This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DOD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This announcement will fill a few vacancies for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with duty locations as specified in the announcement. The incumbent serves as a Contract Specialist managing full-lifecycle pre-award and post-award civil works procurement actions.
Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DOD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This announcement will fill a few vacancies for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with duty locations as specified in the announcement. The incumbent serves as a Contract Specialist managing full-lifecycle pre-award and post-award civil works procurement actions.
Perform acquisition planning and develop contractual strategies with technical teams to support regional civil works, construction, and service requirements.
Draft solicitation packages, analyze proposals, and perform cost or price analysis to ensure compliant, fair, and reasonable contract awards.
Plan, prepare, and lead contract negotiations for competitive and sole-source actions to establish solid technical terms and pricing objectives.
Manage post-award contract administration by monitoring contractor performance, reviewing invoices, and conducting site visits to verify compliance.
Negotiate contract modifications, resolve complex disputes or claims, and execute closeouts or terminations for convenience or default.
Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
One-year probationary period may be required.
This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of up to 10% of the time.
This position requires a Financial Disclosure during the first month of employment and annually thereafter if selected at the GS-12 grade level.
Situational Telework may be authorized at management’s discretion and/or as determined by the agency's policy.
This position requires a are required to possess the DAWIA Professional Certification in "Contracting" Formerly (DAWIA Level III) within 36 months of entry, if selected at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade levels.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Contract Specialist:
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
OR Exemption: You are exempt from the education requirements above if (A) you are a current civilian employee in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000; OR (B) you are a current military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 on or before September 30, 2000.In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
GS-07 Specialized Experience Requirement:
To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Assist in conducting basic market research by searching databases and contacting vendors to identify potential sources for routine supplies or services. OR 2. Prepare and assemble standard solicitation packages and simple contract files, ensuring all required routine clauses and administrative documents are included. OR 3. Review contractor invoices and payment requests against terms to verify accuracy and confirm delivery receipt before recommending payment. OR 4. Maintain and organize official pre-award and post-award contract files, tracking key milestones and deadlines to assist with timely contract closeouts. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS-05) position in the federal service.
GS-09 Specialized Experience Requirement:
To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Assist with draft solicitations, amendments, and public notices for standard supplies or services, ensuring compliance with established procurement regulations. OR 2. Perform price analyses on competitive quotes and bids by comparing vendor prices to historical data, independent estimates, or current market rates. OR 3. Draft routine contract modifications, such as administrative changes, extensions, or funding actions, for review and signature. OR 4. Monitor contractor performance on active awards, checking delivery schedules and communicating with technical staff to resolve routine delivery or service issues. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS-07) position in the federal service.
GS-11 Specialized Experience Requirement:
To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Develop pre-award documentation (i.e.; acquisition plans, and/or solicitations for procurements, services, or contracts). OR 2. Conduct cost and price analyses on non-competitive proposals, including reviewing subcontractor cost structures, evaluating historical audit data, and preparing pre-negotiation positions. OR 3. Participate in or lead contract negotiations on competitive and sole-source actions to establish fair and reasonable pricing, clear performance terms, and acceptable profit margins, or draft pre/post-negotiation documentation. OR 4. Manage and evaluate multi-year contracts, performance, modifications, negotiating equitable adjustments, and resolving contractor claims or disputes.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS-09) position in the federal service.
GS-12 Specialized Experience Requirement:
To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service in at least 3 of the following areas: 1. Performing pre-award, post-award and close-out work for various contracting projects, and monitor contract performance OR 2. Serve as lead contracting representative or assist in guiding stakeholders through proposal evaluation, price/cost analysis and contract award. OR 3. Participate in high-value negotiations, including modifications, profit analysis and audits. OR 4. Performing work associated with contractual issues such as contractor defaults, terminations for convenience, and /or major claims. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Qualification requirement: Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
This position requires you to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter, for the GS-12 grade level only.
Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
This is a(n) Contracting and Procurement Career Program position aligned under the Human Capital & Resource Management (HC/RM) Career Management Directorate.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is NOT authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
Recruitment/Relocation incentive WILL NOT be authorized.
Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. This position has promotion potential to the GS-12 grade level.
Promotion is never automatic. Promotion is based on the recommendation by the supervisor that employee meets all necessary qualification requirements for promotion, is performing the full scope of the major duties, and is functioning under the supervisory controls as stated in the target job description.
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.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.
Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.
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.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
This position requires a job-related license or certification. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/06/2026 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13100819).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RG-W2R902 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NEW ORLEANS
DO NOT MAIL
New Orleans, LA 70118
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
This position requires a job-related license or certification. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/06/2026 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13100819).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RG-W2R902 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-NEW ORLEANS
DO NOT MAIL
New Orleans, LA 70118
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
