Launch Your Career as a Contract Specialist with the NGA
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is currently seeking motivated and highly skilled professionals for the position of Contract Specialist. This role is essential to the NGA's ability to procure the cutting-edge technology and services necessary to provide world-class geospatial intelligence. If you have a background in federal procurement and a desire to serve your country, this is an exceptional opportunity to join the Defense Intelligence workforce.
Job Responsibilities
As a Contract Specialist, you will act as a business advisor, ensuring that the agency’s procurement actions are effective, compliant, and strategic. Your primary duties include:
- Planning and managing complex acquisitions for various products and services.
- Engaging with customers to develop acquisition strategies rooted in market research.
- Leading source selections and executing major sole-source procurements.
- Analyzing costs and prices to ensure best value for the taxpayer.
- Administering contract life cycles from pre-award to closeout.
- Mentoring junior staff to elevate team performance.
Comparison of Contract Types
| Contract Type | Primary Use Case | Risk Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Firm Fixed Price | Clearly defined requirements | High to Contractor |
| Time & Materials | Uncertain scope of work | Balanced |
| Cost-Reimbursement | High complexity/Research | High to Government |
| IDIQ | Ongoing needs over time | Flexible |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet stringent federal standards, including:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to hold a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Demonstrated mastery of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
- Success in high-level contract administration.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $187,093 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees may be eligible for performance-based bonuses, recruitment incentives, and a robust federal benefits package.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Use the language from the job description to explain your experience with specific contract types.
- Quantify Results: Don't just list tasks; describe the dollar value and complexity of the projects you've managed.
- Follow Procedures: Only electronic submissions through the NGA Careers Portal are accepted.
Becoming a Contract Specialist at the NGA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of protecting our nation. If you possess the expertise in procurement and the drive to solve complex problems, we encourage you to apply via the NGA Careers Portal today.
Why This Contract Specialist (Open & Continuous) Job Matters
Join the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency as a Contract Specialist and play a vital role in securing the nation's future through mission-critical acquisitions.
Contract Specialist (Open & Continuous) Job Overview
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is seeking experienced Contract Specialists to join its procurement team. This is an open and continuous announcement used to build a pool of qualified candidates. Specialists are responsible for the full lifecycle of complex federal acquisitions—from developing acquisition strategies and conducting market research to negotiating contracts and overseeing contractor performance. You will be instrumental in ensuring NGA receives the high-quality products and services needed to maintain global security superiority.
Requirements for Contract Specialist (Open & Continuous)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI access
- Pass a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination and drug test
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Demonstrated experience in acquisition strategy and market research
- Experience in source selection and major sole source procurements
- Proficiency in FAR and applicable supplements
- Ability to award and administer FFP, T&M, Cost-Reimbursement, and IDIQ contracts
- Must obtain DAWIA Certification in Contracting within 36 months of appointment
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist (Open & Continuous)
- Familiarity with the DoD Source Selection Manual
- Direct experience in Information Technology (IT) and agile software development acquisitions
- Expertise in Federal Appropriations Law
- Achieved DAWIA Contracting Professional Certification or FAC-C Level II
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and DAWIA certification
- ✓Performance-based pay increases and bonuses
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist (Open & Continuous) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist (Open & Continuous) Job
- Visit the official NGA Careers Portal to initiate your application.
- Prepare a detailed resume highlighting specific results and examples that match the mandatory qualification criteria.
- Attach a professional cover letter (recommended).
- Submit your electronic application prior to the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the NGA online portal.
💡 General Tips
- Align your resume specifically to the mandatory criteria—quantify your results.
- Provide concrete examples of complex contracts you have administered.
- Ensure your education credentials are from an accredited U.S. institution.
- Apply early; while this is an open announcement, staffing needs can arise at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security clearance requirement?
All applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and pass a Counterintelligence Polygraph.
Is this a permanent position?
Yes, this is a permanent full-time position within the Excepted Service.
How often is the salary reviewed?
NGA conducts a performance pay process each year to determine base pay increases and bonuses based on individual performance.
What is the DAWIA certification requirement?
You must obtain DAWIA Contracting certification within 36 months of your hire date.
Can I telework?
Please refer to the NGA hiring portal for specific policy updates regarding telework eligibility for this role.
Job from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
The NGA provides timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) in support of our national security. As a member of the Department of Defense, the NGA operates at the intersection of technology and intelligence, making it one of the most dynamic environments for government contractors and civil servants alike.