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CONTRACT SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Elements, U.S. Special Operations Command

Summary

The primary purpose of this position: To serve as a Contract Officer (KO) for Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH), providing business advice to the Commander and Director of Logistics, managing contracting functions, and overseeing the procurement of specialized commodities, systems, services, and construction. Responsible for developing, negotiating, awarding, and closing contracts with commercial, non-profit, and government entities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/08/2026 to 04/14/2026
Salary
$109,246 - $142,022 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Peterson AFB, CO
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - NTE: 01 June 2029
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
6X-AFPC-12931324-221631-GMF
Control number
864309800

Duties

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  • Serves as the Contracting Officer (KO) and contracting Subject Matter Expert (SME) for SOCNORTH.
  • Manages all aspects of contracting operations, from solicitation to close-out, ensuring compliance, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with SOCNORTH's mission objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Integrates contracting support into SOCNORTH's operational and contingency mission planning to ensure seamless and effective acquisition capabilities during real-world operations and exercises.
  • Provides responsive and timely contracting support to SOCNORTH customers, actively contributing to the achievement of command and acquisition goals.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance as a condition of employment.
  • This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program.
  • May be required to perform Battle Roster functions during Exercises and Real-World events. Battle Roster functions may include but are not limited to the Joint Operations Center (JOC), Future Operations Center (FOC), Future Plans Center (FPC) (CONT.)
  • Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC), NNC Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (NDDOC), Joint Intelligence Operations Center-North (JIOC-N), Joint Cyber Center (JCC), and other tasks as assigned.
  • KEY position IAW 32 CFR, Part 44 Appendix A and DOD Directive 1200.7. Position cannot be vacated during a war, national emergency, or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency to function effectively
  • In accordance with the Ethics in Government Act, 1978, employee is required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
  • IAW DoDI 3020-42 this position has been locally, or command designated as Mission Essential (ME) (CONT. below)
  • ME personnel perform a Mission Critical Function (MCF), which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency or during hazardous weather conditions to keep critical operations functioning.
  • This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY) up to 25% of the time.
  • May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours and/or Shift work may be required which may include overtime and/or irregular hours.
  • In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
  • At the discretion of the supervisor, may serve additional Staffing duties in support of the Logistics Directorate. Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • TERM position NTE 01 June 2029. Advanced in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the basic requirements defined in 10 United States Code (USC).This standard implements requirements contained in Title 10, United States Code, Sections 1723 through 1733, as amended by Section 861(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) and implemented on a policy exception basis by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment memorandum, Exception to 24 Semester Hours Requirement for Contracting Positions, effective and dated August 2, 2020.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.

NOTE: The following three exemption to the basic education requirements above apply to DoD civilian employees or Service members who:

1. Served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) on or before 30 September 2000;
OR
2. Served, on or before 30 September 2000, in a position as either an employee in the GS-1102 series or as a member of the Armed Forces in a similar occupation specialty;
OR
3. Are an enlisted member of the Contingency Contracting Force (CCF). This exemption only applies to CCF members in their current or future CCF positions. The Bachelor's degree exemption does not apply to current CCF members seeking New Hire employment within DoD as a 1102.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of contracting principles, laws, regulations, and procedures related to pre-award and post award duties to develop strategies, goals, and objectives, analyze problem areas, and implement or recommend improved methods and procedures to ensure effective procurement and contract administration; In-depth knowledge of commercial business practices, industry standards, and market conditions applicable to program and technical requirements used to evaluate offer acceptability, contractor responsibility, and/or contractor performance, and to determine acquisition strategy and sources.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-inĀ­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of federal acquisition regulations, including FAR, DFARS, and HCA-specific policies, and their application to contracting processes for specialized commodities, systems, services, and construction.
2. Skill in developing, negotiating, awarding, and managing contracts, including pre-solicitation tools, cost/price analysis, market research, and contract modifications, to ensure compliance and mission success.
3. Ability to provide expert business advice, guidance, and training to stakeholders, including commanders, program personnel, and contractors, on contractual language, legal responsibilities, and acquisition strategies.
4. Knowledge of operational and contingency mission planning processes, including the integration of contracting support into large-scale operational plans, crisis response activities, and coordination with external entities such as JCSBs and OCS.
5. Skill in analyzing and resolving complex contract administration issues, including disputes, labor violations, claims, and performance deficiencies, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational objectives.
6. Ability to promote competition, commercial solutions, and small business participation in acquisition strategies, ensuring compliance with the Competition in Contracting Act and DOW/USSOCOM policies; Knowledge of procurement documentation requirements, including IGCEs, SOWs/PWSs, BCAs, and D&Fs, and their role in supporting acquisition strategies and partnerships with industry.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements.
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Air Force Elements, U.S. Special Operations Command

US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Mission Statement: Conduct operations to deter, prevent, and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories, and interests within the assigned area of responsibility; and as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, provide defense support of civil authorities including consequence management operations. Find out more click here.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • AF Internal Employee
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Military Spouse Preference

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
SOCOM
7701 Tampa Point Blvd
MacDill AFB, FL 33621
US

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