Advance Your Career as a Contract Specialist with the U.S. Air Force
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a significant impact on national defense? The U.S. Air Force is currently hiring for a Contract Specialist (1102 series) to support the mission of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. This role is a unique opportunity to work with complex weapon systems and diversified services, acting as a crucial business advisor to our integrated teams.
Job Responsibilities
As a Contract Specialist, you will be embedded in an Integrated Acquisition Team. Your daily tasks will include:
- Planning contracting strategies for complex programs.
- Managing both pre-award and post-award procurement functions.
- Serving as a subject matter expert in cost and price analysis.
- Negotiating terms and conditions for critical government contracts.
- Advising stakeholders on procurement policies and business impacts.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's Degree + 24 Business Credits |
| Experience | 52 weeks at GS-11 equivalent |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen required |
| Resume Limit | Strictly two pages maximum |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the OPM qualification standards for the 1102 series. This includes holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and having completed at least 24 hours of business-related coursework. You must also demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (NH-02/GS-11 equivalent).
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range between $76,463 and $118,204 per year. This reflects the high level of technical proficiency and responsibility associated with federal acquisition roles.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of the Air Force enjoy a wide array of federal benefits, including:
- Robust health insurance and life insurance programs.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility.
- Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.
Application Tips
- Focus on the Resume: Because the two-page limit is firm, highlight only the most relevant professional accomplishments.
- Include Details: Always include your hours worked per week and dates of employment for every position listed.
- Verify Documentation: Ensure you upload your official transcripts and any necessary SF-50 forms if you are a current or former federal employee.
Serving as a Contract Specialist for the Air Force is a rewarding career path that blends business acumen with high-stakes defense operations. If you are ready to take on this challenge, ensure your application is complete and submitted before the closing date.
Why This Contract Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career in federal acquisition and serve the U.S. Air Force mission through specialized contract management.
Contract Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is seeking motivated professionals to join the Integrated Acquisition Team. As a Contract Specialist, you will serve as a vital business advisor, managing the complete life cycle of pre-award and post-award procurement actions for complex systems and services. This role is essential to supporting global airpower and requires strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills to ensure the success of the Air Force mission.
Requirements for Contract Specialist - Direct Hire Authority
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Must have at least 24 hours in business-related courses.
- Minimum of 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Must provide official college transcripts.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Experience dealing with pre-award and post-award procurement phases.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist - Direct Hire Authority
- Demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute complex procurement actions.
- Strong proficiency in applying federal contracting laws and regulations.
- Proven experience in cost and price analysis for major weapon systems.
- Ability to effectively communicate technical and policy information to diverse stakeholders.
- A track record of successful risk identification and mitigation in a business environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Life insurance coverage.
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment).
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Telework opportunities where applicable.
- ✓Potential for career advancement and professional development training.
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
- Prepare a focused, two-page resume that details your relevant experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Gather necessary documentation, including official transcripts and, for current federal employees, recent performance appraisals.
- Log into the application portal via the link provided on the USAJOBS site.
- Complete the application questionnaire accurately.
- Upload all required documents and verify the status of your application within the portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions over two pages will not be considered.
- Quantify your experience; ensure every position lists the hours worked per week.
- Use your resume to highlight relevant awards or performance ratings from the last three years if you are a current federal employee.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are clearly legible and include your full name.
- Verify your submission status in the application portal after you have clicked 'Submit'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on local policy and operational requirements.
Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?
Yes, we credit qualifying volunteer work, including service in organizations like the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, toward your experience requirements.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration. Please ensure your resume is concise and strictly limited to two pages.
Can I apply without a degree?
Generally, a bachelor's degree is a hard requirement for this series. Please review the official posting for specific exceptions related to current Department of Defense contracting personnel.
How will I be notified of my status?
All status updates are processed through your USAJOBS account. Ensure your contact email is current.
Job from Air Force Materiel Command
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is dedicated to developing, acquiring, and sustaining Air Force systems to ensure global power, reach, and vigilance. We operate under the core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence in everything we do.