CONTRACT SPECIALIST

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (DOA)

Sacramento (CA)

Hybrid

USD 50,000 - 116,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a Contract Specialist to manage full lifecycle pre-award and post-award procurement actions for civil works projects. The role involves drafting solicitations, performing price analysis, and leading negotiations across multiple locations nationwide.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) and DAWIA Contracting Level III certification, with a typical pay band from GS-7 to GS-12 and potential relocation/telework considerations.

Qualifications

Basic Requirement for Contract Specialist and specialized experience as described above.
GS-07/GS-09/GS-11/GS-12 specialized experience requirements.
Education and foreign education guidance and equivalency information.
Additional information including security, suitability, and relocation considerations.

Responsibilities

Perform acquisition planning and develop contractual strategies with technical teams for regional civil works, construction and service requirements.
Draft solicitation packages, analyze proposals, and perform cost or price analyses to ensure compliant, fair, and reasonable contract awards.
Lead contract negotiations for competitive and sole-source actions to establish terms and pricing objectives.
Manage post-award contract administration by monitoring performance, reviewing invoices, and conducting site visits for compliance.
Negotiate contract modifications, resolve disputes or claims, and execute closeouts or terminations as needed.

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or higher)

DAWIA Professional Certification in Contracting (Level III)

Job description

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DOD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position

This announcement will fill a few vacancies for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with duty locations as specified in the announcement. The incumbent serves as a Contract Specialist managing full-lifecycle pre‑award and post‑award civil works procurement actions.

Learn more about this agency

Locations

Sacramento, CA
San Francisco, CA
Jacksonville, FL
Savannah, GA
Honolulu, HI
Chicago, IL
Rock Island, IL
Kansas City, KS
Louisville, KY
New Orleans, LA
Concord, MA
Baltimore, MD
Detroit, MI
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Louis, MO
Vicksburg, MS
Memphis, TN
Fort Worth, TX
Galveston, TX

Telework eligible

Yes — Eligible for situational telework only, including emergency and OPM prescribed “unscheduled telework”.

Remote job

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Salary

$50,460 – $116,362 per year Salary lists RUS rate only; locality may be adjusted upon selectee’s duty station.

Pay scale & grade

GS 7 – 12

Promotion potential

Work schedule

Full-time

Travel Required

Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel up to 10% of the time for this position.

Appointment type

Permanent

Occupations and job series

1102 Contracting

Supervisory status

Federal service type

This job is in the Competitive Service

Represented by a union

Drug test

Security clearance

Not Required

Position sensitivity and risk

Non‑sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required

Yes – This is a requirement for employees selected at the GS‑12 grade levels only.

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number

CEDC-27-13100819-DHA

Control number

891158100

Open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Perform acquisition planning and develop contractual strategies with technical teams to support regional civil works, construction, and service requirements.
Draft solicitation packages, analyze proposals, and perform cost or price analysis to ensure compliant, fair, and reasonable contract awards.
Plan, prepare, and lead contract negotiations for competitive and sole‑source actions to establish solid technical terms and pricing objectives.
Manage post‑award contract administration by monitoring contractor performance, reviewing invoices, and conducting site visits to verify compliance.
Negotiate contract modifications, resolve complex disputes or claims, and execute closeouts or terminations for convenience or default.

Conditions of employment

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
One‑year probationary period may be required.
This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 10% of the time.
This position requires a Financial Disclosure during the first month of employment and annually thereafter if selected at the GS‑12 grade level.
Situational Telework may be authorized at management’s discretion and/or as determined by the agency’s policy.
This position requires the holder to possess the DAWIA Professional Certification in “Contracting” Formerly (DAWIA Level III) within 36 months of entry, if selected at the GS‑11 or GS‑12 grade levels.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

++Basic Requirement for Contract Specialist:++

Degree : Bachelor’s degree (or higher degree) from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

Exemption: You are exempt from the education requirements above if (A) you are a current civilian employee 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; or (B) you are a current military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 on or before September 30, 2000.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

GS-07 Specialized Experience Requirement:

To qualify for the GS‑07 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑05 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Assist in conducting basic market research by searching databases and contacting vendors to identify potential sources for routine supplies or services. OR 2. Prepare and assemble standard solicitation packages and simple contract files, ensuring all required routine clauses and administrative documents are included. OR 3. Review contractor invoices and payment requests against terms to verify accuracy and confirm delivery receipt before recommending payment. OR 4. Maintain and organize official pre‑award and post‑award contract files, tracking key milestones and deadlines to assist with timely contract closeouts. This definition is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS‑05).

GS-09 Specialized Experience Requirement:

To qualify for the GS‑09 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑07 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Assist with draft solicitations, amendments, and public notices for standard supplies or services, ensuring compliance with established procurement regulations. OR 2. Perform price analyses on competitive quotes and bids by comparing vendor prices to historical data, independent estimates, or current market rates. OR 3. Draft routine contract modifications, such as administrative changes, extensions, or funding actions, for review and signature. OR 4. Monitor contractor performance on active awards, checking delivery schedules and communicating with technical staff to resolve routine delivery or service issues. This definition is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS‑07).

GS-11 Specialized Experience Requirement:

To qualify for the GS‑11 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑09 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Develop pre‑award documentation (i.e.; acquisition plans, and/or solicitations for procurements, services, or contracts). OR 2. Conduct cost and price analyses on non‑competitive proposals, including reviewing subcontractor cost structures, evaluating historical audit data, and preparing pre‑negotiation positions. OR 3. Participate in or lead contract negotiations on competitive and sole‑source actions to establish fair and reasonable pricing, clear performance terms, and acceptable profit margins, or draft pre/post‑negotiation documentation. OR 4. Manage and evaluate multi‑year contracts, performance, modifications, negotiating equitable adjustments, and resolving contractor claims or disputes.

This definition is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS‑09).

GS-12 Specialized Experience Requirement:

To qualify for the GS‑12 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑11 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Performing pre‑award, post‑award and close‑out work for various contracting projects, and monitor contract performance OR 2. Serve as lead contracting representative or assist in guiding stakeholders through proposal evaluation, price/cost analysis and contract award. OR 3. Participate in high‑value negotiations, including modifications, profit analysis and audits. OR 4. Performing work associated with contractual issues such as contractor defaults, terminations for convenience, and /or major claims. This definition is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position (GS‑11).

Qualification requirement: Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre‑Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
This position requires you to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter, for the GS‑12 grade level only.
Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
This is a(n) Contracting and Procurement Career Program position aligned under the Human Capital & Resource Management (HC/RM) Career Management Directorate.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is NOT authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
Recruitment/Relocation incentive WILL NOT be authorized.
Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. This position has promotion potential to the GS‑12 grade level.
Promotion is never automatic. Promotion is based on the recommendation by the supervisor that employee meets all necessary qualification requirements for promotion, is performing the full scope of the major duties, and is functioning under the supervisory controls as stated in the target job description.

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. Learn 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.

Required documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

As described above, your complete application includes your 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.

1. Your resume:

Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer’s name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what’s in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

Cover Letter, optional
Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
This position requires a job‑related license or certification. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person’s personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un‑sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

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.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq

RG-W2R902 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT‑NEW ORLEANS

DO NOT MAIL

New Orleans, LA 70118

Next steps

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, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request

Additional locations