Advanced Federal Procurement Careers: Contracting Officer (GS-12/13) at the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal procurement is the backbone of public sector efficiency, ensuring that crucial agency missions are supported by high-quality services, cutting-edge technology, and robust logistical supply chains. The Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), is currently seeking a highly skilled, dedicated, and analytical professional to step into the role of Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer) in Washington, D.C.
This position is graded at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, offering a competitive compensation package ranging from $102,415 to $158,322 per year. Designed for experienced acquisition professionals, this role carries significant responsibility, providing a unique opportunity to lead critical procurement initiatives while contributing to public safety and corrections operations. If you have a strong background in federal contracting, negotiation, and compliance, this position provides an outstanding avenue to advance your federal career.
About the Agency: The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a specialized agency under the Department of Justice responsible for the care, custody, and rehabilitation of federally incarcerated individuals. The agency's core mission is to foster secure, humane, and safe environments while preparing individuals for successful reentry into their communities upon release.
To manage a vast network of facilities and institutional programs nationwide, the BOP relies on a sophisticated procurement infrastructure. The acquisitions team ensures that food services, medical care, security technology, facility maintenance, and administrative resources are secured efficiently, transparently, and in strict compliance with federal laws. Working as a Contracting Officer within the BOP means your professional contributions directly impact the safety of staff, inmates, and the general public.
Job Responsibilities of a BOP Contracting Officer
As a designated Contracting Officer for the BOP, you will hold delegated authority to obligate government funds and enter into legally binding agreements. This is not a passive administrative role; it requires active strategic planning, risk management, and leadership. Your core duties will include:
- Acquisition Planning: Collaborating closely with program staff to design, maintain, and execute Advanced Procurement Plans, milestone charts, and acquisition schedules.
- Solicitation and Award: Drafting and issuing highly complex, multi-year solicitations for technical services, ensuring bid schedules are structured properly, and selecting appropriate prospective contractors.
- Negotiation: Conducting pre-proposal and pre-bid conferences to ensure prospective vendors thoroughly understand the technical specifications, contract clauses, and compliance mandates. You will negotiate terms, pricing, and settlements to secure the best value for the taxpayer.
- Contract Administration: Overseeing contract performance, evaluating compliance, reviewing audit reports and subcontractor claims, and managing modifications or amendments.
- Dispute Resolution and Termination: Investigating contract performance problems, labor violations, and disputes. You will develop alternative courses of action, prepare impact statements, and, when necessary, initiate termination actions for default or government convenience.
Minimum Eligibility & Qualifications
To qualify for this GS-1102 series position, candidates must satisfy both basic education requirements and specialized experience criteria. The requirements vary by grade level, as summarized below.
Basic Educational Requirements (GS-12 & GS-13)
All candidates must meet one of the following educational baselines:
- Bachelor's Degree: A four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university in any field.
- Business Coursework: At least 24 semester hours (or 36 quarter hours) in a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
Note: Current federal employees who have continuously occupied a GS-1102 position since January 1, 2000, may be exempt from certain educational requirements but must still meet specialized experience standards.
Specialized Experience Requirements
Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience at these grade levels. Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level:
- For GS-12: Experience preparing agency positions on formal vendor protests, structuring advertised procurements, negotiating contract changes, and assisting with complex contract administrations or terminations.
- For GS-13: Experience administering highly technical, multi-year contracts, leading pre-proposal conferences, and serving as a resident technical procurement expert developing pre-negotiation strategies with program leaders.
- Mandatory GS-13 Certification: Applicants for the GS-13 level must submit a legible copy of their Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level II or a BOP Level III warrant at the time of application.
Quality Ranking Factor
While not an eligibility requirement, possessing an active Bureau of Prisons Warrant is highly preferred. Candidates who possess this warrant will be ranked higher during the evaluation process.
Grade Level Comparison Table
| Feature / Requirement | GS-12 Level | GS-13 Level |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Range | $102,415 – $133,142 (Approx.) | $121,783 – $158,322 (Approx.) |
| Required Experience | 1 year equivalent to GS-11 | 1 year equivalent to GS-12 |
| Mandatory Certification | None (BOP Warrant Preferred) | FAC-C Level II or BOP Level III Warrant |
| Key Focus Areas | Formal solicitations, standard changes | Multi-year complex contracts, technical expert |
| Promotion Potential | GS-13 | GS-13 (Terminal) |
Salary Overview & Compensation Package
The salary range for this position is $102,415 to $158,322 per year. This range incorporates the standard federal General Schedule (GS) base pay along with Washington, D.C. locality adjustments.
Upon entry, your specific grade and step within the GS-12 or GS-13 bands will be determined based on your qualifications, prior federal service, and experience. For candidates hired at the GS-12 level, there is non-competitive promotion potential to the GS-13 level once all performance, time-in-grade, and educational requirements are successfully met.
Comprehensive Benefits
Working for the federal government offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. These benefits include:
- Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a defined-benefit pension plan.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A 401(k)-style retirement savings account with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a wide selection of healthcare plans with significant employer-paid premiums.
- Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance: Voluntary options for enhanced dental and vision coverage, as well as Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
- Paid Leave: Generous accrual of annual (vacation) leave, separate sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
- Work-Flexibility: Telework options are available depending on agency mission requirements and supervisor approval.
Application Process & Critical Tips
The application period for this position is brief, opening on August 21, 2026 and closing on August 28, 2026. To ensure your application is successful, follow these critical guidelines:
- Strict 2-Page Resume Limit: Unlike standard federal applications, your resume for this vacancy must not exceed 2 pages. Any resume exceeding this limit will result in your application being declared completely ineligible.
- Explicitly Document Your Experience: To receive proper credit for your work history, you must detail the exact start and end dates (MM/YYYY) and the average number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Submit All Required Certifications: If you are claiming a FAC-C Level II certification or a BOP warrant, you must upload clear, legible copies of these documents with your initial application package.
- Complete the USA Hire Assessments: After submitting your application via USAJobs, you will receive an email link to complete mandatory competency-based online assessments. Ensure you set aside approximately two uninterrupted hours to complete these assessments, as they measure critical general competencies like reasoning, stress tolerance, and decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the exact deadline to apply?
A: The vacancy closes at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on August 28, 2026. All questionnaires and supporting documents must be successfully uploaded by this time.
Q: Can education be substituted for the specialized experience requirement?
A: No. At the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, there is no option to substitute academic degrees for the required specialized contracting experience.
Q: Is a security clearance or background check required?
A: Yes. Candidates must undergo a comprehensive background investigation, including credit checks, NCIC criminal record checks, a physical exam, and a drug urinalysis.
Q: Are there relocation benefits available?
A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this recruitment. Additionally, please note that the selected candidate may be subject to geographic relocation in the future based on agency needs.
The position of Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer) with the Federal Bureau of Prisons represents a premier career opportunity for procurement professionals seeking high-impact work. Managing complex contracts in Washington, D.C., you will enjoy competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and the pride of contributing directly to our nation's security infrastructure. Prepare your 2-page resume, gather your certifications, and submit your application before the August 28, 2026 deadline to embark on this rewarding professional journey.
Why This Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer) Job Matters
Step into a vital leadership role as a Contracting Officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, managing high-impact federal acquisitions in Washington, D.C.
Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer) Job Overview
The Department of Justice's Bureau of Prisons is seeking an experienced and analytical Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer) to manage high-value, complex acquisitions in Washington, D.C. This GS-12/13 position offers a salary range of $102,415 to $158,322 per year and features telework eligibility. Key responsibilities include negotiating, awarding, and administering highly technical contracts, serving as a procurement advisor, and managing contract terminations when necessary.
Requirements for Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must complete a background investigation, credit check, NCIC check, physical exam, and drug urinalysis.
- Subject to geographic relocation based on the agency's operational needs.
- For GS-12: A 4-year bachelor's degree in any field OR at least 24 semester hours in business-related disciplines (accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization/management) AND one year of specialized contracting experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
- For GS-13: A 4-year bachelor's degree in any field with 24 business-related semester hours, plus completion of mandatory agency training (FAC-C Level II or BOP Level III warrant) AND four years of contracting experience, including at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer)
- An active Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Warrant (Quality Ranking Factor).
- Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level II or higher.
- Demonstrated experience in negotiating complex settlements and managing formal protests.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary (GS-12/13 scale)
- ✓Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays
- ✓Telework flexibility for eligible employees
- ✓Professional development, training, and continuing education opportunities
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist (Contracting Officer) Job
- Review the full announcement on USAJobs to confirm complete eligibility requirements.
- Prepare a highly targeted federal resume, ensuring it strictly stays within the 2-page limit.
- Gather all required supporting documents, including college transcripts, active warrants/certifications, and SF-50s (for current/former federal employees).
- Click the 'Apply Online' button on the USAJobs listing to access the USA Staffing application system.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all necessary documentation.
- Submit the completed application package prior to the 11:59 PM Eastern Time deadline on August 28, 2026.
- Check your email and USAJobs account for notifications regarding the mandatory USA Hire Assessments.
- Complete the USA Hire Assessments within the designated timeframe (typically 48 hours from receiving the link if applied near the closing date).
💡 General Tips
- Respect the 2-page limit: If your resume exceeds two pages, your application will be automatically deemed ineligible.
- Document your work hours: Ensure your resume explicitly states start and end dates in MM/YYYY format and the number of hours worked per week for each position to receive proper credit.
- Provide clear certifications: If applying at the GS-13 level, you must upload a legible copy of your FAC-C Level II or BOP Level III warrant at the time of application.
- Format cleanly: Use a professional sans-serif font (such as Calibri, Arial, or Lato) set to 10-point size with 0.5-inch margins for your resume to optimize readability.
- Align answers with your resume: Your responses to the online questionnaire must be supported by the experience detailed in your resume. Overstating qualifications can lead to disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework allowed for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework according to agency policy and supervisor approval.
What is the educational requirement for this role?
A 4-year bachelor's degree in any major or at least 24 semester hours in business, finance, accounting, law, or related disciplines is required for both the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, unless you qualify under a specific federal exception or waiver.
Is there a resume page limit?
Yes, your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Any application containing a resume longer than 2 pages will be disqualified.
What are the required assessments?
Applicants must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, which evaluate critical skills such as decision making, attention to detail, stress tolerance, and negotiation.