Contract Specialist Job in Fort Belvoir, VA

Vacancy No. DTRA-25-12790512-MP Department Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Salary $142,488.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/27/2025 Close Date 9/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Fort Belvoir, VA


Summary

This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. This is an Acquisition Workforce position in the Contracting functional area. The incumbent will be required to become certified in the professional tier within 3 years. The incumbent is required to acquire a minimum of 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every fiscal year as a goal and 80 CLPs being mandatory within 2 years.

Duties

As a Contract Specialist at the GS-1102-14 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Serves as Contracting Officer with unlimited signatory authority for a significant system or program. The programs require a diverse type of contract support, distinguished by all contract types, the aggregate value of which is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • Serves as team leader with full responsibility for the technical management of the work of a team of Contract Specialists whose journeyman level is GS-13. Acts as a technical expert on contractual and business matters for the team and provides advice relative to developing and executing acquisition strategy, including using appropriate contract types, source selection advisory information, cost and pricing issues and use of appropriate contract clauses. Reviews completed work to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory guidance and the quality of work products.
  • Distributes and balances workload among employees of the team comprised of entry level through GS-13 personnel. Ensures workload assignments are carried out by performing periodic reviews with each of the team members, thereby monitoring the progress of work, and mentoring/developing more junior employees. Reports on the performance, progress, training needs, and behavioral problems of team members, relaying information and recommending action regarding the personnel needs to the supervisor.
  • Directs the full range of contract administration actions required for the acquisition program, including the issuance of contract modifications, negotiation changes, exercise of options, investigation and resolution of contractor delays, contractor performance appraisal, subcontractor surveillance, disposition of claims, and similar matters. Plans, develops, implements, maintains, and administers all contractual aspects of the acquisition program to develop innovative contractual language, terms and conditions. Conducts negotiations for the acquisition of a system or programs. Directs and performs post-award negotiations involving contract changes or modifications.
  • Meets with customers on a regular basis to ensure customer needs are recognized and sufficient acquisition planning takes place. Strives to improve productivity and the quality of work products, exercises oversight in order to preclude instances of fraud, waste, and abuse, taking appropriate action should any be found. Promotes competition under the Competition in Contracting Act and endeavors to meet all socioeconomic goals assigned. Provides broad administrative policy direction as it relates to overall accomplishment of DTRA, Federal, and DoD contracting laws and regulations.
  • Develops alternatives to produce best value supplies and services, as well as manages all aspects of the life-cycle of a contract or other vehicle (such as orders, basic ordering agreements). Develops and/or applies statutory and policy procurement-related requirements, supports attainment of government socioeconomic objectives, conducts market research, acquisition planning, cost and price analysis, solicitation and selection of sources, preparation, negotiation, and award of contracts through various methods. Responsible for the procurement of supplies, services, construction or research and development using formal advertising or negotiation procedures, the evaluation of contract price proposals, and the administration or termination and close out of contracts.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Incumbent is required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form, OGE 450
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is (Situational) telework eligible
  • This is a drug testing position
  • Security Requirements: S (Secret)
  • Must have completed all contracting courses required for a contracting officer for positions at the level and grade at which the person is serving. Certification at this level is sufficient to meet this standard.
  • Must have at least two years of experience in contracting positions

Qualifications

This position has a Basic Requirement for the1102: 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 GG-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel in DoD who occupied GG-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 (SF-50s must be provided to show applicant is a current 1102 and has been in this series since October 1, 2000 if using this exception). Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GG/GS (or equivalent)-1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirement.

*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Department of Defense's basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/DoD_Qualification_Standard_For_GS-1102.pdf for DoD qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by You may qualify at the GS-14, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Developing alternatives and execute procurement instruments for acquiring supplies and services
  • Manage all aspects of the life cycle of a contract or other vehicle ( e.g. orders, basic ordering agreements, etc.)
  • Perform all phases of contract administration to include property management, and terminate or close out of contracts, contracting methods, negotiation techniques and contract types sufficient to perform pre-award, post-award, and price/cost analysis functions to procure complex and/or diversified supplies and services.
  • Providing expert consultation services to Management concerning acquisition planning, development, and progress. Developing local policies and procedures for a wide range of contracting actions.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • Advanced Cost and/or Price Analysis
  • Conflict Management
  • Contract Management
  • Contracting and Acquisition
  • Contracting/Procurement

Education

This position has a Basic Requirement for the 1102 series.

  • Unless you meet one of the exemptions (as described in the qualifications section of this announcement), transcripts MUST be provided.
  • We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the lists of classes and credits earned.
**Failure to provide transcripts may result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Foreign Education: For further information, click on the following link: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: 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; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.

For more information, please visit
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

CRITICAL ACQUISITION POSITION (CAP). Selectee for this position will be required to sign a written agreement to remain, for a minimum of three years, in the federal service in this critical acquisition position.

ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires a Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Contracting, Foundational level. Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 36 months after entry into this position. For information regarding the DAWIA Back to Basics please visit: Home (dau.edu) or Back to Basics - Helpful Resources (dau.edu)

  • DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Contracting, Foundational certification within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.

Re-employed Annuitant: This position Does/Does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at:
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).

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.

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, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Competencies:

  • Advanced Cost and/or Price Analysis
  • Conflict Management
  • Contract Management
  • Contracting and Acquisition
  • Contracting/Procurement


Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (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. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); 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.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc...). Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED
1. Your resume:

  • Your resume may be submitted on any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., "HRS per week and month/year to month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
  • For additional information see: What to include in your resume
2. Transcripts:
  • This position has a degree or education requirement so you are required to submit a copy of your transcript
  • College transcript (s), required if qualifying based on education. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned.
3. SF50
  • All current and former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your MOST RECENT SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.
4. Veteran's Documents:
  • If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents: DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
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
If you are claiming Military Spouse Preference, you must submit supporting documents with your application package. These documents must provide acceptable information to verify: you reside within the commuting area of your sponsor's permanent duty station (PDS); proof of marriage to the active duty sponsor, proof of military member's active duty status, and other documentation required by the vacancy announcement to which you are applying; and must meet all pre-employment criteria and be eligible for immediate noncompetitive appointment to a position in the competitive service. Documentation required: Marriage Certificate or License, Signed Self-Certification Checklist, Veterans' Preference documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, Statement of Service, if applicable), Transcripts (if applicable). Additional documentation required if previously held a federal position: SF-50s (e.g., LWOP, highest grade held, overseas appointments, etc.), SF-75 Information, and documentation of performance rating of record (dated within the last 12 months)

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 complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, 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 Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12790512.

Agency contact information

DTRA Servicing Team
Phone
614-692-0259
Fax
(215) 516-6068
Email
DHRC-DDTRAHR@dla.mil
Address
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD
MSC 6201
FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter. All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.


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


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