Federal

Contract Specialist

Government Publishing Office ยท Legislative Branch
๐Ÿ“ Washington, District of Columbia PG-11 $85,447 - $111,087/yr
Posted: Feb 26, 2026 Deadline: Mar 12, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

GPO employees possess a diverse array of talent in many administrative fields and trades. We provide other agencies with innovative services for the printing, publishing, storage, and distribution of digital content. If you are an energetic, inventive individual looking for a challenging, yet rewarding career opportunity, GPO may be the place for you.

This position is located in Agency Acquisitions, Government Publishing Office in Washington, District of Columbia.

Qualifications

THIS IS A DIRECT HIRE ANNOUNCEMENT. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct Hire Authority, authorized by 5 United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 3304 and 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 337, Subpart B. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the Direct Hire process.

Basic Requirements: 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field (NOTE: you must include a copy of your school transcript(s) as proof of education, and if not submitted, you will be disqualified from further consideration) OR Completion of 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.

OR

Exception: You must have held a GS/PG-1102 position (or equivalent) grade level on January 1, 2000. Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade

  1. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position. Certification/Training Requirement:

In addition to meeting the Basic Education Requirement and Experience Requirements, you must: Currently possess a Federal Acquisition Certificate in Contracting (FAC-C) Level II or III.

This position requires the following: Completion of the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting FAC-C (Professional) or FAC-C Level II certification. FAC-C Level III preferred. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE PG-11:

In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the PG-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) negotiating, awarding, and modifying contracts, 2) administering contract terms and conditions, and 3) reviewing contractors' performance to ensure compliance. SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: If you do not possess the specialized experience described above, you may qualify if you have graduate education as noted below if it is in one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

PG-11 level: a Ph.D.

OR

equivalent doctoral degree; OR three full years of progressively higher level related graduate level education leading to such a degree; OR a LL.M. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/contracting-series-1102/ 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. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement 03/12/2026 to be considered.

Major Duties

Manage purchase orders, change orders, agreements, and modifications, and monitor procurements payment(s) using the Contract Lifecycle Management Oracle System.

Evaluate bids received and propose recommendation(s) for the award in accordance with agency and federal regulations. Perform Cost and Price Analysis for various procurements.

Prepare pre and post-award acquisition-related documents for all phases of the procurement process.

Prepare documents for negotiations, change orders, and modifications.

Responsible for fulfilling requisitions received from GPO Business/Support Units of GPO. This includes but is not limited to the initiation of procurement to recommendation for awarding.

Education

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: If you do not possess the specialized experience described above, you may qualify if you have graduate education as noted below if it is in one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. PG-11 level: 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D.

OR

equivalent doctoral degree.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your resume will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the competencies associated with this position. To determine if you are qualified for the job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation may be made and compared against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire.

You will receive a numeric rating based on your responses to the questionnaire.

Your rating is based on both your responses to the questionnaire and information stated in your application. Please make sure that your self-ratings are supported by information in your application. The Human Capital Specialist may verify your qualifications and self-ratings during the application and selection process through quality review, interview questions, work samples, demonstrations, reference checks, and other means. Inflated qualifications may result in you being excluded from further consideration for this position.

You will be further evaluated on the following Competencies required for the position. Contracting/Procurement Cost Benefit Analysis Customer Service Oral Communication We DO NOT require a separate narrative statement responding to the competencies, however your resume must CLEARLY show possession of these competencies. If you meet the qualifications stated above and you are among the top candidates your application may be referred to the Selecting Official for further review.

Additional Information

Employment of Relatives: Section 3110 of Title 5, U.S. Code, prohibits a Federal official from appointing, promoting, or advocating the appointment or promotion of a relative in the agency where the official is serving or exercises jurisdiction. In addition, Section 2302(b)(7) of Title 5, U.S.

Code, makes it a "prohibited personnel practice" for a person in authority to "appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for the appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement of a relative." For further information visit: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3110 and https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/2302 Separated Employees: If you have separated from Federal Government employment, you may obtain a copy of your SF-50 via: National Personnel Records Center, Annex, 1411 Boulder Boulevard, Valmeyer, IL, 62295; or visit the National Archives Website. Work Life Balance: The GPO offers Transit subsidy for commuters using public transportation (Metro Bus/Rail, MARC, VRE, etc.). Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the GPO requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy; this position requires a Moderate Risk Public Trust background investigation.

To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background for a Moderate Risk Public Trust. This review could include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs; this process may take 6 weeks or longer. The Agency may rescind the tentative offer, if the candidate is unable to pass the background investigation.

Schedule A (Disability Appointment): Documentation of eligibility for employment under Schedule A can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on a "medical professional's" letterhead and signed. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments, and the candidate is unable to obtain an interim clearance.

The selectee will work shift 1, 8 hours per day, 8:00 am -4:00 pm or 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

How to Apply

Click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.

Complete resume with relevant experience where you worked, job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week and salary. If you are a current or previous federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. PG-0201-09).

2.

Complete assessment questionnaire. For a quick preview of the assessment questionnaire click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12892449 3. Supporting documentation Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration.

Your complete application (resume, assessment questionnaire, and all supporting documents) must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Close Date. Applications received after Close Date may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received and processed will be reviewed.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You are required to upload the applicable documents with your application package. These documents will assist the staffing specialist in determining your eligibility and qualifications.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HC will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant. Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement.

All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement. Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Capital Office. Some supplemental documents contain personal information such as SSN and DOB and some documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you.

You may sanitize these documents to remove said 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.

Required Documents

A COMPLETE RESUME IS REQUIRED- NO MORE THAN 2 PAGES- Your resume must show relevant experience (cover letter optional) where you worked, job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week & salary. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade level i.e. PG-0201-09.

Note: Only the last resume received will be reviewed. To assist you in sending in a complete resume, use the checklist Click Here Proof of Contracting Certification: If you have received a FAC-C (Professional) or FAC-CLevel II or higher certification, submit copy of certificate.

In addition to the certification, submit your Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) history identifying the completion of 80 CLPs every two years to maintain your certification. The 80 CLPs every two years shall be from the issuance date of certification to current period. The following documents will be accepted, but are not required to apply: SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: - If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit a Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing the highest grade level held in a position for which you are using to qualify.

Your SF-50 must also include the Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential (if applicable) to verify your status and eligibility. Failure to submit the information required will result in an ineligible rating under merit promotion procedures. Not sure if we need to include this information as required. DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE?

You must submit a copy of your license or certificate in your application package. DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE TRANSCRIPTS?

You must submit a copy of your transcripts. ARE YOU QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION or A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE? For applicants qualifying on the basis of education: School transcript(s) - official or unofficial.

A transcript or list of completed courses is required if you are claiming to qualify based on your education. The information presented in the transcript must be verifiable; at the minimum the transcript or list of courses should contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, semester hours, and GPA. If you provided an unofficial transcript or list of completed courses at the time of application and you are selected you will be required to provide an official transcript prior to appointment.

You must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.

Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If selected, an official/sealed transcript will be required prior to appointment. ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?

You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214 (member 4 copy), "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.

ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE? Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.

ARE YOU AN ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBER? Active Duty Service Members are required to submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Contract Specialist position at Government Publishing Office?
The salary range for this position is $85,447 - $111,087/yr. This is a PG-11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Contract Specialist job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
THIS IS A DIRECT HIRE ANNOUNCEMENT. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct Hire Authority, authorized by 5 United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 3304 and 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 337, Subpart B. Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the Direct Hire process. Basic Requirements...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 12, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does PG-11 mean?
PG-11 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.