Become a Contract Specialist with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently seeking a highly skilled and strategic professional to join our team as a Contract Specialist. This GS-14 position represents a vital role within the Office of Acquisition and Grants Management (OAGM), responsible for overseeing multi-million dollar procurement activities. If you are an acquisition expert looking to make a significant impact on national healthcare initiatives, this may be the career move you have been waiting for.
Job Responsibilities
As a Contract Specialist, your responsibilities will be broad and high-impact. Key duties include:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive acquisition plans for complex programs.
- Serving as the lead Contracting Officer for contracts valued at over $50 million annually.
- Managing the entire contract lifecycle, from initial solicitation and negotiation to final close-out.
- Consulting with program officials to align procurement strategies with agency objectives.
- Providing guidance and oversight to junior specialists regarding documentation and compliance.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet rigorous professional standards:
- Education: Completion of a 4-year degree with 24+ semester hours in business, accounting, law, or related fields.
- Certification: You must possess and maintain a current FAC-C (Professional) Certification.
- Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
- Documentation: A concise, 2-page maximum resume clearly outlining your experience.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-14 |
| Salary Range | $107,446 - $139,684 |
| Work Schedule | Full-time/Flexible |
| Security Clearance | High Risk (HR) |
Benefits
Working for CMS offers a robust compensation package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Competitive retirement benefits via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Flexible work arrangements including remote and hybrid options.
- Paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave.
Application Tips
- Focus on Accomplishments: Use your two pages to highlight specific achievements, such as cost savings or successful project outcomes.
- Use the Builder: The USAJOBS Resume Builder is highly recommended to ensure you do not miss required information like salary or hours worked.
- Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the formatting requirements. Failure to follow the 2-page limit or the specific date formatting (MM/YYYY) can lead to disqualification.
This role is an excellent opportunity for experienced contract professionals to influence the future of healthcare procurement. We invite qualified candidates to submit their applications before the closing date. Join us in our mission to protect and improve public health for all Americans.
Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters
Elevate your federal career as a key architect of public health initiatives. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking a strategic, high-level Contract Specialist to manage multi-million dollar procurement lifecycles that directly impact the nation's healthcare infrastructure.
Contract Specialist Job Overview
Join the Office of Acquisition and Grants Management (OAGM) within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This GS-14 role involves high-stakes contract administration, solicitation, and negotiation. You will be instrumental in ensuring the fiscal stewardship of federal funds, guiding complex technical programs, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive excellence in healthcare acquisition.
Requirements for Contract Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Completion of a 4-year bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business-related fields (e.g., accounting, finance, law, contracts).
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
- Possession and maintenance of the FAC-C (Professional) Certification.
- Submission of a professional resume (maximum 2 pages).
- Completion of mandatory agency training for GS-13/14 contracting roles.
- Ability to complete online USA Hire assessments.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist
- Demonstrated expertise in managing contracts exceeding $50 million in annual value.
- Proven track record in developing comprehensive, multi-stage acquisition plans.
- Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities regarding high-risk procurement.
- Experience mentoring or reviewing the work of junior acquisition staff.
- Advanced proficiency in navigating federal procurement regulations and policies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid vacation and federal holiday leave.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements and alternative work schedules.
- ✓Professional development and continuous training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather your transcripts and proof of FAC-C (Professional) Certification.
- Submit your application through the official portal by the closing date.
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the stipulated timeframe.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder for best results to ensure all required fields are included.
- Verify that your resume clearly lists the series and grade of past federal positions.
- Ensure your resume includes detailed hours worked per week and exact start/end dates.
- Do not copy and paste the vacancy announcement language verbatim into your resume.
- Review your application thoroughly for accuracy before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum resume length?
Per current policy, your resume must be no more than two pages long.
Is telework allowed for this position?
Yes, CMS offers flexible working arrangements and telework, though there is a regular and recurring reporting requirement to the duty station.
Are there different requirements for current CMS employees vs. non-CMS employees regarding location?
Yes. Current CMS employees with existing remote agreements may have negotiable locations, while non-CMS employees are required to work from the Woodlawn, MD, location.
Is a degree required?
*A: Yes, the position requires a bachelor's degree with specific coursework in fields like business or finance.*
Can I work from any state?
*A: Non-CMS employees are required to work from the Woodlawn, MD office. Current CMS employees with existing agreements may be eligible for a negotiable location.*
Job from Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services
CMS, a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), plays a foundational role in the American healthcare system. Our mission involves partnering with the healthcare community to improve quality, efficiency, and access to services. Employees at CMS work in a fast-paced, highly visible environment where they contribute to major national health policy and procurement decisions.