Job Responsibilities
Award and administer contracts for supplies and services;
Initiate modifications to contract actions.
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Job Requirements
The Federal Government contracting field is included in the 1102
job series. In January 2000, the Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) professionalized the series, and mandated that an
undergraduate degree is required to be promoted beyond grade GS-
12. In order to obtain an entry level position in the series, at
least 12 credits of business related courses is required.
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Uppers
Having a contract warrant allows the freedom to award and change contract
actions, within the dollar threshold of the warrant, independently.
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Downers
The Government is very bureauracratic and slow to change, to the
point of stifling all independent thought and creativity.
If you want to work like a drone and maintain the status quo, the
Government is the place to be.
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Lifestyle
Work hours are very structured. There is flexibility in the core working hours,
i.e., you can start as early as 630am or as late as 9am;
Most Government offices attempt to permit holiday celebrations, however,
socializing is determined more by where and with whom you work;
Business travel is dependent on the job;
Dress code is professional, with business casual Fridays;
There is diversity in the positions held in the Government.
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Compensation
Base salary is based on the grade schedule established by OPM;
There is an option to choose health and life insurance and
contribute to a retirement account. The Government matches
employee contributions 1 for 1 up to 10%.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Federal contracting experience is a good start to parlay into
private sector contracting. Private firms pay top salary for a
seasoned Federal contracting professional.
If you require structure, and don't mind conforming to a rigid
Government work environment, than the Government is for you.
Otherwise, explore all career paths, and only choose the
Government as a last option.
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