Advance Your Career: Contract Specialist at the Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Contract Specialist to join its Strategic Sourcing division. This is a premier opportunity for a federal acquisition professional to operate at the GS-13 level, handling the most complex and critical procurement initiatives. If you have a passion for public service and a talent for high-stakes negotiation, this role offers the perfect platform to make a meaningful impact.
Job Responsibilities
As a Contract Specialist, you will manage the entire lifecycle of complex acquisitions. Your duties will include:
- Procurement Planning: Designing strategies for specialized, state-of-the-art requirements.
- Negotiation: Leading sole-source and negotiated acquisitions for high-value contracts.
- Administration: Executing contract modifications and overseeing compliance throughout the contract duration.
- Acquisition Oversight: Acting as a key official for awards often exceeding $7 million.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must demonstrate:
- A bachelor's degree with 24+ semester hours in business-related fields.
- 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-12 level.
- Mastery of federal acquisition regulations.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-13 |
| Experience | 52 weeks at GS-12 level |
| Education | Bachelor's + 24 Business Credits |
| Security | Public Trust (High Risk) |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $121,785 to $158,322 per year, commensurate with federal locality pay. Benefits include a comprehensive health insurance package, a robust retirement plan with TSP matching, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly map your experience to the duties required. Avoid generic descriptions.
- Transcript Clarity: Highlight qualifying courses to help reviewers identify your educational credentials.
- Detail is Key: Ensure dates, pay scales, and hours worked are clearly marked for each past position.
This role is an ideal step for any contracting professional looking to expand their influence within the federal sector. Apply by July 24, 2026, to be considered for this critical role.
Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters
Elevate your procurement career at the Social Security Administration, where your expertise in complex contracting directly supports millions of citizens nationwide.
Contract Specialist Job Overview
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking an experienced Contract Specialist to join our Strategic Sourcing team in Woodlawn, Maryland. As a key acquisition official, you will lead the planning, negotiation, and administration of high-stakes, complex procurements. This is a unique opportunity to shape the agency's infrastructure and services through expert contract management, operating at the GS-13 level in a dynamic federal environment.
Requirements for Contract Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the 1102 series.
- Possess at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
- Completion of a 4-year degree with at least 24 semester hours in business-related subjects such as accounting, law, or finance.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust security clearance.
- Submission of complete, legible academic transcripts.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist
- Deep expertise in federal acquisition regulations and procurement policies.
- Proven track record in managing sole-source and complex negotiated acquisitions.
- Advanced analytical skills for cost and price data evaluation.
- Exceptional ability to draft and communicate complex contract terms and conditions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and potential for telework opportunities.
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual policies.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJobs.
- Review your biographic information to ensure it is current and accurate.
- Prepare a specialized resume that explicitly details your 52 weeks of GS-12 level experience.
- Gather and upload your full academic transcripts.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and verify submission status through the application portal.
💡 General Tips
- Do not simply list project titles; describe your specific daily duties that mirror the job requirements.
- Highlight relevant courses on your transcripts to ensure credit for degree requirements.
- Ensure your resume includes clear start and end dates (month/day/year) for all positions.
- Submit all required documents before the closing date, as late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
- Verify that your USAJobs account email is active, as all communications regarding your status will be sent there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this position is not authorized for full remote work. It is based in Woodlawn, Maryland, and while telework may be authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute of the office.
What is the GS level for this role?
This position is classified at the GS-13 level.
Can I apply if I am a private sector candidate?
*A: Yes, this position is open to the public under Direct Hire Authority.*
How do I handle technical issues?
*A: If you face issues on USAJobs, submit a help desk ticket and email [email protected] with the subject line provided in the announcement.*
Job from Social Security Administration
The SSA is one of the most vital agencies in the federal government, serving millions of Americans. Working in the Office of the Commissioner’s Strategic Sourcing team means you are at the heart of the agency’s operational backbone, ensuring that the resources, systems, and services required to support Social Security programs are procured efficiently and effectively.