Become a Leader in Federal Procurement: Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief)
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is currently seeking a highly skilled and strategic professional to serve as a Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief) in Washington, D.C. This role is essential to the agency’s ability to manage complex acquisitions that support public safety and the humane treatment of incarcerated individuals. If you have a deep background in contracting, a passion for leadership, and the desire to work at the intersection of law and business, this opportunity offers a substantial salary and the chance to influence agency-wide policy.
Job Responsibilities
As a Section Chief, your primary duties involve:
- Leading either the Acquisitions Branch or the Procurement Operations Branch.
- Managing the strategy and execution of sensitive, high-value procurements.
- Acting as the lead negotiator for complex contracts.
- Providing expert guidance to source selection committees.
- Serving as a liaison to central office divisions for contract adjustments and performance monitoring.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet stringent federal criteria:
- Education: A bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in related business fields.
- Certification: Possession of a FAC-C Level III or BOP Level III warrant.
- Experience: At least 4 years of experience, with 1 year at the next lower grade level.
- Documentation: You must submit legible copies of your certification and transcripts at the time of application.
Salary and Comparison
The position falls under the GS-14 pay grade, offering a competitive federal compensation package.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $143,913 – $187,093 |
| Pay Interval | Per Year |
| Grade | GS-14 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
Benefits
Employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including extensive retirement planning, comprehensive health care options, and a commitment to work-life balance through policies like telework. You will also be eligible for federal leave programs and professional development opportunities designed to cultivate your career as a government leader.
Application Tips
- Follow the Resume Rule: The 2-page limit is non-negotiable. Ensure your formatting is clean and professional.
- Upload Everything: Ensure your FAC-C certification and transcripts are attached upon submission.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly specify your hours worked per week and provide dates in MM/YYYY format to ensure your experience is counted correctly.
This is a unique opportunity to lead procurement operations for a vital federal agency. By combining your analytical skills with a commitment to excellence, you can play a critical role in the mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Ensure you have your documentation ready and apply before the closing date to join this distinguished team.
Why This Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief) Job Matters
Shape the future of federal procurement as a Supervisory Contract Specialist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons—lead high-stakes acquisitions and drive institutional excellence in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief) Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is seeking a seasoned Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief) to lead within the Acquisitions or Procurement Operations Branch. In this pivotal role, you will oversee essential contractual functions, ranging from large-scale IT projects to specialized service agreements. You will be responsible for developing negotiation strategies, managing source selection committees, and ensuring the agency’s mission is supported through transparent, efficient, and strategic procurement. This is a high-impact position that requires expert knowledge of federal regulations and the ability to mentor high-performing teams.
Requirements for Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Completion of mandatory agency training (FAC-C Level III or BOP Level III warrant).
- At least 4 years of experience in contracting or related fields.
- A bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business, finance, law, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience in pre-award and post-award functions, negotiation leadership, and team management.
- Ability to meet time-in-grade requirements for federal employees.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief)
- Proven track record in developing negotiation strategies for complex, high-value procurements.
- Experience in technical evaluation and source selection committee leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff within a procurement environment.
- Expertise in interpreting and applying complex federal procurement regulations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement system participation (FERS/CSRS)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training
- ✓Telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Contract Specialist (Section Chief) Job
- Register and build your profile on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly 2 pages.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and certification (FAC-C or BOP Level III warrant).
- Submit your application through the official portal by the closing date.
- Ensure all contact information and historical data (SF-50) are current.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages to remain eligible.
- Use a standard, readable font like Calibri or Arial.
- Clearly label uploaded documents (e.g., 'Transcripts', 'DD-214').
- Double-check that your FAC-C certification or BOP warrant is clearly uploaded.
- Ensure your resume includes start/end dates in MM/YYYY format and hours worked per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is designated as telework-eligible.
What is the maximum salary for this role?
The maximum range is $187,093 per year based on the GS-14 pay scale.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Applications exceeding the two-page limit are considered ineligible and will not be reviewed.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is an agency within the Department of Justice responsible for the management and operation of the federal prison system. Procurement at the BOP is not just about logistics; it is about ensuring that the agency has the resources, technology, and service infrastructure to fulfill its mission effectively and safely. As a Section Chief, you will be at the heart of these efforts.