Contract Specialist

This position is located in the Office of Procurement Services, Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. Incumbent serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for the full range of pre-award and post-award activities. This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Reviewing requests for procurement of equipment, services, and/or construction that require the use of fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, or a combination of contract methods and types to procure where little or no contractual precedent exists.
• Conducting extensive negotiations during all phases of the procurement process.
• Preparing recommendations for award, documenting reasons for decisions including justifying basis for not recommending award to the lowest quote, bid, or offer.
• Monitoring contract performance, isolating contract performance problems, negotiating supplemental of follow-on agreements (partial terminations, prices increases or decreases, specification changes, furnishing of Governmnet property, etc.).

Salary

• $70,623 - $111,087/year

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• A one year probationary period may be required, if not already met.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Contract Specialist position, you must meet the following time in grade requirements and minimum qualifications:

Basic Requirements for GS-9-11 Level:

1. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field; OR
2. At least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
3. Held a position in the GS-1102 series since January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.

AND

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service performing the following:

1. Providing technical and advisory services in a variety of contracting methods and types;
2. Reviewing requisition and determining the method of procurement required (e.g. Request for Quote (RFQ). Invitation for Bid (CFB), Request for Proposal (RFP), award via bidding or negotiations);
3. Participating in pre-performance conferences with contractors to clarify issues in contractual requirements;
4. Preparing reports and correspondence to answer or provide input for congressional inquiries, resolving complaints and protests, attending meetings, and providing expediting services; and
5. Reviewing past performance information, conducting pre-award surveys, and ascertaining price reasonableness by performing cost and price analysis.

Combination: Applicants must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described directly above that total 100% when combined. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. Only graduate education in excess of one year (18 semester hours) may be used when combining education and experience for this grade.

NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.

FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL the following:

1. Reviewing requests for procurement of equipment, services, and/or construction that require the use of fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, or a combination of contract methods and types to procure where little or no contractual precedent exists.
2. Developing source files of responsible contractors by analyzing industries' technical and financial ability to satisfy requirements;
3. Participating in extensive negotiations during all phases of the procurement process;
4. Assisting with monitoring contracts to ensure timely completion of required actions, such as the exercise of contract options; and
5. Reviewing all post-award actions taken to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and Executive Orders.

(Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

OR

Education: Applicants must have successfully completed three full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree D in one of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

OR

Combination: Applicants must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described directly above that total 100% when combined. Only graduate education in excess of two years (36 semester hours) may be used when combining education and experience for this grade.

NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.

Education ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here. Translated transcripts are required. Other Information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position [with a score of 85 or above OR rated Highly Qualified] based on the competencies listed above; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to EOIR.HR_Application_Review@usdoj.gov. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act. This position is excluded from the bargaining unit. Required Documents

Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:

• Official position title,
• Employer name and contact information,
• Start and end dates (including month and year),
• Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
• A list of duties performed and accomplishments.

If you are a current or former Federal employee:

1. You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form. Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step,organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status.
2. Submit a copy of your most recent performance evaluation or appraisal, signed, showing your final rating. If a performance appraisal is not available submit a statement explaining why one is not available. Note: See USAJOBS Current & Former Employees for more information.

Due Weight for Performance:

1. You must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, and
2. A list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. Due weight for performance applies to federal and non-federal work. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available.

If you are a Veteran or a qualifying parent or spouse:

1. When claiming a Veteran's Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type.
2. If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating.
3. If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information.
4. For more information see FedsHireVets.

If you are applying for consideration under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority:

1. Spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty: documentation showing 1) your spouse's active-duty status and 2) your marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
2. Spouse of service members who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active-duty service: documentation showing 1) the member of the armed forces retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent; and 2) documentation of marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
3. Spouse of service members killed while on active duty: documentation showing a) the member was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; b) the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; c) proof of the widow or widower's marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); and d) a statement certifying that the individual seeking to use the authority is the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.

If you are a person with a disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A:

1. You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits ("Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability).
2. For more information about Schedule A and verification requirements, please see OPM's Schedule A site.

If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP:

1. You must submit your separation notice or agency RIF letter from your agency OR if you have not yet been separated, you can provide the letter of intent to separate you from the agency because of reduction-in-force.
2. Submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location OR Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/23/2026 to receive consideration.The application process is as follows:

• To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
• Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 05/23/2026.
• After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
• If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Click here for Computer System Requirements (https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements).
• Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.

Need Help? If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.

Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact EOIR HR at EOIR.HR_Application_Review@usdoj.gov for assistance.