Become a Deployable Contract Administrator with the DCMA
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) offers a career path unlike any other. If you are an acquisition professional with a desire to serve the warfighter while engaging in complex, mission-critical work, the Contract Administrator (Deployable) position may be the ideal next step. This role combines the technical rigor of federal contracting with the unique demands of global deployment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Contract Administrator, you will:
- Monitor contractor performance for compliance with laws and delivery schedules.
- Coordinate waivers and deviations with buying offices.
- Facilitate the final closeout of government contracts.
- Manage financial reconciliations and database integrity.
- Serve as a deployment-ready asset to support overseas operations.
Comparison: Stateside vs. Deployed
| Feature | Stateside Duty | Overseas Deployment |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-11 | GS-12 (Temporary Promotion) |
| Work Environment | Office-based | Austere/Forward Operating |
| Additional Pay | Standard Salary | Danger Pay & Post Differential |
| Primary Focus | Administration/Closeout | Mission-Essential Support |
Requirements
Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree and one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level. You must also be prepared to meet medical, immunization, and security clearance requirements.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $74,678 to $108,533 per year, depending on the duty location. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning through FERS, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages. Use the resume builder or ensure your custom document includes specific hours worked per week and clear dates. Always attach official or unofficial transcripts to support your educational claims.
This role offers a unique opportunity for growth and service. If you are ready to apply your contracting skills in both domestic and international contexts, submit your application through the official federal portal before the deadline.
Why This Contract Administrator (Deployable) Job Matters
Embark on a career that takes you to the heart of global operations. As a Deployable Contract Administrator with the Defense Contract Management Agency, you will provide critical support to the warfighter, ensuring the efficiency and readiness of defense programs both at home and abroad.
Contract Administrator (Deployable) Job Overview
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is seeking a motivated Contract Administrator to fill a unique, mission-essential role. This position is perfect for acquisition professionals who thrive on challenge and possess the flexibility to work in diverse, sometimes austere, environments. You will play a vital role in the lifecycle of government contracts, from administration and performance monitoring to final closeout. This role features a permanent GS-11 status, with the potential for temporary promotion to GS-12 during overseas deployments.
Requirements for Contract Administrator (Deployable)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
- Must be able to meet medical standards and obtain required immunizations for deployment.
- Must obtain DoD Acquisition Contracting Foundational certification within designated timeframes.
- Must achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two years.
- Ability to deploy to forward operating/austere locations for 6-9 month periods.
- Must hold or be able to obtain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Administrator (Deployable)
- Experience in FAR/DFAR clause application.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate and resolve complex contractual issues.
- Prior experience in federal contract closeout procedures.
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting incomplete or conflicting data.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with employer matching.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Foreign post differential and danger pay during deployments.
- ✓Opportunities for temporary promotion to GS-12.
💡 How to Apply Contract Administrator (Deployable) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Administrator (Deployable) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online questionnaire specifically for this vacancy.
- Upload a resume that does not exceed two pages, formatted as a PDF.
- Submit official or unofficial college transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Review your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard periodically.
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly follow the two-page limit for your resume; extra pages will lead to disqualification.
- Clearly detail hours worked per week and exact employment dates for each position listed.
- Use standard, legible fonts like Lato or Arial and keep margins at 0.5 inches.
- Upload all documents as individual PDFs to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Review your work history against the specialized experience requirements listed in the job summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Emergency-Essential' mean for this role?
It means the position is critical to the mission. You will be required to deploy to overseas locations during crisis situations to perform your assigned duties.
What happens after the four-year deployment commitment?
Once you successfully complete the four-year commitment, you will be placed into a non-deployable, permanent GS-11 position within your assigned Contract Management Office.
Job from Defense Contract Management Agency
The DCMA serves as the independent eyes and ears of the Department of Defense. Our professionals work across the globe to ensure that military products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Joining the DCMA means contributing to the lethality and readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces.