Become a Contract Specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency

Are you looking to advance your career in federal procurement? The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking a motivated and skilled Contract Specialist to join our team in Warren, Michigan. This is a unique opportunity to serve the Department of Defense and contribute to the logistics support that sustains our military operations worldwide.

Job Responsibilities

As a Contract Specialist, you will manage the full lifecycle of complex procurements. Key duties include:

Leading acquisition planning and solicitation efforts.
Administering long-term, corporate, and prime vendor contracts.
Coordinating with Program Managers to ensure effective contract performance.
Developing negotiation strategies to secure optimal outcomes.
Providing expert guidance on major procurement projects.

Comparison: Standard vs. Complex Contracting

Feature	Standard Acquisition	Complex/Strategic Acquisition
Scope	Simplified	Highly specialized
Planning	Minimal	Extensive, long-term
Stakeholders	Internal	Cross-agency/Corporate
Impact	Routine support	Mission-critical readiness

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-13 role, you must meet stringent federal qualifications, including:

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
At least two years of experience in a formal contracting position.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Adherence to a strict two-page resume limit.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $117,402 to $152,625 per year, commensurate with qualifications and government pay scale regulations.

Benefits

Employees of the DLA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health insurance, life insurance, and long-term care programs.
Retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Federal leave policies including annual, sick, and paid family leave.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, ensure your resume clearly links your experience to the core competencies listed in the job description. Quantify your accomplishments—such as the dollar value of contracts managed or the number of acquisitions completed. Finally, double-check your formatting to ensure your resume fits within the two-page limit.

Serving as a Contract Specialist at the DLA is more than a job; it is a commitment to our nation's defense. If you possess the experience and drive to lead complex acquisitions, we encourage you to apply and help us continue our mission of excellence.

Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters

Take your career in procurement to the next level with the Defense Logistics Agency. We are seeking a highly skilled Contract Specialist to manage mission-critical acquisitions in Warren, Michigan.

Contract Specialist Job Overview

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is searching for a dedicated Contract Specialist to join our team in Warren, Michigan. As a vital component of the Department of Defense, the DLA serves as the Nation's Logistics Combat Support Agency. This position offers the opportunity to lead complex acquisition planning, execute contract awards, and manage strategic supply arrangements essential to supporting our military departments and unified combatant commands.

Requirements for Contract Specialist

Must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Must possess at least 2 years of experience in a contracting position for Contracting Officer basic requirements.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must submit a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Must meet all regulatory requirements, including time-in-grade, by the closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist

Demonstrated expertise in complex acquisition planning and solicitation.
Proven ability to perform comprehensive cost and price analysis.
Experience exercising sound judgment in negotiation strategies for highly specialized procurements.
Active familiarity with DoD acquisition regulations and procurement lifecycles.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
✓Supportive work-life balance programs, including telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, ensuring all work history and hours per week are documented.
Click the Apply Online button to initiate your application via the USA Staffing portal.
Attach all required documentation, including transcripts and eligibility proofs.
Submit your application package no later than 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your email for invitations to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if required.

💡 General Tips

Use standard, legible fonts like Lato, Calibri, or Arial in your resume.
Ensure your resume is saved as a PDF and stays within the 5MB size limit.
Check your spam or junk folder for communications regarding online assessments.
Focus your resume on quantifying your experience and demonstrating how you meet the GS-13 level competencies.
Update your profile on the federal hiring platform before applying to streamline the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum resume length?

Your resume must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on agency policy and requirements.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation for the assessment?

Requests for reasonable accommodation regarding the USA Hire assessment must be submitted prior to beginning the test. Please review the provided agency help links for detailed instructions.

How do I request a reasonable accommodation?

*A: You may request an accommodation directly within your online application if you have a qualifying disability.*

Are there random drug tests?

*A: Yes, as a federal employee in a designated position, you will be subject to a drug-free workplace policy.*

Job from Defense Logistics Agency

The DLA is the combat logistics support agency for the U.S. Department of Defense. We provide essential supplies and services to military departments and federal agencies globally. Working at the DLA means playing a direct role in maintaining the readiness and operational efficiency of our nation's armed forces.