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Posted: February 13, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Lead Contract Specialist

Defense Logistics Agency

Department of Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$117,284 - $152,471

per year

Closes

February 27, 2026More DOD jobs →

GS-13 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $88,520 - $115,079

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-12. Expert-level knowledge in field.

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

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading contract specialists in managing the full lifecycle of government contracts for avionics and electronics systems in the defense sector, from initial research and negotiation to overseeing contractor performance.

It requires strong experience in procurement and analysis to ensure efficient and compliant deals.

A good fit would be someone with several years in federal contracting who enjoys problem-solving in a team leadership role within a military logistics environment.

Key Requirements

  • Baccalaureate degree plus 24 semester hours in fields like accounting, business finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management (or equivalent DoD/military experience exemption)
  • At least 2 years of experience in a contracting position
  • One year of specialized experience at GS-12 level or equivalent, including soliciting, negotiating, and evaluating acquisitions
  • Experience preparing cost analysis reports, negotiation recommendations, and advice on cost, profit, and price matters
  • Proficiency in multiple electronic contract writing systems, such as those used by the Department of Navy and Defense Logistics Agency
  • Ability to perform cradle-to-grave acquisition management, market research, and contractor performance monitoring

Full Job Description

See below for important information regarding this job. To qualify for a Lead Contract Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support: A.

Basic Contracting Requirement: A.) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees AND B.) at least 24 semester hours (or equivalent) of study from an accredited institution of higher education in any of the following disciplines; accounting, business finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and organization and management; OR C.) 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.

AND B. above. B. Contracting Officer Requirement: Must possess at least 2 years of experience in a contracting position. C.

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 DoD 1102 and Contracting Officer Requirements above, to qualify for the GS-13 grade level, specialized experience must be at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.

Creditable specialized experience includes: Soliciting, negotiating, evaluating sole source acquisitions.

Preparing recommendations that affect the content, interpretation, or the negotiation objectives concerning cost, profit, and price, and provides advice on cost and price matters.

Preparing in-depth cost analysis reports which set forth the recommended negotiation positions and form the primary basis for final negotiation.

Developing recommendations for procurement contracting officers to use in negotiations Experience in multiple electronic contracts writing systems, including Department of Navy and Defense Logistics Agency systems.

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:

  • Provides contracting oversight support by serving as liaison on behalf of the assigned Branch/team employees, contractors and management to ensure prompt and accurate handling of contracting transactions.
  • Communicates to the team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion.
  • Performs "cradle to grave" acquisition management functions for Avionics and Electronics weapon systems assigned.
  • Performs intensive market research to broaden the competitive base and determines or approves the contracting methodology to be employed in fulfilling customer requirements.
  • Prepares detailed statements of work, special contract provisions and performs analysis on all source selection elements and cost elements in a contractor's proposal.
  • Manages highly complex awards and/or negotiates resolution to expedite contractual matters.
  • Monitors contractor performance throughout the contract period and makes determinations regarding the exercise of options to maintain basic contract/add supplemental years, as conditions warrant.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/13/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/14/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DLAWpnSpt-26-12889242-MP