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Performs contract specialist work including acquisition planning, contract negotiation, and contract administration.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1102
Basic Requirements (GS-5 through GS-12):
GS-13 and Above:
Superior Academic Achievement: Qualifies directly for GS-7 positions.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal contracting position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target 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).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1102
Direct career path. FAR knowledge and contracting experience highly valued.
Excellent preparation. Air Force contracting training is comprehensive.
Acquisition leadership. Highlight acquisition management, contracting, and program management.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.