Are you a graduating student or a recent grad? Join our Pathways Recent Graduate Program!
The General Services Administration aims to make the Acquisition Talent Development (ATD) program the premier program in the federal government for entry-level acquisition professionals. This two-year program offers professional and technical training, mentoring and developmental opportunities.
Summary
Are you a graduating student or a recent grad? Join our Pathways Recent Graduate Program!
The General Services Administration aims to make the Acquisition Talent Development (ATD) program the premier program in the federal government for entry-level acquisition professionals. This two-year program offers professional and technical training, mentoring and developmental opportunities.
Recent Graduates: If you completed a qualifying degree, certificate, or industry-recognized credential within the previous two years, you may apply. If you are a veteran who was prevented from applying during the 2-year period due to your military service, you may apply if your degree, certificate, or industry-recognized credential was completed within the last 6 years.
Enrolled students: If you will complete your degree requirements by December 31, 2024, you may apply.
The General Services Administration is recruiting for the third cohort of the Acquisition Talent Development Program (ATD), an entry-level professional career development opportunity for those interested in becoming government contracting professionals. ATD participants will become part of a team immersed in technical and soft-skills training, developmental assignments and opportunities to gain real-world experience in various contracting disciplines within GSA. Participants who successfully complete the two year training and professional development program will earn an industry recognized credential and will have completed all necessary requirements to take the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) professional exam. Passing the exam is required for all 1102 contracting professionals government wide.
This position has job functions that must be executed within a specific geographic location: Boston, MA; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, MO; Fort Worth, TX; Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; Tacoma, WA; Washington, DC; Hato Rey, PR; Hartford, CT; Syracuse, NY; Cleveland, OH; Lakewood, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Huntsville, AL; Tampa, FL; Detroit, MI. If you are selected for this position, you will be required to report in-office, a federal facility or leased space, within the designated duty station one day a week or two days within a pay period. After 90 days, you may be eligible to request to telework depending upon the terms of the agency's telework policy and the needs of the organization.
As a Contract Specialist, you will perform the following major duties:
Prepares requests for proposals/quotes.
Evaluates proposals for completeness, acceptability, and conformance with Government acquisition regulations.
Conducts cost and/or price analysis of proposals.
Attends and participates in negotiations between contractors and Government negotiators.
Assists Contracting Officers with the execution of contract modifications.
Performs special studies as needed and develops management reports involving acquisition activities.
Supports internal and external customers as well as companies who have submitted offers and have existing contracts.
Develops acquisition plans.
Prepares and issues solicitation documents selecting appropriate clauses and provisions.
Participates in all required training and obtain a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) and warrant as deemed necessary.
US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Register with the Selective Service, if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
Serve a two-year trial period, if required.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Signed participant agreement is required for employment under this Program.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
BASIC REQUIREMENT for Contract Specialist positions (you must meet A, B, C, D, or E):
A. Have completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor`s degree with a major in any field.
B. Are currently enrolled in and will be completing the final courses necessary to earn a bachelor's degree with a major in any field by the degree requirement completion date stated in the "Hiring Path Clarification Text" section of the announcement.
C. Have completed 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.
D. Are currently enrolled in and will be completing the final courses necessary to complete at least 24 semester hours by the degree requirement completion date stated in the "Hiring Path Clarification Text" section of the announcement. Completed coursework must be in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
E. On January 1, 2000, you held a position in the federal service in the GS-1102 series and your position was at one of the following grade levels: GS-05, GS-07, GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12. You have continually held this occupational series since January 1, 2000.
The GS-07 salary range starts at $49,025 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
In addition to meeting the Recent Graduate program eligibility requirements outlined in the Hiring Paths Clarification Text above, to qualify at the GS-07 level, your resume must demonstrate you meet A, B, C, or D of the following:
A. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Performing routine or developmental contracting assignments such as monitoring contractor performance for compliance with contract requirements, planning or carrying-out pre award and/or post-award procurement actions, and resolving common procurement-related issues or problems.
OR
B. EDUCATION: Possess one (1) full year of graduate level education or a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related, in a field that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work of a Contract Specialist.
OR
C.Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the baccalaureate level is fully qualifying at the GS-7 level. To claim SAA, submit documentation of one of the following:
Class standing -- You must be in the upper third of your graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
Grade-point average (rounded to one decimal point) of: (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum; OR (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during your final 2 years of the curriculum.
Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies.
OR
D. COMBINATION: Possess or will possess acombination of experience and graduate level education as described in "A" and "B" above that, when combined, fulfills the requirements.
The GS-09 salary range starts at $59,966 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
In addition to meeting the Recent Graduate program eligibility requirements outlined in the Hiring Paths Clarification Text above, to qualify at the GS-09 level, your resume must demonstrate you meet A, B, or C of the following:
A. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Determining appropriate contract vehicles (i.e. purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, etc.) to plan and carry out acquisition actions; Evaluating vendor offers for responsiveness; Identifying excessive or underestimated prices and negotiates prices; Responding to and resolving common acquisition issues/questions.
OR
B. EDUCATION: Possess or will possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related, in a field that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work of a Contract Specialist.
OR
C. COMBINATION: Possess or will possess a combination of experience and graduate level education as described in "A" and "B" above that, when combined, fulfills the requirements.
Education
Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
The initial length of the job is two years but may become permanent. In order to be placed in a permanent position after completing the Pathways program, you must:
Meet the qualification requirements for the position you are being placed in.
Maintain an acceptable performance under GSA's approved performance management system.
Receive a favorable recommendation from your supervisor at the end of the program.
Meet all the training and development requirements outlined in the GSA Pathways policy to include successful completion of the FAC-C exam.
GSA is not obligated to make an offer of permanent employment to you after you have completed the Program.
Bargaining Unit Status: Varies by location
If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage.
If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee
Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed; through other means; or not at all.
GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:
Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is:
Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Accountability
Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading Comprehension
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here's how it will work:
Your responses on the application questionnaire will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges:
Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100
Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94
Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84
We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn't support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.
Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.
Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.
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.
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.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50
If you are claiming veterans preference: (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service. (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
College transcripts: Your transcripts MUST show a, b, and c:
(a) Proof of recent graduate status (within past 2 years or on track to graduate by December 31, 2024; or within past 6 years if you were prevented from applying due to your military service)
(b) Name of your college/university and your name
(c) Date your degree was awarded (to include course work/degree(s) completed/conferred)
Certificate: If you received a certificate from a registered apprenticeship programs, (i.e., Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps) or industry-recognized credential only when awarded from a qualifying career or technical education program. Your certificate must show a, b, and c: (a) Proof of recent graduate status (within past 2 years or on track to finish by December 31, 2024; or within past 6 years if you were prevented from applying due to your military service) (b) Name of qualifying career or technical education program (c) Date program was completed
Transcripts / Certificates MUST show the student's first and last name.
If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, but you are claiming Recent Graduate eligibility based on a previous degree, you must also include those transcripts.
If you completed your education outside of the U.S., see Foreign Education information for guidance on what we can accept.
If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Superior Academic Achievement: Submit transcripts as described above. If you qualify based on your class rank or honor society membership, you MUST submit documentation of it.
Reasonable Accommodation Request: If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation request to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
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 the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Need Assistance?
Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - visit the USA Staffing Applicant Help Page Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays
Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline
You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
Office of Human Resources Management
1800 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20405
US
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50
If you are claiming veterans preference: (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service. (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
College transcripts: Your transcripts MUST show a, b, and c:
(a) Proof of recent graduate status (within past 2 years or on track to graduate by December 31, 2024; or within past 6 years if you were prevented from applying due to your military service)
(b) Name of your college/university and your name
(c) Date your degree was awarded (to include course work/degree(s) completed/conferred)
Certificate: If you received a certificate from a registered apprenticeship programs, (i.e., Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps) or industry-recognized credential only when awarded from a qualifying career or technical education program. Your certificate must show a, b, and c: (a) Proof of recent graduate status (within past 2 years or on track to finish by December 31, 2024; or within past 6 years if you were prevented from applying due to your military service) (b) Name of qualifying career or technical education program (c) Date program was completed
Transcripts / Certificates MUST show the student's first and last name.
If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, but you are claiming Recent Graduate eligibility based on a previous degree, you must also include those transcripts.
If you completed your education outside of the U.S., see Foreign Education information for guidance on what we can accept.
If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Superior Academic Achievement: Submit transcripts as described above. If you qualify based on your class rank or honor society membership, you MUST submit documentation of it.
Reasonable Accommodation Request: If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation request to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
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 the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Need Assistance?
Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - visit the USA Staffing Applicant Help Page Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays
Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline
You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
Office of Human Resources Management
1800 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20405
US
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
