Advance Your Career as a Contract Specialist with the Defense Media Activity
Are you a procurement expert with a passion for supporting national defense? The Defense Media Activity (DMA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Contract Specialist (GS-13) to join their team in Fort Meade, Maryland. This role is a perfect match for professionals who excel in high-stakes negotiations, acquisition planning, and ensuring operational readiness. If you are looking to make an impact while working within the Department of Defense, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Contract Specialist, you will be the lead negotiator for critical agency acquisitions. Your primary duties include:
- Developing acquisition objectives and milestones.
- Conducting price and cost analysis to ensure taxpayer value.
- Managing pre-award and post-award contract administration.
- Negotiating complex service and equipment contracts with industry representatives.
- Ensuring compliance with all federal procurement regulations.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet strict federal criteria:
- Experience: You must have at least 4 years of contracting experience, including one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
- Education: A bachelor's degree containing at least 24 semester hours in relevant business subjects (accounting, finance, economics, etc.).
- Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
- Drug Screening: Participation in the mandatory drug testing program.
Salary Overview
The compensation for this role is competitive, reflecting the high level of responsibility required for a GS-13 position.
| Pay Grade | Minimum Annual Salary | Maximum Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| GS-13 | $121,785 | $158,322 |
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust suite of benefits designed to support long-term well-being and security:
- Health and Wellness: Premium-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, federal holidays, and telework options.
- Growth: Consistent training and continuous learning opportunities to maintain your professional certification.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified.
- Highlight Your Achievements: Don't just list tasks—quantify your successes in negotiation and cost savings.
- Formatting Matters: Use a clean, professional PDF file. Avoid complex graphics that may cause scanning issues.
- Documents: Double-check your transcript to ensure it meets the agency’s requirement for verifying classes and credits.
This GS-13 Contract Specialist role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the global mission of the Defense Media Activity. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to lead critical negotiations, it is an ideal next step for a dedicated procurement professional. Ensure your application is submitted by July 15, 2026, and prepare to bring your expertise to the Department of Defense.
Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters
Take charge of high-impact procurement at the heart of the Department of Defense. The Defense Media Activity is seeking a strategic, results-driven Contract Specialist to lead mission-critical negotiations.
Contract Specialist Job Overview
The Defense Media Activity (WMA) is hiring a GS-13 Contract Specialist to join their Acquisition and Procurement team in Fort Meade, Maryland. As a key negotiator and acquisition authority, you will manage complex pre-award and post-award functions, ensuring the agency remains equipped with the essential tools and services required to support global Department of Defense missions. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape procurement strategies in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements for Contract Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Completion of mandatory agency training for GS-13 level contracting.
- At least 4 years of experience in contracting or related fields.
- At least 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
- Bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business-related fields (accounting, finance, law, contracts, etc.).
- Must pass an initial drug screening and participate in random drug testing.
- Submission of a Financial Disclosure Statement (OGE-450) upon entry.
- Must register for the Selective Service if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex contract negotiations with senior officials.
- Expertise in developing performance work statements and acquisition milestones.
- Strong analytical capabilities for cost and price analysis.
- Prior experience serving as a warranted contracting officer.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework options.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, focusing on relevant duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
- Gather your most recent SF-50 (if applicable), official or unofficial transcripts, and veteran preference documentation (if applicable).
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Navigate to the job announcement and click 'Apply Online'.
- Complete the required questionnaire and upload your supporting documents as PDFs.
- Submit your application before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of July 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; anything over will result in immediate disqualification.
- Use a clear, professional font such as Lato, Arial, or Calibri at a readable size.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the specialized skills requested in the announcement.
- Upload your documents as PDFs to preserve formatting and page counts.
- Double-check your transcript for your name, school, degree awarded, and credit list before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Can I use education to substitute for experience?
No, substitution of education for specialized experience is not permitted at the GS-13 level.
What is the appointment type?
The position is a time-limited appointment, not to exceed 2 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and potential conversion to permanent status.
Is this a permanent position?
It is a time-limited appointment (not to exceed 2 years, with potential extensions up to 8 years) with the possibility of conversion to permanent status.
Can I telework?
Yes, telework is eligible for this position based on agency guidelines.
Job from Defense Media Activity
The Defense Media Activity is the premier global media organization for the Department of Defense. It connects military members, their families, and the public with essential information via platforms like American Forces Radio and TV, Stars and Stripes, and various specialized magazines. The organization relies on efficient, strategic acquisition to manage the cutting-edge media technology necessary for their mission.