Contract Specialist

Summary

This position is part of the WAPA Headquarters. As a Contract Specialist, you will be responsible for pre- and post-award functions on simplified and complex, multidisciplinary supply, service, information technology, construction, Architect-Engineer (A&E) contracts, and interagency agreements (IAAs) in support of WAPA's mission responsibilities.

This open & continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants. See Additional Information section.

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Duties

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As a Contract Specialist, you will:

• Serve as a business consultant to program officials, providing expert guidance on acquisition planning, market research, socio-economic programs, and contract strategy development to achieve mission objectives.
• Plan, negotiate, lead, award, and administer complex procurements for a variety of supplies, services, information technology (IT), construction, and Architect-Engineer (A&E) requirements including interagency agreements (IAAs), utilizing diverse contract types and innovative methods under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
• Coordinate procurement actions with necessary personnel and all program and support offices to achieve successful project outcomes, often serving as lead negotiator for highly complex acquisitions.
• Perform comprehensive contract administration functions, including managing modifications, processing claims, settling disputes, monitoring contractor performance, directing CORs, approving payments, and close outs to ensure contract compliance and successful project execution.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b). Employees serving on a probationary period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
• Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.
• In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
• Incumbent must have a valid and current State driver's license.
• You may be required to complete a financial disclosure (OGE-450).
• Federal Acquisition Contracting-Certification (FAC-C) Professional via the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI), or the Defense Acquisition University (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) is required upon selection, and must be maintained by the incumbent.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-12: Applicants MUST meet ALL 3 requirements as described below:

1. BASIC REQUIREMENT:

A. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field;

OR

B. 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.

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement above, applicants must also meet the Specialized Experience listed below.

2. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-11, in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

• Accomplishing pre- and post award functions on simplified and complex contracts in any of the following; supply, service, information technology (IT), construction, Architect-Engineer (A&E) contracts, and interagency agreement (IAAs).

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

3. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR - FAC-C/DAWIA CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Federal Acquisition Contracting-Certification (FAC-C) Professional via the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI), or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) via the Defense Acquisition University, is required upon selection and must be maintained by the incumbent.

Time-in-Grade : Current career or career-conditional GS employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional GS employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower grade (GS-11), with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current career or career-conditional federal employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

Education

This vacancy specifically states that certain educational requirements must be met (also known as a "positive educational requirement"). In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide documentation supporting any education claims in your application, including copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an "Ineligible" rating or may affect the overall rating.

Additional information

• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants.
  • Applications received by April 17, 2026 , will be considered for the first referral.
  • Applications received after April 17, 2026, but by May 15, 2026 , will be considered for the second referral.
  • Applications received after May 15, 2026, but by July 6, 2026 , will be considered for the final referral.
• You do not need to resubmit your application between referral periods unless your contact information, qualifications, or interest change.
• For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit:
• Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year supervisory probation period.
• Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level.
• Upon reporting, and annually thereafter, the selectee may be required to file one or more financial statements and/or a procurement integrity certification. These certifications may be subject to public disclosure.
• The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
• This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
• Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
  • Lakewood/Loveland, CO: $99,800 - $129,742
  • Folsom, CA: $99,218 - 128,987
  • Phoenix, AZ: $93,629 - $121,720
  • Remaining locations fall under Rest of U.S.: $89,508 - $116,362

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.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.