Contracting
Performs contract specialist work including acquisition planning, contract negotiation, and contract administration.
💰GS-1102 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1102
Contracting Individual Occupational Requirements
Basic Requirements (GS-5 through GS-12):
- Bachelor's degree in any field, OR
- 24+ semester hours in accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization/management
GS-13 and Above:
- 4+ years contracting or related experience (minimum 1 year specialized at next lower level)
- Bachelor's degree with 24+ semester hours in relevant business fields
- Completion of mandatory agency contracting training
Superior Academic Achievement: Qualifies directly for GS-7 positions.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1102
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal contracting position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1102
Acquisition, Logistics & Technology Contracting
Direct career path. FAR knowledge and contracting experience highly valued.
Supply Corps Officer
Supply and contracting leadership. Highlight contracting, supply chain, and logistics management.
Acquisition Manager
Acquisition leadership. Highlight acquisition management, contracting, and program management.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Develop acquisition strategies
- •Prepare solicitations and contracts
- •Evaluate proposals and bids
- •Negotiate contract terms
- •Administer contracts
- •Ensure regulatory compliance
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to develop acquisition strategies and plans.
Skill in negotiating contract terms and pricing.
Expert understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Ability to analyze contractor proposals and pricing.
Skill in managing contracts and monitoring performance.
Ability to evaluate proposals and select contractors.
Skill in resolving contract disputes and issues.
Ability to communicate with contractors, program offices, and leadership.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1102
What is a federal Contract Specialist?
GS-1102 Contract Specialists manage the federal acquisition process: developing acquisition strategies, preparing solicitations, evaluating proposals, negotiating contracts, and administering contracts worth millions to billions of dollars. They work at every major agency—DOD contracting is the largest employer.
How much does a federal Contract Specialist make?
GS-1102 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for Contracting Officers and directors. Most journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). GS-13/14 positions are common for experienced specialists. Add locality pay.
What are the requirements for GS-1102 positions?
A bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in business-related courses OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require FAC-C certification. DAWIA certification required for DOD positions. Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1102?
Yes—this is a PRIME career field for veterans. Military contracting, purchasing, or acquisition experience directly qualifies. If you served as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR), managed government property, or worked in procurement, you have directly applicable experience. Many veterans build successful 1102 careers.
What is the career progression for Contract Specialists?
Entry at GS-5/7 (intern programs common), journeyman at GS-11/12, and senior specialists/Contracting Officers at GS-13/14/15. Unlimited warrant authority at senior levels. DOD, GSA, VA, and all major agencies offer robust contracting career paths. This is one of the fastest-growing federal career fields.
How do I apply for GS-1102 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Contract Specialist' or 'Contracting Officer.' DOD installations, major agencies, and GSA hire continuously. Highlight your business coursework, any COR experience, and negotiation skills. Veterans are highly valued in contracting—your understanding of mission needs is a significant advantage.
Ready to Apply for GS-1102?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.