Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Be a U.S. citizen or national.
- Meet minimum age requirement. See Additional Information.
- Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
- May be subject to successful verification of identity and employment eligibility through E-Verify. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
- May be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as required. New federal employees will be fingerprinted.
- Be able to obtain and maintain clearance eligibility based on the appropriate background investigation.
- May be subject to a probationary/trial period.
- Direct deposit of pay is required.
- Meet the physical requirements listed in the Qualifications section.
Qualifications
To Qualify for a Contracting Specialist at the GS-12 Level your resume and supporting documentation must support:
In accordance with the Individual Occupational Requirement for the Contracting, 1102 series, and http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1100/1102.htm,
To qualify for the GS-12 position, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level grade. Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this level.
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
- Gathering, analyzing and recording contractors past performance information.
- Interpreting contract provisions for contractors and for officials of the agency, and providing appropriate advice and guidance, and negotiating contract modifications.
- Reviewing requests for procurement of complex items, analyzing the requirement, determining the most suitable method of acquisition, developing acquisition plans, and associated documentation.
- Preparing termination notices, reviewing settlement proposals, negotiating settlement actions, and recommending decision on claims.
AND
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Applicants must possess one or a combination of the following: A. A 4-year course of study with a conferred bachelor's degree with a major in any field that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
B. Exceptions - The qualification requirements imposed by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to an employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces who:
1. Served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on or before September 30, 2000.
2. Served, on or before September 30, 2000, in a position either as an employee in the GS-1102 series or as a member of the Armed Forces in a similar occupational specialty.
3. Is in the contingency contracting force.
4. Is described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
C. Waiver - The Secretary of Defense may waive any or all of the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) with respect to an employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces if the Secretary determines that the individual possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated job performance and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this subsection, the Secretary shall set forth in a written document the rationale for the decision of the Secretary to waive such requirements.
NOTE: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD 1102 positions on or after September 30, 2000. Current members of the armed forces (that self-nominate prior to retirement/separation), and current DoD employees are exempt from the basic requirements if:
1. Served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on or before September 30, 2000.
2. Served, on or before September 30, 2000, in a position as either an employee in the GS-1102 series or as a member of the Armed Forces in a similar occupational specialty.
3. Is in the contingency contracting force.
4. Is described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
If you are using education to meet this individual occupational requirement, transcripts must be provided. Failure to provide transcripts will result in an ineligibility rating for this position. We accept unofficial transcripts as long as they contain the applicant's name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned. Transcripts must be received in this office by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of the announcement in order to be considered.
This education must be from an accredited college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ (http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/) for more information.
Time-in-grade applies to the promotion of current and former federal employees who hold or have held a permanent GS position in either the competitive or excepted service in the previous 52 weeks, including current employees applying under VEOA. Your application package must contain proof you meet this requirement. See Required Documents for more information.
For GS-12: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-11.
Time after competitive appointment. Current federal civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since being selected for a non-temporary appointment from a competitive examination register of eligibles (an announcement opened to the public) or under a direct hire authority.
This position is located in the Acquisition Management Directorate.
This position requires Acquisition Workforce Level II certification in contracting. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 18 to 24 months after entry into this position, depending on the entry level grade at hiring.
This is an Acquisition Workforce position in DAWIA Career Field/Position Category K (Contracting). Mandatory and desirable DAWIA career field requirements will be used during the rating process.
Position requires access to or control over private/sensitive but unclassified, controlled unclassified information and requires access to ADP IT Level II systems, therefore incumbent must obtain and maintain security clearance eligibility based on appropriate background investigation.
The assessments for this job will measure the following Competencies:
- Communication
- Contract Administration
- Contract Performance Management
- Contract Termination
- Contracting/Procurement
- Minimum Education Requirement (IOR)
Overtime: Occasional
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Bargaining Unit Status: Covered
Obligated Position: No
Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No.
DoD criteria not met.
PCS Authorized: No.
Telework eligible: Yes, Telework is at discretion of supervisor/Agency.
Remote work eligible: No.
Education
You may not use education to qualify for this position.
Transcripts. REQUIRED when using education to meet qualifications or when education is required.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
Additional information
Executive Order 12564 requires a federal workplace to be free of illegal drugs and prohibits the use of illegal drugs both on and off duty by federal employees. As a reminder, marijuana is still classified as an illegal drug by the Federal government and is prohibited for use by Federal employees even if such use is legal in the state where the Federal employee resides and/or works. The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service.
- The display of a salary range on this announcement does not suggest or convey an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. Upon first appointment to a civilian position in the Federal government, you are entitled only to the lowest step (Step 1) of the grade for which selected.
- The minimum age requirement is generally 18 years. Employing those under 18 may be possible under certain circumstances. If under 18 years of age, ensure you provide documentation showing how you are eligible.
- Applicants with financial difficulty are not automatically removed from consideration.
- Selectees are required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Retired military service members cannot be appointed to a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian position within 180 days of their retirement date. 5 United States Code 3326.
The following may result in a rating of ineligible. Ineligible applicants receive no consideration.
- Not selecting an eligibility.
- Submitting an incomplete application package may result in your not being considered for this position. Your resume must reflect that you are either Part-Time with the number of hours listed, Full Time, or 40 hours per week as your work schedule. If you fail to provide this information in your resume, your resume will be considered as incomplete.
- Submitting encrypted documents or uploading Adobe portfolio documents.
- Submitting any document that contains a photo or image of you.
- Including social media links, inappropriate material or content, classified or government sensitive information, or personal information such as age, gender, race, religion, or social security number on your resume.
- Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials.
- Deliberately attempting to falsify your application information, such as copying portions of this announcement into your resume.
Appointment Eligibility Criteria. You choose how you wish to be considered for this position by selecting one or more of the eligibilities listed in the Assessment Questionnaire
AND providing the supporting documents for the selected eligibility/eligibilities. Required documents are listed in the eligibility description.
You are responsible for providing the documents required to prove you can be considered for the selected eligibility/eligibilities.
HR does not select or change your eligibility/eligibilities for you, regardless of the supporting documents you submit. You are considered ONLY for the eligibility or eligibilities you select and for which you provide all required supporting documents.
You will not be considered if you do not select an eligibility.
If you have questions about which eligibility/eligibilities apply to you, contact the HR POC listed on this announcement.
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.
HR reviews your resume and supporting documents to determine if you meet the qualifications and requirements, and to determine if you meet the eligibility/eligibilities you selected. Your questionnaire score is a preliminary measure of how well your background matches the competencies. If you submit multiple resumes, the last one received is used for this evaluation and sent to the hiring manager if you are referred for selection consideration.
At a minimum, your resume MUST contain your name, address, and contact information, and the following for each listed job experience: Job title; Series and grade, if it is a federal civilian position; Employer's name and address; Employment beginning and ending dates (Month/Year); Number of hours worked per week, and Description of duties performed. DO NOT send a list of competencies or skills in place of a description of the duties performed.
HR refers qualified and appointable applicants to the hiring manager for selection consideration In accordance with DeCA's Merit Promotion Plan. Selections are subject to restrictions of the DoD referral system for displaced employees.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria AND 2) be rated well-qualified for the position AND 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. Well-qualified means you possess the type and quality of experience that exceeds the position's minimum qualifications.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the (RGP) eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the (PPP DoD MRNG) eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) (PPP MSP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the(MSP) (PPP MSP) eligibility. If you are claiming MSP (PPP MSP) and are determined to be Best Qualified for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.
Appointment of Department of Defense Spouses (NonComp Civ Sp): In order to use this eligibility, you must be the spouse of a current Department of Defense, Department of State, or intelligence community employee who is being transferred in the interest of the Government from one official station within the Department to another within the Department for permanent duty. You are required to submit proof of marriage AND permanent change of station (PCS) orders: spouse's PCS orders (showing you as a dependent) and/or copy of marriage certificate. If you are a current or previous Federal employee, please include your most recent SF-50.
Required Documents
Resume: IMPORTANT UPDATE: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? Page margins should be 0.5 inches, font styles must be legible, and consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text. The resume must not be more than 5MB and should be saved and uploaded as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages.
Questionnaire. Preview at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12935506.
PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DODCustomersRequiredSupportingDocumentation.pdf
SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action. All current and former federal civilian employees submit
- A copy of your most recent SF 50 showing your current position title, pay plan-series-grade, tenure and position occupied and
- When applying for a promotion (higher grade than you currently hold), you must also submit an SF 50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements. Examples of appropriate SF50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old. You may need to submit more than one SF 50 to show you meet this requirement.
To obtain copies of your SF 50s, all current Department of Defense (DoD) employees can access
MyBiz, current federal non-DoD employees can access their eOPF, current employees receiving HR servicing from DLA can access
eOPF, and former civilian employees can request a copy from the
National Archives.
VEOA eligibility: You must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other acceptable documentation. The member 4 copy is preferred as it contains key information necessary to adjudicate your claimed preference. DD-214 Worksheets are not acceptable documentation, nor are other than a member 4 copy to which a member 4 Character of Service section is added. Contact the
National Archives or your military personnel records center to request a copy of your DD-214.
- Current active duty armed forces personnel within 120 days of separation must submit written documentation from the armed forces certifying that the service member is expected to be separated from active duty service not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The document must include the following information: (1) service member's name, (2) date of the expected separation from active duty, (3) expected character of the active duty service at separation, (4) pay grade/rank/rate at separation, (5) dates of active duty service, and (6) any campaign or expeditionary medals received. You must submit the DD-214 when it becomes available.
ICTAP eligibility: Submit (1) a copy of your agency specific ICTAP eligibility notice or a copy of your separation personnel action form and(2) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and(3) a copy of your most recent SF 50 or agency notification of personnel action showing your current position, grade level, and duty location. Separation personnel actions do not include a certificate/notice of expected separation.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP) eligibility: 1. Submit a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist
DD3145-1 (whs.mil. 2. a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibility, and fill out and submit the
Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.
Military Spouse Preference: Submit (1) the
Self-Certification Checklist and(2) proof of marriage to the military service member (e.g., marriage certificate, marriage license), and(3) a copy of the military service member's PCS orders.
Performance Appraisal (Optional). Current and former federal civilian employees, including those of the employing agency, are encouraged to include a copy of their most recent rating of record. Hiring managers may consider performance appraisals in the selection process.
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.