Contracting Specialist (COPPER CAP INTERN)

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base is searching for a Contract Specialist for the Copper Cap Internship Program (GS-1102-07 target 12).

https://afciviliancareers.com/blog/the-copper-cap-internship-program-endless-possibilities/

Description:
The Space Force Copper Cap Intern Program is an elite, multi-year developmental pipeline designed to prepare top-tier college graduates for successful careers as Department of the Air Force civilian Contract Specialists and Contracting Officers. Operating at the cutting edge of national security space capabilities, Guardian civilians in this program procure next-generation satellites, space launch vehicles, ground systems, orbital tracking networks, cyber defenses, and emerging commercial space technologies. Over a structured three- to four-year formal training plan, trainees participate in comprehensive classroom coursework, rotational assignments across diverse acquisition environments, and senior-level mentorship, while benefiting from accelerated, non-competitive promotion potential from GS-7 up to the GS-12 (or equivalent) level.

The ideal candidate for this role is a highly motivated, United States citizen who has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree within the past two years or is a current student on track to graduate by May 2026, maintaining a minimum 2.95 GPA (or meeting Superior Academic Achievement criteria); qualified veterans precluded from applying due to military service obligations may apply up to six years post-degree. Eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, the candidate must possess strong quantitative analysis skills to evaluate budgets, complex pricing models, and cost estimates, alongside an aptitude for interpreting and applying federal regulations such as the FAR and DFARS. Furthermore, they should demonstrate advanced digital literacy in spreadsheet modeling, exceptional written and oral communication skills for drafting acquisition plans and briefing senior leaders, and a proven track record of ethical stewardship, collaborative leadership, and structured problem-solving in deadline-driven, ambiguous environments.

Key Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of commonly used contracting methods sufficient to perform procurement functions when the contract actions are well defined and well precedented.
2. Knowledge of contract negotiation techniques, and the laws, regulations and precedents governing procurements by this method, to perform developmental assignments; and of business practices and market conditions as they relate to program and technical requirements sufficient to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and contractor performance.
3. Knowledge of report writing techniques to present factual information clearly, write procurement memoranda, and draft simple contract provisions and supporting documentation.
4. Skill in solving practical problems relating to supplies, services, and/or construction matters as they relate to the development of specifications or to contract administration involving product quality.
5. Skill in dealing with others in a work relationship to present information orally and to accomplish a given purpose.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and plan, organize work, and meet deadlines.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• May be required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• The employee must meet the continuing acquisition education requirements in accordance with (IAW) DoDI5000.66, Table 3: Contracting Position-specific Requirement. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment.
• This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet the certification requirements within the timeframe range of 1-5 years from appointment date into the position.
• Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and by 31 October annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.” Employee is required to attend annual ethics and procurement integrity training.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays.
• Employee may be required to work overtime, if approved in advance from the Career Field Team (CFT) IAW AFI36-130, Civilian Career and Development Programs.
• This position is covered by the Department of the Air Force civilian career program.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/.
• Incentive is not authorized.
• Alternative work arrangements, including establishing an alternate work location, may be considered for this position at the time of selection in accordance with mission requirements and agency policy.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY).
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

DOD QUALIFICATION STANDARD FOR GS-1102 CONTRACTING POSITIONS

This is an individual, single agency qualification standard for Department of Defense positions. This standard implements requirements contained in Title 10, United States Code, Sections 1723 through 1733, as amended by Section 861(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) and implemented on a policy exception basis by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment memorandum, Exception to 24 Semester Hours Requirement for Contracting Positions, effective and dated August 2, 2020.

Basic Education Requirements for GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent) positions:

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.

GS-12 thru GS-15

(no educational equivalent)

One year equivalent to at least next lower grade level

Basic Qualification Requirements for Contracting Officer Positions: In addition to meeting, the basic educational requirement as well as the requirements in the table above, applicants must have:

Have at least two years of experience in contracting positions; and

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.

In addition:

Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic education requirements above, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression is qualifying for positions at grades GS-7 (or equivalent) and above. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.

Basic Requirements for Critical Acquisition Positions: The Secretary of Defense shall designate the acquisition positions in the Department of Defense that are critical acquisition positions, applicants must:

Be eligible for GS-14, or equivalent; and

Hold a bachelor's degree; and

Have completed all mandatory training requirements for Level II or III certification as prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to higher level contracting positions; and

Possess four years of acquisition experience. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower grade level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position.

Basic Qualification Requirements for Senior Contracting Officials: A Senior Contracting Official is a position such as a director of contracting, or a principal deputy to a director of contracting, serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Office of the Secretary of a Military Department, the Headquarters (HQ) of a Military Department, the HQ of a Defense Agency, a subordinate command HQ, or a major systems or logistics contracting activity in the Department of Defense. Before a person may be assigned to a critical acquisition position as a senior contracting official, the person must have at least four years' experience in contracting.

Waivers: With the exception of Specialized Experience, the component acquisition career management authority may waive any or all of the requirements listed in this qualifications standard with respect to any employee of the Department of Defense if the board certifies that the individual possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated job performance and qualifying experience.

How you will be evaluated

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here:

Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Resume:You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide:

1. Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number
2. Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended
3. Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information:
   • Job title
   • Detailed duties and accomplishments
   • Employer's name and address
   • Supervisor's name and phone number
   • Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.)
   • Hours per week
   • Salary, if applicable
4. Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses

College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

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