Contract Specialist Job

Vacancy No. JDP-12768650-25-JK Department Department of Homeland Security - Agency Wide
Salary $101,401.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 12 to 15
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/23/2025 Close Date 1/23/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Alameda, CAOakland, CAWashington, DCBaltimore, MD


Summary

This assignment is a 1-year non-reimbursable assignment.
DHS HQ MGMT, ICE, TSA, USSS, USCG, FLETC, CBP and FEMA
Contract Specialist
Series Requested: 1102
Security Clearance: Public Trust (Suitability) - Top Secret
In Person Only
Only current, full-time federal employees are eligible.
Resumes are reviewed every 30 days until selection/closing date.
This is a Detail, not a Developmental Rotation.
Supervisory approval form must be signed and submitted with application.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This detail opportunity is for current competitive and excepted service employees only. If you are not a current federal civilian employee you will not be eligible for this position. DHS Joint Duty Assignments do not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.

Duties

Multiple opportunities are available at the following DHS Components.
Management Directorate
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Federal Law Enforcment Training Center (FLETC)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Secret Service (USSS)
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
Transportation Security Agency (TSA)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Assignments will be tailored to the individual's grade and experience level (GS12 through GS15), but may include:
- Leading or supporting all phases of the federal acquisition life cycle, from acquisition planning through contract close-out for complex Information Technology (IT) contracts, construction contracts, and commodities and services buys of significant importance to the Department.
- Developing procurement strategies and acquisition packages, including Statements of Work, Independent Government Cost Estimates, market research, and source selection documentation.
- Conducting cost and price analysis, evaluating proposals, and participating in or leading negotiations.
- Preparing solicitations using a variety of acquisition methods and recommending award decisions in accordance with policy and regulation.
- Performing contract administration, including post-award conferences, performance monitoring, invoice oversight, modifications, and terminations where required.
- Advising program management staff and stakeholders on acquisition best practices and compliance matters.
- Working as an Other Transaction Agreement's Officer with authority to enter, administer, and/or terminate Other Transaction Agreements. Responsible for negotiating agreements that appropriately balance risk, incorporate good business sense, and include safeguards to protect the government's interest.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a current permanent Federal employee
  • Must have supervisory approval to apply to the Joint Duty Assignment. DHS 250-2 Application Form under "required documents" section.
  • Must NOT have any pending/outstanding disciplinary actions
  • Must have achieved a minimum of "meet expectations/proficiency" on latest performance appraisal/evaluation
  • Must be currently at the grade level of the detail. *No Temporary Promotion Opportunity*
  • The program does not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.

Qualifications

Deep understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and federal procurement statutes. Ability to apply appropriate regulations to a variety of procurement actions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage procurement actions independently, including drafting solicitations, negotiations, contract award, and executing modifications using appropriate contracting methods and instruments.
- Skill in conducting cost and price reasonableness, market research, and performance evaluations to support sound business decisions.
- Ability to effectively brief stakeholders and leadership; and communicate with industry partners.
- Ability to resolve procurement challenges through critical thinking, collaboration, and application of sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations.
- Ability to lead or contribute to acquisition teams and build effective relationships with Contracting Officers, Contracting Officer Representatives, Program Management staff, and Legal Advisors.
- Willingness to operate in dynamic, fast-paced acquisition environments, while supporting innovation and mission outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate other transaction agreements that appropriately balance risk, incorporate good business sense, and include safeguards to protect the government's interest

Must hold a current FAC-C (Professional) or DAWIA (Professional) contracting certification.

Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this Joint Duty assignment opportunity announcement. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated based on your resume.Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
  1. Job Title (Include series and grade of Federal Job)
  2. Duties (Be specific in describing your duties)
  3. Name of Federal agency
  4. Supervisor name, email, and phone number
  5. Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.

Additional information

**DHS does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the Federal employee is already receiving.

If the position requires a security clearance, employees must have a Public Trust (suitability) up to a TOP SECRET clearance, position dependent, at selection AND must maintain that level of clearance while performing in the position.

Selected applicants for a JDA are requested to fulfill the items below during the JDA:

  1. Complete the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Progress Plan to include:
    • Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the JDA.
    • Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the JDA.
    • Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the JDA.

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.

Benefits

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.

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.

We will review your resume and the required documents you submiited with your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire based on the competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this Joint Duty Assignment.

If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination will be made. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Note: DHS continues to take necessary steps to keep our workforce safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If you receive a final Joint Duty Assignment offer to onboard, please complete the onboarding requirements and/or forms and submit them electronically in an expeditious manner. Your start date may be delayed if the action above is not completed.

Required Documents

1. Resume: Do not include any personally identifiable information (PII) i.e., home address, social security number, or date of birth. Your resume must clearly demonstrate you have experience which meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section.

2. SF-50: Submit a copy of your official SF-50 (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document which shows the following information:

  1. Your appointment in the Federal service
  2. Tenure
  3. Grade and Step
  4. Full performance level
If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.

3. DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form signed by your supervisor. Please click on the following link to access the required form DHS Form 250-02.

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

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/23/2026 to receive consideration.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents, and complete the questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

DHS Joint Duty Program
Address
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-0170
US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a final JDA offer within 90 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Telework: Telework eligibility is based on the needs of the office and is subject to change.

Additional information pertaining to your interest and availability for this position may be needed after the closing date of the Joint Duty Assignment vacancy announcement; therefore, a timely response to these requests must be adhered to in order to remain in consideration.

Additional Locations

  • Cheltenham, MD 5 vacancies
  • Chesapeake, VA 5 vacancies
  • Norfolk, VA 5 vacancies
  • Portsmouth, VA 5 vacancies
  • Springfield, VA 5 vacancies


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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