Lead Maritime Excellence: Contract Specialist Team Lead Position at the U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is currently looking for a high-performing professional to join the Surface Forces Logistics Center in Alameda, California. As a Contract Specialist Team Lead (GS-13), you will play a critical role in the procurement lifecycle of essential maritime assets. This is an opportunity to lead acquisition strategy and ensure the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard fleet.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead the full spectrum of contracting activities, from acquisition planning to contract closeout. Your core duties will include:

Developing procurement milestones and acquisition plans.
Leading source selection teams and serving as a warranted Contracting Officer.
Performing sophisticated cost and price analyses to ensure the government receives best value.
Providing expert business advice to program officials and stakeholders.
Utilizing innovative contracting techniques to manage complex supply and service acquisitions.

Comparison of Benefits

Benefit Category	Offerings
Retirement	Federal Pension + Thrift Savings Plan
Insurance	Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-term care
Incentives	Recruitment/Relocation bonuses (10%)
Additional	Student loan repayment (up to $10,000)

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria, including U.S. citizenship and the ability to undergo a thorough background investigation. You must have a minimum of 4 years of experience, with at least 1 year at the next lower grade level (GS-12). Educationally, you must hold a degree with at least 24 semester hours in business-related coursework.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this GS-13 position ranges from $133,060 to $172,980 per year. Beyond the competitive base pay, the Coast Guard provides an exceptional benefits package, including flexible work schedules, comprehensive healthcare, and a robust retirement plan.

Application Tips

Respect the Resume Limit: Keep your submission to a strict 2-page limit.
Documentation is Key: Submit unofficial transcripts by the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Experience Detail: Use your resume to describe the complexity of the contracts you have managed.

This role at the U.S. Coast Guard is an ideal progression for a contracting professional ready to take the next step in their career. By managing high-stakes acquisitions in a supportive environment, you will make a tangible difference in our national security.

Why This Contract Specialist Team Lead Job Matters

Lead critical maritime acquisitions and influence the future of U.S. Coast Guard logistics in this high-impact GS-13 leadership role.

Contract Specialist Team Lead Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a seasoned Contract Specialist Team Lead to serve at the Surface Forces Logistics Center in Alameda, California. This role is pivotal in managing the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions, ranging from major capital assets to technical support services. The successful candidate will provide senior-level guidance, serve as a warranted contracting officer, and ensure that procurement strategies align with mission requirements for protecting maritime interests.

Requirements for Contract Specialist Team Lead

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must be registered with or exempt from the Selective Service.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in contracting or related fields.
At least 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Must possess or be able to obtain/maintain a Q Access Authorization.
Ability to provide official college transcripts upon selection.
Compliance with Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional requirements within 36 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist Team Lead

Proven history as a warranted contracting officer.
Demonstrated expertise in major asset acquisition and life-cycle maintenance.
Experience with foreign military sales and complex supply chain procurement.
Strong background in source selection, cost/price analysis, and negotiation strategy.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal Retirement System coverage
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) with matching
✓Flexible Spending Accounts
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave
✓Student loan repayment program (up to $10,000 for qualifying hires)
✓Recruitment/Relocation incentives available for eligible candidates
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Team Lead Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist Team Lead Job

Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages, using 10pt font or larger.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates and hours worked per week.
Avoid including personal information like photos, age, or SSN to prevent disqualification.
Tailor your resume to highlight the complexity of your previous contracting experience.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire Assessment once invited.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and clearly labeled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the resume length strictly enforced?

Yes, resumes exceeding 2 pages will be removed from consideration by the system automatically.

Can I receive a recruitment incentive?

Yes, newly appointed federal employees may be eligible for a one-time 10% recruitment incentive subject to a 12-month service agreement.

What education is required for this role?

A bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in business-related fields such as accounting, finance, law, or contracts is required.

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a vast and vital mission, ranging from border security and disaster resilience to maritime safety. By joining the USCG, you become part of a dedicated workforce focused on protecting American interests both at home and across the globe.