- Position Title
- Contract Specialist
- Agency
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Announcement Number
- OAQ-12755033-ST-AEC Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025 to Tuesday, July 22, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
• retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
• retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
3.
(1) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on active duty?
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of your spouse's active military orders and a copy of the marriage certificate.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.).
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of your spouse's active military orders and a copy of the marriage certificate.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.).
4.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade is equivalent to or higher than the grade level of the vacancy
- the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential of the vacancy, and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
5.
Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
6.
Have you completed three years of substantially continuous service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type Foreign Service appointment that meets a requirement for career tenure?
-OR-
Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
-OR-
Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
- You will be required to submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 documentation to validate your claim.
7.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?
If yes, confirm:
If yes, confirm:
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade is equivalent to or higher than the grade level of the vacancy
- the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential of the vacancy, and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
8.
I am currently on a permanent position which is equivalent to at least the (grade of the position) level (or higher) in the federal service; however, I am an employee for a federal agency which has an Interchange Agreement with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (e.g., NAF, TSA, FAA, etc.).
- You will be required to submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 documentation to validate your claim.
9.
Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
- was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
- served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
- performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
- if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
10.
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?
-OR-
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR-
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.
If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
-OR-
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR-
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.
If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
11.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A appointment?
If eligible, provide proof of a disability by submitting a letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits that proves your eligibility for a Schedule A appointment.
The proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, however it does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To view a sample of a Schedule A letter click here.
If eligible, provide proof of a disability by submitting a letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits that proves your eligibility for a Schedule A appointment.
The proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, however it does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To view a sample of a Schedule A letter click here.
12.
An Agency may give a noncompetitive appointment to a current employee of the Postal Career Service or Postal Regulatory Commission (formerly known as Postal Rate Commission), who meets the following conditions:
- Current appointment has no time limit; and
- Employed in the Postal Career Service for at least 3 months on a substantially full-time basis or for at least 520 hours if employed less than full-time.
- Employed in the Postal Regulatory Commission for at least 1 year on a substantially continuous basis under an appointment leading to completion of the probationary period in the Postal Regulatory Commission.
13.
Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency?
If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
14.
Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference .
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference .
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
15.
If yes, confirm:
To verify your eligibility for option 1); you must submit your RIF separation notice or Certificate of Expected Separation, your most recent SF-50 noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, and a copy of your most recent performance rating.
To verify your eligibility for option 2); you must submit your RIF separation SF-50 and a copy of your most recent performance rating.
To verify your eligibility for option 3); you must submit documentation showing injury compensation benefits cease or the Department of Labor's denial of an appeal for continuation of injury compensation benefits.
1) Are you a current DHS employee in the competitive service with a specific notice of RIF separation or a Certificate of Expected Separation?
OR
2) Are you a former DHS employee in the competitive service separated by Reduction in Force (RIF)?
OR
3) A former competitive service employee fully recovered from a compensable injury after more than 1 year?If yes, confirm:
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade is equivalent to or higher than the grade level of the vacancy
- the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential of the vacancy, and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
To verify your eligibility for option 1); you must submit your RIF separation notice or Certificate of Expected Separation, your most recent SF-50 noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, and a copy of your most recent performance rating.
To verify your eligibility for option 2); you must submit your RIF separation SF-50 and a copy of your most recent performance rating.
To verify your eligibility for option 3); you must submit documentation showing injury compensation benefits cease or the Department of Labor's denial of an appeal for continuation of injury compensation benefits.
16.
Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
Preferences
1.
Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service? If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
3.
I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for the answers and documentation submitted in my online application. I understand that my answers cannot be altered once I have submitted my application and the announcement has closed. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information contained in my online application for Federal Employment is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. I understand that a false or fraudulent answer to any question or item on any part of my online application may be grounds for not hiring me, or for firing me after I begin work, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment or both (See section 1001 of title 18, United States Code).
By clicking "Yes" below, I certify that I accept responsibility for the responses and documentation submitted in my online application and that the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
By clicking "Yes" below, I certify that I accept responsibility for the responses and documentation submitted in my online application and that the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
4.
Do any of your family members work for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
(A family member means an individual with any of the following relationships to the applicant: (1) Spouse, and parents thereof; (2) Sons and daughters, and spouses thereof; (3) Parents, and spouses thereof; (4) Brothers and sisters, and spouses thereof; (5) Grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses thereof; (6) Domestic partner and parents thereof, including domestic partners of any individual in (2) through (5) of this definition; and (7) Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.)
(A family member means an individual with any of the following relationships to the applicant: (1) Spouse, and parents thereof; (2) Sons and daughters, and spouses thereof; (3) Parents, and spouses thereof; (4) Brothers and sisters, and spouses thereof; (5) Grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses thereof; (6) Domestic partner and parents thereof, including domestic partners of any individual in (2) through (5) of this definition; and (7) Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.)
5.
If the answer to the question above is yes, please provide the relative(s)' name, relationship, and the ICE office or organization for which your relative(s) works (if known).
If the answer to the question above is no, please indicate 'not applicable'. (limit 1,000 characters)
If the answer to the question above is no, please indicate 'not applicable'. (limit 1,000 characters)
6.
Applicants who have permanently held a position with a full performance level equivalent to GS-12 or higher in the competitive service can be referred for selection without competition under our agency merit promotion procedures. Please provide an SF-50 to prove your claim. Without an SF-50 as proof, we cannot apply non-competitive rules. Military rank, details and temporary promotions do not count.
The SF-50 submitted MUST indicate the same full performance level (or higher) equivalent to the full performance level shown on this vacancy, career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2), and the status as a competitive service employee (Position Occupied is 1).
Your response to the following question will be used to determine whether or not you can be categorized as a non-competitive eligible.
Have you ever held (or do you currently hold) a competitive service position on a permanent basis in the federal government with a full performance level equivalent to GS-12 or higher?
The SF-50 submitted MUST indicate the same full performance level (or higher) equivalent to the full performance level shown on this vacancy, career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2), and the status as a competitive service employee (Position Occupied is 1).
Your response to the following question will be used to determine whether or not you can be categorized as a non-competitive eligible.
Have you ever held (or do you currently hold) a competitive service position on a permanent basis in the federal government with a full performance level equivalent to GS-12 or higher?
Conditions of employment
1.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-11 grade level?
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
Assessment 1
The following questions will be used to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position. You may wish to consult the vacancy announcement for a description of those requirements.
1.
Basic Requirement: There is a Basic requirement for this position. Please select the option which best describes meeting this requirement.
All education must be verified with the submission of transcripts.
All education must be verified with the submission of transcripts.
For each of the task statements below, please select the response that best describes your skill level. The statements were developed based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies needed to successfully perform the work of this position. Be sure to describe your experience that supports your answers to the questions below, in your resume or application materials. It is important that your application package submitted, including a resume, clearly shows how you possess the experience and skill levels you claim in this questionnaire. The information you provide will be verified. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.
2.
Certification Requirement: This position requires a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Professional
Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR): A valid, current FAC-C (Professional) is considered to have met the FAC-COR requirements for all
levels, however, an individual with FAC-COR certification does not meet the requirements for the FAC-C (Professional).
DoD Contracting Professional Certification: A valid, current DoD Contracting Professional Certification is equivalent to a FAC-C (Professional).
Current federal employees certified at Levels I, II, or III of the legacy FAC-C programs will automatically be certified in the FAC-C (Professional).
If you have this certification, you must submit a copy of the certificate with your application package. Failure to do so may result in you not being considered for this position.
Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR): A valid, current FAC-C (Professional) is considered to have met the FAC-COR requirements for all
levels, however, an individual with FAC-COR certification does not meet the requirements for the FAC-C (Professional).
DoD Contracting Professional Certification: A valid, current DoD Contracting Professional Certification is equivalent to a FAC-C (Professional).
Current federal employees certified at Levels I, II, or III of the legacy FAC-C programs will automatically be certified in the FAC-C (Professional).
If you have this certification, you must submit a copy of the certificate with your application package. Failure to do so may result in you not being considered for this position.
3.
Minimum Qualification Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirement and certification requirement described above; to qualify as a Contract Specialist, you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level performing duties such as responsible for price/cost analysis, negotiation, and administration for services, materials, and equipment associated with research, development, testing, evaluation, and/or production activities of one or more organizations; Serves as the lead support to technical experts and advisors to management, customers, and
contractors for assigned procurement area; Reviews requests for the procurement of complex supplies and services; and analyzes the requirement, recommending revisions to the statement of work or specifications, as necessary, and deciding on the type of contract, milestones, and procurement plan.
contractors for assigned procurement area; Reviews requests for the procurement of complex supplies and services; and analyzes the requirement, recommending revisions to the statement of work or specifications, as necessary, and deciding on the type of contract, milestones, and procurement plan.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
4.
Responsible for price/cost analysis, negotiation, and administration for services, materials, and equipment associated with research, development, testing, evaluation, and/or production
activities of one or more organizations.
activities of one or more organizations.
5.
Coordinating with contracting officers and maintaining a listing of assigned contracts.
6.
Analyzing the requirement, recommends revisions to the statement of work or specifications, as necessary, and deciding on the type of contract, milestones, and procurement
plan.
plan.
7.
Preparing solicitation documents incorporating provisions, such as cost-accounting standards, requirements for technical proposals with appropriate weighing factors, testing
procedures, cost-escalation factors, and cost-data requirements.
procedures, cost-escalation factors, and cost-data requirements.
If you chose response A in the previous question, please provide information concerning your degree and attach copies of your college transcripts substantiating the completion of that degree and the courses listed above.
If you chose response B in the previous question, please provide documentation which supports your claim.
Applications submitted without proper documentation (i.e. transcripts, supporting documentation, etc.) may lose consideration for this vacancy.
If you chose response B in the previous question, please provide documentation which supports your claim.
Applications submitted without proper documentation (i.e. transcripts, supporting documentation, etc.) may lose consideration for this vacancy.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
8.
Performing cost or price analysis, including review of cost breakdowns to determine reasonableness.
9.
Negotiating with potential contractors.
10.
Awarding contracts within delegated Contracting Officer's authority or recommending award to Contracting Officer on contracts outside delegated authority.
11.
Negotiating contract modifications.
12.
Advising customers if package is complete or incomplete, in coordination with Contracting Officer with notifications outlining deficiencies and due date for customer submission of revisions
or additional information.
or additional information.
13.
Soliciting proposals from prospective contractors.
14.
Researching and providing sound advice to customers on acquisition-related matters, using a solution-oriented approach to meet customer needs in terms of cost, schedule, and performance.
15.
Coordinating the establishment of a technical evaluation committee to determine acceptability of technical proposals.
16.
Serving as technical expert and advisor to management, customers, and contractors for assigned procurement area.
17.
Closing out the contract, issuing termination notices, and reviewing settlement proposals.