Become a Supervisory Contract Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is currently looking for an experienced leader to fill the role of a Supervisory Contract Specialist (GS-14). This position is pivotal to the Department of Homeland Security's mission, focusing on the procurement of mission-critical Enterprise IT and cybersecurity systems. If you have extensive contracting experience and are ready to lead a branch of high-level procurement specialists, this is an opportunity to significantly impact national security.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Contract Specialist, your responsibilities will span the entire acquisition life cycle:

Leadership and Management: Oversee a branch of contract specialists and officers. Handle hiring, performance management, training, and professional development for your team.
Procurement Strategy: Plan and execute procurement objectives for high-dollar, complex contracts, including multi-million to billion-dollar initiatives.
Senior Advisory: Provide expert guidance to executive management regarding contracting initiatives, political impacts, and policy development.
Warrant Authority: Utilize your unlimited Contracting Officer warrant to perform cradle-to-grave contract administration, from solicitation preparation to contract modification and option exercises.

Comparison Table: Candidate Qualifications

Feature	Requirement Status
Citizenship	Must be U.S. Citizen
Education	Bachelor's Degree + 24 Business Credits
Experience	Min 4 Years Contracting (1 year at GS-13 equivalent)
Certification	FAC-C or DAWIA Level III Equivalent Required
Security Level	Q Access Authorization

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 position, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:

Education: A bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in business-related disciplines (e.g., accounting, finance, law, economics).
Experience: At least four years of general contracting experience, including one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
Certifications: Professional certification is required as per the federal agency guidelines.
Background: Must be eligible for a background investigation.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-14 level, with an annual salary range of $143,913 to $187,093. Compensation packages are set in accordance with federal government pay scales and include standard annual adjustments.

Benefits

Employees of the DHS are eligible for a robust federal benefits package:

Health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
Tuition reimbursement and constant learning opportunities.
Flexible work schedules and wellness programs.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Your resume must not exceed two pages. This is a hard limit.
Formatting: Ensure standard margins (0.5 inch minimum) and at least 10pt font.
Accuracy: Detail your experience in a way that clearly demonstrates your ability to handle complex, high-dollar contracts. Do not copy/paste from the job announcement.
Submission: Double-check your application for completeness before the deadline.

This role offers a rare chance to step into a senior leadership position within the U.S. Coast Guard, influencing large-scale procurement strategies that protect the nation's interests. If you meet the qualifications, apply now to contribute your skills to an organization that values innovation, integrity, and national service.

Why This Supervisory Contract Specialist Job Matters

Lead critical procurement missions for the U.S. Coast Guard: Use your expertise to protect the nation and safeguard maritime interests in this high-impact, GS-14 leadership role.

Supervisory Contract Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a seasoned professional for a GS-14 Supervisory Contract Specialist position located in Alexandria, Virginia. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a branch of professionals overseeing enterprise-level IT and cybersecurity acquisitions. You will serve as a senior business advisor, exercising unlimited warrant authority to ensure the successful delivery of high-stakes contracts that support the Coast Guard's mission-critical operations worldwide.

Requirements for Supervisory Contract Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Current federal status or eligibility for public appointment
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable)
Completion of mandatory federal contracting training prescribed for GS-13 and above
Bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business, finance, law, accounting, or related fields
At least 4 years of experience in contracting or related fields
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level
Ability to obtain and maintain an unlimited contracting officer warrant
Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Professional (FAC-C) or DAWIA Level III equivalent

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Contract Specialist

Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional procurement teams
Extensive experience with pre-award and post-award negotiation for multi-million dollar contracts
In-depth knowledge of current federal acquisition regulations and revolutionary procurement policies
Experience in providing senior-level advisory services to executive management

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Federal retirement pension plan
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) with employer matching
✓Flexible spending accounts
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs
✓Fitness center access and wellness resources
✓Potential for recruitment incentives

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Contract Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather your transcripts and most recent SF-50 (for current federal employees).
Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments if prompted.
Answer the voluntary, free-response essay questions in your own words.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes start/end dates and hours worked per week for each role.
Do not copy and paste text directly from the job announcement into your resume.
Check your application status frequently on the USAJOBS dashboard.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire Assessments in a quiet environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the education requirement for this position?

You must hold a bachelor's degree that includes or is supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in business, accounting, finance, law, or related fields.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires Q Access Authorization.

Can I submit my application via email?

No, all applications must be submitted through the official online portal. Email and mail-in submissions are not accepted.

What is the primary focus of this contracting role?

*A: The role focuses primarily on IT and cybersecurity procurement for the U.S. Coast Guard.*

Can I use education to substitute for the one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level?

*A: No, education cannot be substituted for the specialized experience requirement at the GS-14 grade level.*

Job from U.S. Coast Guard

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works to secure the nation from various threats, including cyberattacks, maritime security breaches, and disaster resilience. Working with the U.S. Coast Guard means becoming part of a diverse and dedicated workforce. The USCG provides unique career opportunities that allow you to balance your professional expertise with a mission-driven environment that serves the American public.