Advance Your Career as a Contract Specialist with the NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) plays a critical role in the safety of the American public. As an independent federal agency, the NTSB is responsible for investigating every civil aviation accident in the U.S. as well as significant incidents across rail, transit, highway, marine, and pipeline sectors. To maintain this high level of investigative excellence, the NTSB requires a robust administrative backbone. We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Contract Specialist (GS-14) to join our Acquisition Division.

Job Responsibilities

As a GS-14 Contract Specialist, you will handle sophisticated procurement actions. Your core duties include:

Advising stakeholders on market research and acquisition strategies.
Leading the development of procurement plans, Statements of Work (SOW), and RFPs.
Performing rigorous cost/price analysis for pre- and post-award actions.
Negotiating complex contracts with vendors.
Ensuring strict compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must meet specific professional and educational benchmarks.

Comparison of Qualification Standards

Requirement Type	Criteria
Experience	4+ years in contracting; 1 year at GS-13 level
Education	Bachelor's degree + 24 semester hours in business/finance fields
Certification	FAC-C Professional or equivalent required

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-14 level, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $143,913 to $187,093, commensurate with experience and federal pay tables.

Benefits

Employees of the NTSB enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both professional and personal well-being:

Competitive federal salary structure.
Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Generous paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
Flexible work arrangements including telework.
Retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Application Tips

Resume Length: Keep your resume to a strict 2-page limit.
Clarity: Clearly define your specialized experience, hours worked, and pay grade.
Documents: Don't forget your transcripts. Official transcripts are required if you are selected for the role.
Timeliness: Complete all required USA Hire assessments immediately upon receipt of the email invite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this a permanent role? Yes, this is a permanent position within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
Can I use my private sector experience? Yes, as long as it demonstrates the required specialized contracting competencies.

If you are an analytical professional with a background in government contracting and a desire to contribute to a life-saving mission, this role at the NTSB is your next big opportunity. Apply today to secure your place in an agency that truly makes a difference.

Why This Contract Specialist (Direct Hire) Job Matters

Take the lead in shaping the procurement strategy of an agency that safeguards the nation’s future—the NTSB.

Contract Specialist (Direct Hire) Job Overview

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is seeking a highly skilled Contract Specialist to join the Office of the Chief Financial Officer in Washington, D.C. In this high-impact role, you will be instrumental in the full life cycle of federal acquisitions, from strategic procurement planning to vendor negotiation and contract closeout. You will serve as a key advisor to technical personnel, ensuring that complex procurement actions align with federal regulations while supporting the critical safety mission of the NTSB.

Requirements for Contract Specialist (Direct Hire)

Must have at least 4 years of experience in contracting or related fields.
Must possess at least 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
Hold a 4-year bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business-related fields (accounting, finance, law, etc.).
Must hold or be eligible for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional or equivalent.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance.
Must be able to provide all required transcripts and supporting documentation during the application process.

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist (Direct Hire)

Demonstrated ability to perform cost/price analysis for complex procurements.
Expertise in drafting Statements of Work (SOW) and Justifications for Other than Full and Open Competition (JOFOCs).
Proven track record in managing full-cycle contract administration and negotiation.
Advanced proficiency in navigating the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work options including telework and alternative work schedules.
✓Comprehensive federal health, life, and retirement benefit programs.
✓Transit and fitness-related incentives.
✓Opportunities for professional development within a federal environment.

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist (Direct Hire) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist (Direct Hire) Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJobs.
Prepare a resume restricted to a maximum of 2 pages.
Gather all academic transcripts and required certification proof.
Click the Apply Online button and complete the questionnaire.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
If notified via email, complete the USA Hire assessment within 48 hours.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes may be disqualified.
Be specific about your experience—do not expect the hiring team to make assumptions.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required fields like hours per week and pay plan are included.
Double-check that your transcripts are attached, as applications without them will be considered ineligible.
Submit early to avoid technical issues as the deadline approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range for this GS-14 position is $143,913 to $187,093 per year.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The position is listed as telework-eligible, though it is not a fully remote position.

What happens if I miss the USA Hire assessment deadline?

If an assessment is required, you must complete it within 48 hours of the announcement closing; failure to do so may result in removal from consideration.

Job from National Transportation Safety Board

The NTSB is more than just an investigation board; it is a champion for safety. By determining the probable causes of accidents and issuing actionable safety recommendations, the agency prevents future tragedies. Working for the NTSB means you are part of a mission-driven environment where your contributions directly support the agency’s ability to function independently and effectively.