Contract Specialist (12 Month Register)

DLA Careers; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 67,339 - 126,955; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is hiring an Entry-level Contract Specialist in Philadelphia. The role requires conducting market research, developing acquisition strategies, and managing procurements for various contract types. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree and meet specific experience criteria. This full-time position offers competitive GS-level salaries and full federal employment benefits. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and provide necessary identification for federal access.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent military contracting experience.
• One year of GS-level experience in contracting, dependent on grade level.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the point of contact for procurements and conduct market research.
• Develop acquisition strategies considering market conditions and specifications.
• Determine and recommend contract types and solicitation methods.

Skills

Market research

Contract management

Acquisition strategy development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Contract Specialist (12 Month Register) – DLA Careers

This is an open-continuous announcement with an established initial cut-off date of Monday, February 02, 2026. The position may be filled at grade levels GS‑09, GS‑11, and/or GS‑12. Annual salary ranges (Steps 01 – 10) are as follows:

• GS‑09: $67,339 – $87,539
• GS‑11: $81,474 – $105,911
• GS‑12: $97,653 – $126,955

Duties

When selected at the GS‑09 or GS‑11 grades, the following responsibilities will be performed in a developmental capacity:

• Serving as the central point of contact for assigned procurements, performing intensive market research to determine product availability and develop new sources.
• Developing acquisition strategy involving market conditions, specifications, and technical data packages, and reviewing Sourcing Strategy recommendations.
• Determining contract type, solicitation method, optional determinations, and source selection.
• Checking adequacy of item description, prior contracts, requirement for option, and appropriate mailing list.
• Coordinating set‑asides with the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office (SADBU).
• Inputting synopses for formal publications and sealed biddings in accordance with acquisition regulations.
• Considering and recommending acquisition plans to achieve socioeconomic goals for small or disadvantaged businesses, or for businesses in labor‑surplus areas.

Requirements

Conditions of employment:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Tour of Duty: Full-Time, Flexible.
• Security Requirements: Tier 3/Non-Critical Sensitive.
• Appointment is subject to a favorable suitability/fitness determination; a negative background check may result in removal.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt.
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12‑31‑59 must be registered or exempt.
• Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
• Bargaining Unit Status: Yes.
• Selectees must possess a REAL ID or acceptable identification to access federal facilities.
• Financial Disclosure: Required.
• Defense Acquisition Workforce position: Must complete DoD certification and other requirements.

Qualifications

Basic Contracting Requirement

• Either: a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution OR a current civilian employee in DoD or member of the Armed Forces who occupied a contracting officer or comparable military contracting position before 30 September 2000.

Specialized Experience

• One year of experience directly related to this position, equivalent to the GS level required:
• GS‑09: One year of GS‑07 level experience.
• GS‑11: One year of GS‑09 level experience.
• GS‑12: One year of GS‑11 level experience.

Education Substitution

• GS‑09: Two years of graduate education leading to a master’s degree.
• GS‑11: Three years of graduate education leading to a PhD or equivalent.
• GS‑12: Not substitutable.

Combination

• Combining post‑high‑school education and experience to meet requirements; percentages calculated separately and summed to ≥ 100 %.

Additional Information

• Defense Acquisition Workforce: Position requires DoD Acquisition Contracting (C/CON) Professional (Foundational) certification and 80 CLPs every 2 years. More details and resources available online.
• For general applicant information and definitions, see the PDF at http://www.dla.mil/portals/104/documents/careers/GenAppInfoDef.pdf.
• Reemployed Annuitants: This position does not qualify for reemployment under DoD criteria.
• Drug‑Free Workplace Policy: All employees must refrain from illegal drug use; drug testing policies as described.

Senior­ity Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Legal