Advanced Procurement Careers: Contract Specialist (GS-13) at the Department of Justice

Are you a seasoned procurement professional looking to elevate your career within the federal government? The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a highly motivated Contract Specialist (GS-13) to join the Office of Acquisition Management in Washington, D.C. This pivotal role involves overseeing high-level contractual actions that enable the Department to fulfill its mission of upholding the rule of law. If you possess a strong background in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and enjoy navigating complex financial negotiations, this position offers a unique platform to contribute to national security and agency operations.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-13 Contract Specialist, you will manage the full procurement life cycle. Key duties include:

Pre-award and Solicitation: Planning, formulating, and executing complex solicitation documents.
Negotiation: Leading negotiations on contract terms, conditions, and termination settlements.
Administration: Handling ongoing contract performance, including cost adjustments, incremental funding, and dispute resolution.
Advisory Services: Serving as an expert consultant to senior-level program officials regarding acquisition strategies and statements of work.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business, accounting, finance, or related fields.
Training: Completion of mandatory agency training for GS-13 contracting levels.
Experience: A minimum of 4 years in contracting, with at least 1 year at the GS-12 grade level.
Clearance: Must be able to satisfy high-risk background investigations.

Eligibility Comparison Table

Requirement Type	Standard
Education	Bachelor's + 24 Business Credits
Experience	4 Years Total (1 yr Specialized)
Grade Level	GS-13
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $121,785 to $158,322 per year. This salary reflects the expertise required to manage high-value federal contracts and the level of responsibility associated with a GS-13 role.

Benefits

Health and Wellness: Access to premier federal health and life insurance plans.
Retirement: Inclusion in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, federal holidays, and telework flexibility.

Application Tips

Be Precise: When writing your resume, explicitly mention your experience with FAR-based procurement.
Documentation Matters: Double-check your transcripts and SF-50 forms. Missing documents will automatically disqualify your application.
Follow the Prompt: Ensure every job entry in your resume includes the position title, exact dates, and hours worked per week.

Serving as a Contract Specialist at the Department of Justice is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the principles of integrity and service. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to tackle the challenges of modern federal procurement, we encourage you to apply by the July 27, 2026 deadline.

Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters

Take charge of high-impact procurement at the heart of the U.S. Department of Justice. Advance your federal career as a GS-13 Contract Specialist in Washington, D.C.

Contract Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Acquisition Management is seeking a highly skilled Contract Specialist (GS-13) to oversee critical procurement activities. This role is essential to supporting the Department's mission by managing the full life cycle of contract actions, from pre-award planning to final closeout. You will serve as a key advisor to program officials, ensuring compliance, excellence, and fiscal responsibility within a high-stakes environment.

Requirements for Contract Specialist

Completion of mandatory agency-prescribed training for GS-13 level contracting.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in contracting or directly 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, accounting, law, finance, economics, or related management fields.
Ability to perform contract administration, including modifications, funding, and dispute resolution.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a drug test and high-risk background screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist

Advanced knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
Proven track record in managing complex cost-reimbursement and incentive-based contracts.
Demonstrated ability to navigate delicate negotiations and termination settlements.
Strong technical writing skills for solicitation and justification documentation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
✓Federal Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
✓Flexible Work Schedules and Telework Options

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job

Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) detailing your specific contracting duties and employment history.
Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, SF-50s (if current/former federal employee), and performance appraisals.
Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online application questionnaire for position JMD-OAM-26-13000127-ST.
Upload all required documents and submit before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on July 27, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the FAR-related duties listed in the job summary.
Do not inflate your experience level on the questionnaire; your resume must clearly substantiate your claims.
Check for document clarity; transcripts must show the 24 semester hours in relevant business fields.
Submit your package well in advance of the deadline to account for potential system delays or document processing times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

You will manage the end-to-end procurement process, ensuring that DOJ acquisitions align with legal standards, promote small business utilization, and effectively support agency initiatives.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is telework-eligible, subject to agency policy and management approval.

What if I have foreign education?

You must provide proof that your foreign education is equivalent to a U.S. degree through an accredited evaluation service.

What is the closing date?

Applications must be submitted by July 27, 2026.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation is not offered for this position.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Office of Acquisition Management, under the DOJ, serves as the engine room for the Department’s procurement needs. From managing formal reorganization processes to advocating for competitive sourcing and ensuring the ethical use of taxpayer funds, this office is integral to the Department’s operational success. Employees at the DOJ are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and excellence.