Launch Your Career as a Contract Specialist with the NGA

Are you an experienced contracting professional looking to apply your skills toward a mission of national importance? The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is currently seeking detail-oriented, strategic-minded individuals to fill Contract Specialist roles. This is a unique opportunity to join an elite team that supports the intelligence community by managing the complex acquisition lifecycle of vital geospatial products and services.

Job Responsibilities

As a Contract Specialist, your duties are broad and mission-critical. You will:

Plan and manage end-to-end acquisition strategies.
Collaborate with agency program managers to identify requirements.
Draft solicitations and evaluate technical proposals.
Negotiate contract terms to ensure the government receives the best value.
Administer active contracts by monitoring performance and preparing modifications.
Resolve performance issues and conduct contract closeouts.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you must meet the following mandatory criteria:

Citizenship & Clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret SCI security clearance.
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Experience: Demonstrated history of regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and risk mitigation in a government or commercial setting.
Certification: Must achieve DAWIA certification in contracting within 36 months of appointment.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Position Level	Salary Range	Rate Interval
Contract Specialist (Band 03)	$76,573 - $158,322	Per Year

Benefits

Employees of the NGA receive a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Health Insurance
Federal Pension (FERS)
Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with matching
Potential for recruitment incentives
Continuous professional development and acquisition training

Application Tips

Use the NGA Resume Builder: Do not submit a standard PDF resume. The NGA portal requires the use of their specific system.
Quantify Your Results: Don't just list your tasks; explain the complexity of the contracts you handled and the specific outcomes achieved.
Tailor to the Criteria: The expert panel evaluating your application will be looking for specific mentions of solicitation development, market research, and regulatory interpretation. Ensure these are front and center.

A role with the NGA offers unparalleled professional growth and the chance to contribute to the nation’s security. If you are ready to apply your contracting expertise where it matters most, visit the NGA Careers Portal to begin your application today.

Why This Contract Specialist (Hiring Event) Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where your expertise in federal contracting directly supports national security decision-making.

Contract Specialist (Hiring Event) Job Overview

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is seeking professional Contract Specialists to join its team. In this pivotal role, you will navigate the complexities of federal acquisitions, from initial strategy and solicitation development to contract negotiation and final closeouts. You will serve as a key partner to agency programs, ensuring that the critical resources needed for geospatial intelligence are secured legally and efficiently.

Requirements for Contract Specialist (Hiring Event)

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
Must pass a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination and drug testing.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated experience interpreting complex regulations to ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation.
Proven track record in managing various contract types, including Cost Reimbursable, Fixed Price, and Time and Material.
Must obtain DAWIA Certification in Contracting within 36 months of hire.
Must commit to 80 hours of continuous learning every two years once certified.

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist (Hiring Event)

Experience with full-cycle acquisition planning and solicitation development.
Demonstrated proficiency in conducting market research and cost/price analysis.
Previous experience with contract closeout procedures.
Possession of DAWIA or FAC-C (Foundational) Contracting Professional Certification.
Strong ability to develop and maintain collaborative customer service relationships.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual performance-based pay potential.
✓Opportunity for recruitment incentives for eligible candidates.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Structured career mobility within a global intelligence framework.

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist (Hiring Event) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist (Hiring Event) Job

Prepare your resume using the required NGA resume builder (limited to 2 pages).
Register for an account on the official NGA Careers Portal.
Complete the online application, ensuring all mandatory qualification criteria are clearly addressed with specific examples.
Attach optional documents, such as a cover letter, via the Qualifications attachment section.
Submit your application before the closing date of October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.

💡 General Tips

Use the NGA-specific resume builder—applications submitted via standard resume formats may not be accepted.
Focus your resume on the 'Mandatory Qualification Criteria' and provide concrete results for each experience listed.
Proofread your application carefully; once submitted, you cannot edit your materials.
Since this is a competitive process, highlight any experience involving complex government or commercial contract modifications.
Monitor your status through the NGA Careers Portal after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NGA hiring process like?

The process involves a multi-stage evaluation of your qualifications by a panel of experts. Best-qualified candidates may be invited for an interview. Final selection is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check and polygraph.

Can I work remotely for this position?

Currently, this position is designated as telework-ineligible. However, the agency operates with a flexible career model, and job requirements for specific assignments may change over time.

What happens if I already have a security clearance?

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance. If you already hold one, it will be subject to NGA’s internal vetting and polygraph requirements.

Is travel required?

*A: Currently, travel is not required, but specific assignments may change based on agency needs.*

Can I apply if I don't have a clearance?

*A: Yes, but you must be able to pass a rigorous background check and polygraph to be eligible for employment.*

Job from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is the world leader in providing actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). By evaluating imagery, maps, and terrain data, NGA enables policymakers, warfighters, and first responders to visualize the 'how and why' behind global events. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a dedicated workforce committed to decision advantage.