Contract Specialist, GS-1102-5/7/9/11 Target 12 (22508)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers in Huntsville, AL seeks entry-to-mid level Contract Specialists (GS-05 to GS-12) for development and learning-focused roles. You will support requirements definition, market research, solicitation prep, and contract administration while receiving classroom and on-the-job training to advance through the GS levels.

Ideal candidates possess strong analytical and communication abilities and are eager to grow within federal contracting, contributing to mission delivery for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Understanding of contracting principles and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in requirements definition, market research, and solicitation preparation.
• Support proposal evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract administration.
• Work with project teams to ensure compliance with contracting regulations and policies.
• Contribute to training and on-the-job learning to advance to full performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

USACE Organization

Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville (HNC)

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

Locations (City, State)

Redstone Arsenal, AL

Position Overview/Duties

We are seeking highly motivated and detail-oriented individuals to fill developmental/entry-level Contract Specialist positions at the GS-05, GS-07, GS-09, GS-11 level, with potential promotion to the full performance GS-12 level based on continuous satisfactory performance and successful completion of training requirements.

In this role, you will assist Senior Contract Specialists in various aspects of federal contracting, including requirements definition, market research, solicitation preparation, proposal evaluation, contract negotiation, contract award, and contract administration.

You will receive both classroom and on-the-job training, along with practical experience, to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform as a Contract Specialist and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center's mission.

You will work in a Project Delivery Team alongside other professionals from Project Management, Engineering, Resource Management, and Office of Counsel to execute projects providing critical support to our service members.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills and a desire to learn and grow professionally within the field of federal contracting.

Join our team and contribute to the vital mission of the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center.

For the full performance GS-12 level: Duties include but are not limited to:

• Procure supplies and services using appropriate contracting methods and procedures.


• Determine and implement appropriate acquisition strategies.


• Prepare solicitation, negotiation, award, and contract modification documentation.


• Interpret and apply acquisition regulations, policies, and procedures to resolve contracting issues, ensure compliance, and make sound business decisions.


• Administer contracts from award through contract closeout.

Other Conditions And Requirements

• This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Multiple positions may be filled from this opening.

Qualifications Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. This education and/or experience must be described/reflected in your resume and/or transcripts. 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.

Minimum Education Requirement for 1102 Series

Please refer to the Office of Personnel Management website at the following links for information regarding basic qualification requirements. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/contracting-series-1102/

Basic Requirements: (qualifying for the GS-5)

Completion of Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) from an accredited educational institution with a major in any field.

Exemption: You are exempt from the education requirement 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.

GS-7: In addition to the basic requirements above, you must also meet ONE of the following:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting with reviewing proposed contract documentation, assisting in contract administration, monitoring contractor requirements and completing required contract documentation. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).

OR

Education: One full academic year of graduate-level education (or law school) in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as, Business, Communications, Computers and Math, Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Languages and Humanities, Education, or Healthcare Administration.

OR

Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement.

In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above.

Superior Academic Achievement Is Based On

• 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 (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade‑point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (\"B\" or better) as recorded on your 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 (b) 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.;


• Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).

GS-9: In addition to the basic requirements above, you must also meet ONE of the following:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes applying contracting regulations, contract law and legal precedents; compiling/evaluating price and/or cost data for a variety of pre-award and/or post-award activities; and performing tasks in support of contract administration This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

OR

Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods or organization and management.

GS-11: In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, you must also meet ONE of the following:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes analyzing procurement directives and determines requirements; reviewing contract requirements packages; preparing/issuing solicitations and/or amendments; conducting contract negotiations; performing contract administration. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).

OR

Education: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. (GS-09).

GS:12: In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience for GS-12:

One year of specialized experience which includes conducting contract negotiations; resolving issues and/or problems associated with contract administration; serving as the principal contracting advisor to the project manager; performing pre‑award activities and making contract modifications. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone—no substitution of education for experience is permitted for the GS-12.

Salary Range

$42,423 - $55,151 (GS-5), $52,551 - $68,317 (GS-7), $64,279 - $83,568 (GS-9), $77,772 - $101,110 (GS-11), $93,216 - 121,183 (GS-12)

Other Requirements

• Applications must be submitted by 11:45 PM (CDT) of the posted Job Post closing date to receive consideration.


• Resume must not exceed two (2) pages.


• Travel Requirement: 20% Temporary Duty Travel required.


• Relocation: Relocation (PCS) expenses will not be authorized


• Hiring incentives will not be authorized.


• Who May Apply: U.S Citizens and Nationals.


• Must meet suitability for Federal employment.


• Will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.


• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre‑employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.


• May be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.


• This position is part of the Contracting Career Field, Contracting & Procurement Functional Community (formerly Career Program 14).


• Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities.


• Personnel Security Investigation required.


• This is an Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Workforce position. Completion of mandatory Foundational Career Level Certification or Contracting Professional Certification must be met within 3 years.


• You will be required to file an OGE Form 450, Financial Disclosure report upon entering on duty and annually thereafter.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non‑merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements

GS Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.