Launch Your Career in Federal Procurement with U.S. Cyber Command
Are you a procurement professional looking to make a significant impact on national security? The Department of the Army is currently seeking dedicated, detail-oriented Contract Specialists to join the U.S. Cyber Command (J9) in Fort Meade, Maryland. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage complex contracting requirements that support the most critical cyber operations in the nation. If you have the expertise to navigate federal procurement regulations and the strategic vision to implement innovative business solutions, this is the career-defining move you have been waiting for.
Job Responsibilities
As a Contract Specialist, you will be the backbone of mission-essential acquisitions. Your primary duties will include:
- Planning contracting strategies for highly complex requirements.
- Analyzing procurement issues and developing innovative paths forward in resource-constrained environments.
- Advising technical staff on performance work statements and acquisition guidelines.
- Negotiating contract terms and preparing comprehensive pre-negotiation memoranda.
- Ensuring contractor compliance through rigorous performance management and metrics review.
- Serving as a subject matter expert to functional commanders regarding legal and acquisition responsibilities.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate strong technical proficiency and professional maturity. Core requirements include:
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or specific grandfathered status as a DoD contracting professional prior to September 30, 2000.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience in federal contracting, including managing service/commodity contracts, implementing operating procedures, and providing procurement guidance.
- Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- Professional Certification: Ability to achieve and maintain DAWIA certification in the contracting field within three years of employment.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary commensurate with the duties of the position and the cost of living in the Maryland area.
| Pay Range | Interval |
|---|---|
| $102,415 - $139,970 | Per Year |
Benefits
The U.S. government offers a robust benefits package that balances professional service with personal well-being, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a generous retirement plan (FERS).
Application Tips
- Be Comprehensive: Do not limit your resume. Use your full career history to highlight relevant contracting skills.
- Use Clear Language: Avoid acronyms that aren't universal. The hiring manager won't assume knowledge of proprietary agency systems.
- Sanitize Personal Data: Ensure your documents do not contain sensitive personal info or, importantly, classified data.
Serving as a Contract Specialist at U.S. Cyber Command is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of defending our nation’s digital infrastructure. Apply today to bring your procurement expertise to an elite team.
Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career at the forefront of national security with U.S. Cyber Command. We are seeking expert Contract Specialists to shape the future of defense procurement.
Contract Specialist Job Overview
Join the U.S. Cyber Command (J9) in Fort Meade, Maryland, as a Contract Specialist within the Department of the Army’s Cyber Excepted Service (CES). This critical role involves managing complex procurement cycles, overseeing contractor performance, and providing expert business advice to support mission-essential technical operations. You will play a vital part in a dynamic environment where civilian expertise directly empowers military success.
Requirements for Contract Specialist
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- One year of specialized experience in federal contracting, including managing service/commodity contracts, procurement analysis, and providing expert acquisition guidance.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Completion of a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service (for males born after 1959).
- Agreement to submit public or confidential financial disclosure reports.
- Willingness to sign a service agreement if recruitment or relocation incentives are accepted.
- Requirement to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to meet DAWIA certification requirements within three years.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist
- Proven history of managing complex or time-sensitive federal contract modifications.
- Strong background in negotiation strategy and post-award contract management.
- Expertise in analyzing audit and technical recommendations to formulate pre-negotiation positions.
- Proficiency in translating complex technical requirements into performance-based statements of work.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Potential for relocation or recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and DAWIA certification.
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job
- Log in or register for a USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload a detailed resume that includes employer names, specific dates, hours worked per week, and a description of your specialized contracting experience.
- Submit official transcripts if relying on education to meet basic requirements.
- Provide documentation proving your eligibility for the specific hiring authority used.
- Review your application for completeness and submit before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Since this is a Cyber Excepted Service position, the standard two-page resume limit does not apply; use your full, detailed resume.
- Use clear, professional language and avoid excessive jargon or internal acronyms.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the specialized duties listed in the job announcement.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are free of classified information, as this will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Submit your package well in advance of the deadline to ensure all virus scans have cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cyber Excepted Service (CES)?
CES is a specific personnel system under 10 USC 1599f that provides the Department of Defense with the flexibility to hire, develop, and retain the top-tier talent required to manage cyber operations effectively.
Are there limits on my resume length?
No. Unlike some other federal positions, CES roles do not have a two-page limit. Please provide a comprehensive, detailed resume that captures all relevant experience.
What happens if I submit classified information?
Classified information is strictly prohibited. Submitting such information will disqualify you from the process and result in a notification to your security office.
Job from Joint Activities
U.S. Cyber Command is a unified combatant command that directs and coordinates cyberspace operations to defend the nation's interests. Civilian employees play a vital, non-military role within this structure, providing the specialized skills necessary to sustain high-stakes military operations. Under the Cyber Excepted Service (CES) personnel system, team members benefit from a flexible, high-performance environment designed to attract top-tier talent in the professional acquisition field.