written documentation from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active-duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.
  • If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
  • If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
  1. ICTAP Eligible- A copy of the RIF separation and SF50.
  2. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the MSP PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/
  3. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible and Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible:
  • MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the MR and NG Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for MR and NG Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the MR and NG Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.12
  • Retained Grade (RG) PPP Eligible: RG PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the RG PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for RG preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the RG PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Your complete Application Package (containing the above required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 04/02/2026 .

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on04/02/2026 , or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

  1. Your Resume
  • Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); and full- time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). Read more about what should I include in my federal resume here.
  • DO NOT include the following information: Classified or government sensitive information; Social Security Number; Photos of yourself; Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.; or encrypted and digitally signed documents. Read more about what should I leave out of my resume here.
  1. A complete Assessment Questionnaire
  2. Other required supporting documents: (SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS)
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
  2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
  3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Phone
(317) 212-0454
Email
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil
Address
DISA - MSO/PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIRECTORATE
2300 East Drive Bldg 3600
Scott AFB, IL 62225
US

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation
(317) 212-0454
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil