748job United States

Contract Specialist

Department of the Air Force › Air Force Civilian Career Training (59 current openings)

Who may apply

Limited to the following applicant groups:

  • Students
  • Recent graduates
Eielson AFB, Alaska Elmendorf AFB, Alaska Maxwell AFB, Alabama Little Rock AFB, Arkansas Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona Luke AFB, Arizona Beale AFB, California Edwards AFB, California Los Angeles, California March AFB, California Travis AFB, California Vandenberg AFB, California Air Force Academy, Colorado Buckley AFB, Colorado Peterson AFB, Colorado Schriever AFB, Colorado Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, District of Columbia Dover AFB, Delaware Eglin AFB, Florida Hurlburt Field, Florida MacDill AFB, Florida Patrick AFB, Florida Tyndall AFB, Florida Dobbins AFB, Georgia Moody AFB, Georgia Robins AFB, Georgia Hickam AFB, Hawaii Mountain Home AFB, Idaho Scott AFB, Illinois McConnell AFB, Kansas Lexington, Kentucky Barksdale AFB, Louisiana Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts Andrews AFB, Maryland Hill AFB, Utah Arlington County, Virginia Langley AFB, Virginia Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia Fairchild AFB, Washington Warren AFB, Wyoming Whiteman AFB, Missouri Columbus AFB, Mississippi Keesler AFB, Mississippi Malmstrom AFB, Montana Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota Minot AFB, North Dakota Offutt AFB, Nebraska Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey McGuire AFB, New Jersey Cannon AFB, New Mexico Holloman AFB, New Mexico Kirtland AFB, New Mexico Nellis AFB, Nevada Rome, New York Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Altus AFB, Oklahoma Tinker AFB, Oklahoma Vance AFB, Oklahoma Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Charleston AFB, South Carolina Shaw AFB, South Carolina Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota Arnold AFB, Tennessee Dyess AFB, Texas Fort Sam Houston, Texas Goodfellow AFB, Texas Lackland AFB, Texas Laughlin AFB, Texas Randolph AFB, Texas Sheppard AFB, Texas
Full-time Security Clearance: Top Secret
Application Deadline:
2026-09-30
Posted:
2025-10-01
Apply on usajobs.gov
Salary: $49,960 – $64,952 per year (GS-7)

Salary context

Based on 103 annual-salary jobs in the same occupational series. This role pays below most similar positions.

Job Details

Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to perform developmental assignments which are designed to provide the employee the application of common contracting methods and contract types, and to assist in the procurement of standard or specialized service; supply; and/or construction items, services, and/or materials primarily through formal advertising, or through limited use of negotiation techniques. The position is centrally managed and funded by the Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center.

Duties

Follows established procedures to procure off-the-shelf materials, which are available from numerous commercial sources, and are easily identified by common names for which standard price lists are available.

Prepares Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP) ensuring that technical descriptions and appropriate contract clauses are included.

Assists in monitoring contract performance and assists in contract termination.

Provides advice and assistance to others relating to contracting work and prepares correspondence.

Qualifications & Requirements

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Basic: A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

OR

A current member of the Armed Forces (not retired or separated) OR a current DOD employee that meets the following requirements: 1) served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on or before 30 September 2000; 2) served, on or before 30 September 2000, in a position as either an employee in the GS-1102 series or as a member of the Armed Forces in a similar occupation specialty; OR, (3) is in the contingency contracting force.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must have specialized experience:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05) in one or more of the following: (1) soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts; (2) administering contracts by assuring compliance with the terms and conditions; (3) terminating contracts by analyzing, negotiating, and settling claims and proposals; (4) analyzing and evaluating cost/price proposals and accounting systems; (5) planning, establishing, or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures; (6) formulating and administering policies and procedures to insure achievement of socioeconomic goals; (7) developing acquisition strategies and directing or managing procurements; and/or (8) providing functional staff advisory services within the contracting occupation. Duties performed are elementary assignments with strict adherence to clearly detailed and specific instructions or guidelines provided by a higher graded employee. Knowledge required may have been acquired through a pertinent bachelorette educational program or equivalent experience.

OR

Education: A bachelor's degree with SAA, or equivalent, of study from an accredited institution of higher education in any of the following disciplines: accounting, business finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and organization and management. Note: Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) based on class standing; grade-point average; or honor society membership. Detailed SAA qualifications are described in OPM Qualification Standard located at this URL: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp. Or I have successfully completed one full year of graduate level education from an accredited university or college or law school. My graduate education includes one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

OR

Combination of Education & Experience: Combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements.

THIS IS AN INDIVDUAL, 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.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Conditions of Employment

  • Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • If authorized, 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/
  • Total salary varies depending on location of position
  • Position may be subject to random drug testing
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Student Loan Repayment may be authorized
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment and necessary to perform the duties of the position
  • The employee must meet the continuing acquisition education requirements IAW DoDI 5000.66 Paragraph E.2.2.8. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment and necessary to perform the duties of the position
  • Certain positions and/or rotations require a top secret clearance; therefore, individuals selected for these positions will be required to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance.
  • As part of the clearance individuals may be required to undergo polygraph and drug testing as a condition of employment
  • You will be required to serve a one year probationary period
  • In accordance with 5 CFR 2634 Part I, the employee may be required to file an OGE 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually
  • A security clearance may be required
  • Mobility - you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training

Evaluations

Your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

A. Best Qualified - GPA of 3.5 or higher and have a degree in any field.

B. Highly Qualified - GPA of 2.96 to 3.4 and have a degree in any field.

C. Qualified - GPA of 2.95 and have a degree in any field.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
  1. Online Application: Questionnaire.
  2. Resume: Your resume 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 is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
  3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
  4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
  5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
  6. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
  • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
  • Branch of Armed Forces
  • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
  • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
  • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
  • Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
  • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
  • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.

Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794714

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
  • Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
  • For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series, and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
  • 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 name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
Source: Data sourced from USAJOBS