CONTRACT SPECIALIST

The Contract Specialist performs developmental assignments designed to provide foundational experience in common contracting methods and contract types. The role assists in the procurement of standard or specialized services, supplies, construction items, and materials primarily through formal advertising or limited negotiation techniques. Key responsibilities include: - Soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts. - Administering contracts by ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. - Terminating contracts by analyzing, negotiating, and settling claims and proposals. - Analyzing and evaluating cost/price proposals and accounting systems. - Planning, establishing, or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures. - Formulating and administering policies to achieve socioeconomic goals. - Developing acquisition strategies and directing or managing procurements. - Providing functional staff advisory services within the contracting occupation. Duties are elementary in nature, performed with strict adherence to detailed instructions or guidelines provided by a higher-graded employee. The position requires application of knowledge acquired through a pertinent bachelor's educational program or equivalent experience.

Basic Requirements: - A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. OR - A current member of the Armed Forces (not retired or separated) or a current Department of Defense employee who meets one of the following: (1) served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on or before 30 September 2000; (2) served on or before 30 September 2000 in a position as an employee in the GS-1102 series or as a member of the Armed Forces in a similar occupation specialty; or (3) is in the contingency contracting force. Specialized Experience: - One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-05) in one or more of the following: soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts; administering contracts; terminating contracts; analyzing cost/price proposals and accounting systems; planning or reviewing contracts programs or policies; formulating policies for socioeconomic goals; developing acquisition strategies; or providing contracting advisory services. OR - Education: A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) from an accredited institution in accounting, business finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. SAA is based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership. OR - One full year of graduate-level education from an accredited university, college, or law school.

The Air Force Personnel Center manages civilian training programs, including the PALACE Acquire program, for the U.S. Air Force. It is responsible for force renewal and development, and international affairs administration.