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Posted: March 25, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Contract Specialist

Defense Logistics Agency

Department of Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$55,602 - $75,059

per year

Closes

March 31, 2026More DOD jobs →

GS-7 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $41,966 - $54,557

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-6. Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or 1 year graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level job trains you to become a Contract Specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency, where you'll learn to handle government purchases of supplies, services, and equipment through bidding and negotiations.

It's part of a structured program with classroom training and hands-on work, ideal for recent college graduates or those new to federal contracting who want to build a career in procurement.

A good fit would be someone organized, detail-oriented, and eager to learn business practices in a military support role.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent prior contracting experience in DoD/Armed Forces before September 30, 2000
  • One year of specialized experience at GS-05 level or equivalent, involving procurement, bidding, or supply systems
  • Education substitution: Bachelor's with Superior Academic Achievement (e.g., GPA 2.95+, upper third class standing, or honor society membership), or one year of graduate education
  • Ability to perform developmental duties like procuring items using manual/automated procedures and negotiation techniques
  • Submission of transcripts showing degree awarded and conferral date if using education
  • Eligibility for DLA Pathways to Career Excellence (PaCE) Program as an entry-level trainee
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to meet federal background check requirements

Full Job Description

See below for important information regarding this job.

Selected applicants will serve as entry-level trainees in the DLA Pathways to Career Excellence (PaCE) Program performing a series of progressively responsible Contract Specialist functions, along with formal and on-the-job training (OJT).

Any transcripts submitted MUST include degree awarded and date of conferral. To qualify for a Contract Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support: A.

Basic Contracting Requirement: A.) A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees OR B.) a current civilian employee in DoD or member of the Armed Forces, who occupied an 1102 position, contracting officer position, or comparable military contracting position with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold on or before September 30, 2000, are excluded from the requirements of "A)" above.

AND B.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position.

In addition to meeting the Basic Contracting Requirement above, to qualify for the GS-07 grade level, specialized experience must be at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.

Creditable specialized experience includes: Utilizes common business practices and contracting methods to perform procurement functions when the contract actions are well defined and well precedented.

Solving practical problems relating to supplies, services, and/or contracting, as they relate to the development of specifications or product quality.

Utilizing basic automated procurement and supply systems to acquire, use, and maintain accurate records.

Evaluating simple bids or proposals for compliance with specifications or purchase descriptions and applicable clauses. OR C.

Education Substitution: Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

Education must be from a college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx.

If using education to meet basic qualifications, YOU MUST SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT as supplemental documentation.

To qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you must possess: A bachelor's degree WITH Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) based on one of the following: (1) class standing (upper third standing in graduating class); (2) grade-point average (2.95 overall or over the last two years of a bachelor's degree OR 3.45 in your major field or over the last two years in your major); or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society; OR Possess one (1) full academic year of graduate education or law school.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).

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. Major Duties:

  • Attends formal trainings and completes submission of required training forms.
  • Performs developmental Contract Specialist duties in support of procuring a variety of items, materials, and equipment, utilizing manual and automated purchase procedures.
  • Utilizes formal advertising and/or negotiation techniques to procure items awarded.
  • Reviews and evaluates requisitions, bids, and/or proposals, to determine that proper specifications or purchaser descriptions are included in solicitation documents.
  • Creates supporting documentation for solicitations and awards and reviews them for accuracy and completeness.
  • Monitors vendor performance for compliance with terms and conditions of the award and assist customers in resolving award-related problems.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/25/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/26/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DLATrpSptDT-26-12918122-DHA