Navigating Your Career as an Operational Contract Support Advisor with the Navy

Are you an expert in acquisition strategy with a desire to contribute to national security? The Department of the Navy is currently looking for an Operational Contract Support (OCS) Advisor to join their team. This position is a critical link between military operations and the commercial sector, ensuring that our deployed forces have the resources they need to succeed.

Job Responsibilities

As an OCS Advisor, you will serve as the technical authority for the integration of commercial support into military plans. Your core duties include:

Developing and analyzing Annex W and OCS documentation.
Advising Command staff and Flag Officers on complex acquisition risks.
Bridging the gap between military operational needs and commercial capabilities.
Managing the reach-back support process to mitigate force flow constraints.

Requirements

To qualify, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level. You must demonstrate:

Expert knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
Mastery of OCS tools like the Contract Support Synchronization Matrix.
Ability to lead high-level negotiations and advise senior decision-makers.

Comparison: Standard Contracting vs. Operational Support

Feature	Standard Contracting	Operational Contract Support
Context	Procurement & Admin	Field/Deployment Focused
Primary Goal	Cost & Compliance	Operational Readiness
Integration	Procurement Office	Joint Planning Process
Environment	Office Setting	Dynamic / Tactical Support

Salary Overview

This position is rated on the GS-14 scale, with an annual salary range of $125,776 to $170,708. This is a competitive package that recognizes the high level of technical expertise required for the role.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of the Navy enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and life insurance.
Generous leave accrual programs.
Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
Structured, clear paths for career advancement.

Application Tips

Be precise: Use the 2-page limit to focus on your most impactful achievements in contracting.
Leverage the Resume Builder: This ensures you include the specific series, grade, and pay plan information required by HR.
Prepare for assessments: You may need to complete the USA Hire competency-based assessments, which are a critical part of the referral process.

Serving as an Operational Contract Support Advisor is more than just a job; it is a vital function that supports the safety and effectiveness of the Navy. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application and take the next step in your federal career.

Why This Operational Contract Support Advisor Job Matters

Are you a seasoned acquisition expert ready to shape the future of naval logistics? Take your career to the next level as an Operational Contract Support Advisor with the Department of the Navy.

Operational Contract Support Advisor Job Overview

The CNSSC Operational Support Field is seeking a highly skilled professional to serve as an Operational Contract Support (OCS) Advisor. This pivotal role involves providing expert guidance on contracting strategy, integrating commercial support into military operations, and advising senior leadership within the Navy and interagency partners. You will function as the technical authority responsible for aligning complex contracting needs with joint operational plans, ensuring the mission success of deployed forces.

Requirements for Operational Contract Support Advisor

One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
Expert knowledge of federal acquisition regulations (FAR, DFARS) and joint/naval logistics doctrine.
Experience in life cycle sustainment and Vendor Threat Mitigation.
Proficiency in OCS planning tools, including the Contract Statement of Requirements (CSOR) and Annex W.
Ability to develop Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE) and Performance Work Statements (PWS).
Expertise in communicating complex information to senior leaders, including Flag Officers.

Preferred Qualifications for Operational Contract Support Advisor

Direct experience chairing high-level boards such as the Joint Contracting Support Board.
Proven history of successful negotiation with interagency partners involving significant resource allocation.
Experience implementing complex policy changes within a defense or large-scale federal agency environment.
Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to improve acquisition efficiency.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal retirement pension plan and TSP matching
✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave
✓Extensive professional development and training opportunities
✓Eligibility for relocation incentives in accordance with agency policy

💡 How to Apply Operational Contract Support Advisor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Operational Contract Support Advisor Job

Prepare a concise, 2-page resume highlighting your specific acquisition experience.
Submit your application through the official portal before the closing date.
Complete the required questionnaires and submit all supporting documentation.
If notified, complete the USA Hire assessments within the specified 48-hour window.
Track your application status via your user dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with FAR/DFARS and OCS planning tools.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to avoid missing required data like pay plans and series.
Redact sensitive personal information like SSNs from supporting documents before submission.
Double-check that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates one year of time-in-grade.
Set aside at least two hours for the USA Hire assessments to ensure you can complete them in one sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of an Operational Contract Support Advisor?

The role focuses on integrating commercial support into military operations, managing the OCS planning process (including Annex W), and serving as a technical authority for senior leadership on acquisition strategies.

Can I work remotely for this position?

This position is telework-eligible, but it is not a fully remote position. You will be expected to report to the designated duty location as required by mission needs.

What documentation is required for veterans' preference?

You must submit your DD-214 (or DD-215 if applicable) showing dates and character of service. If you are a disabled veteran, you must also include documentation of your disability as outlined in SF-15.

Job from Naval Supply Systems Command

The Naval Supply Systems Command (CNSSC) serves as a backbone for naval operations. They provide the logistics, business, and financial support necessary to maintain the fleet's readiness. Joining this team means contributing to a mission-driven environment where purpose meets opportunity.