Contract Specialist - DoD Post Secondary DHA - Recent Grad Job in Scott AFB, IL

Vacancy No. PSDHA-DISA-12908945-26AB Department Defense Information Systems Agency
Salary $41,769.00 to $82,279.00 Grade 5 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/24/2026 Close Date 3/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Scott AFB, IL


Summary

This position is being filled under the Post Secondary Direct Hire Authority for Recent Grads for the Department of Defense using PL 118-31 SEC. 1116.

Veterans Preference: Veterans preference does not apply under this Direct-Hire Authority (DHA).

This position is located in Defense Information Systems Agency - PS822

This job is open to

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

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

Who may apply: Individuals who have graduated from an accredited education institute or certificate program within the last 2 years, or 6 years for Veterans

Duties

  • Prepares Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and/or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for IT products and services.
  • Assists in planning negotiation strategy, contracting price evaluation, and upon completion of negotiations, assure contract file in in proper order.
  • Prepares a narrative of the procurement actions and prepare contractual documents for the Contracting Officers signature.
  • Reviews various contract processes in order to identify risks and to notify Contracting Officer or supervisor to resolve the problem.
  • Researches applicable contract provisions.

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).
  • This is a covered position and the person selected for this position must complete an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment pursuant to 5 CFR 2634.903(b) (DoD 5500.7).
  • A trial or probationary period may be required in accordance with agency policy

Qualifications

Who May Apply: To be eligible for consideration you must meet the definition as defined below:

Recent Graduate: a person who was awarded a degree by an institution of higher education (a public or other non-profit institution) within the previous two years OR expect to be awarded a degree by an institution of higher education (a public or other non-profit institution) within the time frame outlined within the vacancy announcement OR completed a period of obligated service in a uniformed service of more than four years and was awarded a degree by an institution of higher education (a public or other non-profit institution) within the previous four years.

In addition to the Eligibility Requirement, you must also meet the Basic Education Requirement for positions in the 1102 series:

A - You must have completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field;

Or

B - 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.
You must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited education institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

Or

Education Exemptions: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD 1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current DoD employees or Armed Forces members, 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. Failure to provide SF-50 or career brief (for Armed Forces members) dated prior to October 1, 2000 will result in disqualification (this includes DISA employees).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.


In addition to both education requirements above, you will also need to meet the Specialized Experience below;

  • For the GS-05, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable in difficulty and responsibility to GS-04 if outside the Federal service, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: assisting in reviewing routine documentation in support of contracts or other related business arrangements.
  • For the GS-07, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable in difficulty and responsibility to GS-05 if outside the Federal service, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: interpreting regulations; and drafting routine documentation in support of contracts or other related business arrangements.
  • 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, or comparable in difficulty and responsibility to GS-07 if outside the Federal service, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: reviewing contracts or other business agreements and/or analyzing pricing arrangements.
This position requires a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. (You MUST submit transcripts or proof of education to verify your claim)

Time in Grade:
For entry at the GS-05 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-04 or higher grade in the Federal Service.
For entry at the GS-07 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-05 or higher grade in the Federal Service.
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.


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.

Transcripts are (Required) - and will render an ineligible rating if not submitted. Also, you are required to provide proof of degree conferral prior to appointment.

Veterans - DD-214 are required, and will render an ineligible rating if not submitted.

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

Education

All applicants must provide a copy of your transcripts. Failure to provide this information will result in disqualification.

  • For the GS-05 Position, you may substitute education for specialized experience: You must have completed all of the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • For the GS-07 Position, you may substitute education for specialized experience: You must have completed 1 full academic year of graduate education or law school or superior academic achievement.
  • For the GS-09 Position, you may substitute education for specialized experience: You must have completed two full years of progressively higher level graduate education, Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
(You MUST submit transcripts to verify your claim).
  • One full year of graduate education is the number of hours the school determines to equal one year. If this information is unavailable, 18 semester hours will be used as the standard. (You MUST submit transcripts or proof of education to verify your claim).
  • Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. Bachelors degree required or a senior in college can apply with certain considerations (please use link to OPM to determine if you qualify)
    • Class standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
    • Grade Point Average (GPA) -
      • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
      • 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
    • Election to membership in specific National Scholastic Honor Societies.
      • Additional information on S.A.A. and/or which Honor Societies are recognized click on the link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications Standards: Superior Academic Achievement
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.

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are 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.
  • Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a I-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • 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.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives MAY be authorized. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
  • This is a covered position and the person selected for this position must complete an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment pursuant to 5 CFR 2634.903(b) (DoD 5500.7).
  • 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 (unless prorated) from the time they are appointed to an Acquisition Workforce position, both while working toward and after obtaining the required Certification.
  • The incumbent must obtain Acquisition certification in the Contracting Functional Area at the Contracting Professional Functional Tier within 36 months 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 (unless prorated) from the time they are appointed to an Acquisition Workforce position, both while working toward and after obtaining the required certification
  • For more information on veterans' preference click here.
  • 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.
  • The Department of Defense (DoD) policy on employment of annuitants issued March 18, 2004 will be used in determining eligibility of annuitants.
  • For more information regarding qualifications requirements please click here.
  • You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.
  • 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.

Competencies

  • Contracting/Procurement,
  • Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning,
  • Attention to Detail,
  • Customer Service,
  • Flexibility,
  • Influencing/Negotiating,
  • Integrity/Honesty,
  • Interpersonal Skills,
  • Learning, Reading
  • Comprehension,
  • Self-Management,
  • Stress Tolerance,
  • Teamwork


The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:
  • Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12908945

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 AS THEY APPLY STATED BELOW AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. NOT ALL DOCUMENTS WILL APPLY TO EVERYONE.

  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/ . Learn more about the new resume requirements
  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 (Notification of Personnel Action) 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 (if applicable):
  6. You must submit a copy of your DD Form-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 Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) 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.
Your complete Application Package (containing the above required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 03/30/2026 .

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on03/30/2026 , 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