How to become contracting specialist?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want to be a contracting officer with the federal government you just need to get hired by an agency that will put you through the FAC/C program. As the PP said, you'll likely need to start at a GS9 or GS11 at best. To advance in your career past a GS13 you'll likely need a graduate degree. Once you get your 1102 warrant there will be lots of options for you career-wise. Being an 1102 is not for everyone. Make sure you understand what the job actually is.

NP and there seem to be a ton of these jobs available on USA Jobs with a lot of mobility within the position (many seem to ladder up to GS-12/13). Must either be a very in-demand skill set or a totally sh*tty job where they can't retain people.

It's the latter.

Just curious but what makes it a bad job? I could see it being tedious as another poster mentioned but what else is bad about it? Is the workload generally unreasonable in these jobs?

PP here. For me, it's working with people who don't have strong professional backgrounds. I have a colleague who writes "Hi," as her salutation on any emails going out about gov't purchase card issues. I've tried to train her that simply using a person's first name looks more professional, but she doesn't change. I get the impression that contract specialists and contracting officers used to be better trained and have more room for innovation, but now it's very administrative with repetitive templates. Read this forum to get a sense of what I mean: http://www.wifcon.com/discussion/index.php?/topic/2209-would-you-do-it-all-over-again/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in the 1170 series, but I have friends who are contract specialists. Most came up thorough the ranks in a ladder position GS 7-9-11 and landing spot is a GS-12. Our agency hires 1102 specialists all the time and rarely do we have veterans. A friend of mine who worked for a government contractor as an admin assistant broke into the government finally after 13 years of trying. She has a BA and was working on her MBA. She was hired by NAVSUP.. the Navy’s supply command. While it took her a while to break through, other government contractor employees we have received GS jobs sooner. Working for a government contractor helps. The government likes to hire people who understand the way things work in the federal government.

Is it possible to land GS7-9-11 without prior experience with a federal contractor but with a certification in contracts management?

Yes. They have expedited hiring authority. Check out Copper Cap and other 'intern" programs. It's totally doable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in the 1170 series, but I have friends who are contract specialists. Most came up thorough the ranks in a ladder position GS 7-9-11 and landing spot is a GS-12. Our agency hires 1102 specialists all the time and rarely do we have veterans. A friend of mine who worked for a government contractor as an admin assistant broke into the government finally after 13 years of trying. She has a BA and was working on her MBA. She was hired by NAVSUP.. the Navy’s supply command. While it took her a while to break through, other government contractor employees we have received GS jobs sooner. Working for a government contractor helps. The government likes to hire people who understand the way things work in the federal government.

Is it possible to land GS7-9-11 without prior experience with a federal contractor but with a certification in contracts management?

Yes. They have expedited hiring authority. Check out Copper Cap and other 'intern" programs. It's totally doable.

Here is one option. They are getting rid of the "business hours" requirement, in fact DoD is getting rid of the bachelors requirement altogether, though USC requires it. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/580485200

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any tips? I have a legal degree and experience, but was out of workforce for 10 years. I am interested in federal contracting field. How do you become a contracting specialist, are there any certifications required?

Longtime 1102 here - few thoughts:

-The federal procurement process is archaic and cumbersome. Even with a legal background, unless you studied the FAR in law school, it will take years to understand the nuances.

-It will be easier for you to become a contract employee through a body shop and work for an agency than to get hired in as an 1102 (fed employee). All agencies actually rely on contract employees, even at the procurement level. They can't sign things, and there is basically a framework of inherently governmental duties that they cannot do. That said, they still provide much-needed support. One backdoor is to maybe look at PSC opportunities offered by various agencies. That said, regardless of your pedigree outside of federal service, you'll be starting off with smaller stuff such as furniture or admin (realignments and de-obligations).

-The CPCM is all fine and dandy, but I don't know if it will help you get your foot in the door. Even if you get it, you'll eventually need to take all FAC-C (or DAWIA) courses (3 levels). I have never heard of contract employees being allowed to take those courses, but who knows. PMP is much more valued than CPCM, at least from what I have seen.

-The field is changing rapidly to a much more automated realm with templates and automated tools and platforms. I expect the FAR to be streamlined and sections of it, especially in 12 and 13, to be made more "buyer friendly" in the future.

-As Vern Edwards (WIFCON) has stated, the 1102 field has evolved into nothing more than the former 1105 field. Yes, there are some crucial and complex projects that require a great deal of skill. However, most buys are commercial and can be done rather quickly on the schedules or through a reverse auction. I would not be surprised at all if the micro-purchase threshold is bumped to well above $10K soon too!

-You'll have to enjoy and excel at customer service, as you will be dealing with demanding and powerful program offices. There is a chance that your selected procurement organization will be FFS (fee for service) which means they rely on a percentage for every action. Soliud customer service/response time is key.

-Perhaps find a specific area on which you'd like to focus. Perhaps grants or R&D? Maybe construction or services? The biggest mistake the feds made was turning 1102s into "business advisors" in the late 90s. Instead of focusing on the core foundations of procurement, 1102s are involved in cradle -to-grave requirements, which involve everything from market research, to budget exercises and closeout. The 1102 series also requires a LOT of administrative work such as cumbersome reporting and eFiling documents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any tips? I have a legal degree and experience, but was out of workforce for 10 years. I am interested in federal contracting field. How do you become a contracting specialist, are there any certifications required?

Longtime 1102 here - few thoughts:

-The federal procurement process is archaic and cumbersome. Even with a legal background, unless you studied the FAR in law school, it will take years to understand the nuances.

-It will be easier for you to become a contract employee through a body shop and work for an agency than to get hired in as an 1102 (fed employee). All agencies actually rely on contract employees, even at the procurement level. They can't sign things, and there is basically a framework of inherently governmental duties that they cannot do. That said, they still provide much-needed support. One backdoor is to maybe look at PSC opportunities offered by various agencies. That said, regardless of your pedigree outside of federal service, you'll be starting off with smaller stuff such as furniture or admin (realignments and de-obligations).

-The CPCM is all fine and dandy, but I don't know if it will help you get your foot in the door. Even if you get it, you'll eventually need to take all FAC-C (or DAWIA) courses (3 levels). I have never heard of contract employees being allowed to take those courses, but who knows. PMP is much more valued than CPCM, at least from what I have seen.

-The field is changing rapidly to a much more automated realm with templates and automated tools and platforms. I expect the FAR to be streamlined and sections of it, especially in 12 and 13, to be made more "buyer friendly" in the future.

-As Vern Edwards (WIFCON) has stated, the 1102 field has evolved into nothing more than the former 1105 field. Yes, there are some crucial and complex projects that require a great deal of skill. However, most buys are commercial and can be done rather quickly on the schedules or through a reverse auction. I would not be surprised at all if the micro-purchase threshold is bumped to well above $10K soon too!

-You'll have to enjoy and excel at customer service, as you will be dealing with demanding and powerful program offices. There is a chance that your selected procurement organization will be FFS (fee for service) which means they rely on a percentage for every action. Soliud customer service/response time is key.

-Perhaps find a specific area on which you'd like to focus. Perhaps grants or R&D? Maybe construction or services? The biggest mistake the feds made was turning 1102s into "business advisors" in the late 90s. Instead of focusing on the core foundations of procurement, 1102s are involved in cradle -to-grave requirements, which involve everything from market research, to budget exercises and closeout. The 1102 series also requires a LOT of administrative work such as cumbersome reporting and eFiling documents.

PP and great info. DoD is getting rid of three levels in their Back to Basics push, effective October 1, 2021. Anyone with at least a Level 1 will be grandfathered in. https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA000182-21-DPC.pdf

[Anonymous]

The 1102 world is an older workforce with a lot of experience. Problem is, many of those folks are either not passing down their knowledge and wisdom, or they are retired in place. It is exceptionally difficult to bring on and train younger folks for the job. And the mid-level 1102s aren’t getting the proper managerial and supervisory training to take over when the baby boomers roll out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in the 1170 series, but I have friends who are contract specialists. Most came up thorough the ranks in a ladder position GS 7-9-11 and landing spot is a GS-12. Our agency hires 1102 specialists all the time and rarely do we have veterans. A friend of mine who worked for a government contractor as an admin assistant broke into the government finally after 13 years of trying. She has a BA and was working on her MBA. She was hired by NAVSUP.. the Navy’s supply command. While it took her a while to break through, other government contractor employees we have received GS jobs sooner. Working for a government contractor helps. The government likes to hire people who understand the way things work in the federal government.

Is it possible to land GS7-9-11 without prior experience with a federal contractor but with a certification in contracts management?

Yes. They have expedited hiring authority. Check out Copper Cap and other 'intern" programs. It's totally doable.

Here is one option. They are getting rid of the "business hours" requirement, in fact DoD is getting rid of the bachelors requirement altogether, though USC requires it. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/580485200

NP and what is the business hours requirement? Is that a work experience requirement? The link you posted does not seem to be a direct hire position so is there an issue with competing with vets for these positions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in the 1170 series, but I have friends who are contract specialists. Most came up thorough the ranks in a ladder position GS 7-9-11 and landing spot is a GS-12. Our agency hires 1102 specialists all the time and rarely do we have veterans. A friend of mine who worked for a government contractor as an admin assistant broke into the government finally after 13 years of trying. She has a BA and was working on her MBA. She was hired by NAVSUP.. the Navy’s supply command. While it took her a while to break through, other government contractor employees we have received GS jobs sooner. Working for a government contractor helps. The government likes to hire people who understand the way things work in the federal government.

Is it possible to land GS7-9-11 without prior experience with a federal contractor but with a certification in contracts management?

Yes. They have expedited hiring authority. Check out Copper Cap and other 'intern" programs. It's totally doable.

Here is one option. They are getting rid of the "business hours" requirement, in fact DoD is getting rid of the bachelors requirement altogether, though USC requires it. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/580485200

NP and what is the business hours requirement? Is that a work experience requirement? The link you posted does not seem to be a direct hire position so is there an issue with competing with vets for these positions?

Look under education specialized experience - it mentions a Bachelors degree as well as courses in marketing, business, etc. That is going away soon. Yes, this is also open to Veterans, but I know several people who got in with no military background. They are in dire need of people.

[Anonymous]

I have known a ton of people blocked by that 24 credit hour requirement. Makes no sense to have it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in the 1170 series, but I have friends who are contract specialists. Most came up thorough the ranks in a ladder position GS 7-9-11 and landing spot is a GS-12. Our agency hires 1102 specialists all the time and rarely do we have veterans. A friend of mine who worked for a government contractor as an admin assistant broke into the government finally after 13 years of trying. She has a BA and was working on her MBA. She was hired by NAVSUP.. the Navy’s supply command. While it took her a while to break through, other government contractor employees we have received GS jobs sooner. Working for a government contractor helps. The government likes to hire people who understand the way things work in the federal government.

Is it possible to land GS7-9-11 without prior experience with a federal contractor but with a certification in contracts management?

Yes. They have expedited hiring authority. Check out Copper Cap and other 'intern" programs. It's totally doable.

Here is one option. They are getting rid of the "business hours" requirement, in fact DoD is getting rid of the bachelors requirement altogether, though USC requires it. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/580485200

NP and what is the business hours requirement? Is that a work experience requirement? The link you posted does not seem to be a direct hire position so is there an issue with competing with vets for these positions?

Look under education specialized experience - it mentions a Bachelors degree as well as courses in marketing, business, etc. That is going away soon. Yes, this is also open to Veterans, but I know several people who got in with no military background. They are in dire need of people.

It looks like it says there was an exception granted to the 24 hour requirement in there. I'm prob out of luck anyways though because my major was public administration and that is not one of the majors listed in the posting.

[Anonymous]

My old agency would pay tuition expenses for 1102s to get their 24 credits, usually through Nova or a for-profit online school. All they cared about was securing the credit hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in the 1170 series, but I have friends who are contract specialists. Most came up thorough the ranks in a ladder position GS 7-9-11 and landing spot is a GS-12. Our agency hires 1102 specialists all the time and rarely do we have veterans. A friend of mine who worked for a government contractor as an admin assistant broke into the government finally after 13 years of trying. She has a BA and was working on her MBA. She was hired by NAVSUP.. the Navy’s supply command. While it took her a while to break through, other government contractor employees we have received GS jobs sooner. Working for a government contractor helps. The government likes to hire people who understand the way things work in the federal government.

Is it possible to land GS7-9-11 without prior experience with a federal contractor but with a certification in contracts management?

Yes. They have expedited hiring authority. Check out Copper Cap and other 'intern" programs. It's totally doable.

Here is one option. They are getting rid of the "business hours" requirement, in fact DoD is getting rid of the bachelors requirement altogether, though USC requires it. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/580485200

NP and what is the business hours requirement? Is that a work experience requirement? The link you posted does not seem to be a direct hire position so is there an issue with competing with vets for these positions?

Look under education specialized experience - it mentions a Bachelors degree as well as courses in marketing, business, etc. That is going away soon. Yes, this is also open to Veterans, but I know several people who got in with no military background. They are in dire need of people.

It looks like it says there was an exception granted to the 24 hour requirement in there. I'm prob out of luck anyways though because my major was public administration and that is not one of the majors listed in the posting.

DoD 1102 here - they are getting rid of that requirement, so just wait until they post new announcement with new regs. Don't count yourself out.

[Anonymous]

As a SAHM interested in this path, but with only has one year of college under her belt- Is there any benefit to an AAS in contracting or should I bite the bullet and go for a bachelors? Late thirties, if that makes a difference.

[Anonymous]

Come work for a large prime federal contractor - either in contracts or subcontracting

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Come work for a large prime federal contractor - either in contracts or subcontracting

What are the names of these large federal contractor companies, for procurement?