Job Description
The F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is seeking a Contract Specialist to manage cradle-to-grave contracting requirements for the F-35 program.
This position supports the design, development, procurement, operation, and maintenance of F-35 aircraft, F135 engines, and associated equipment for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, international partner nations, and Foreign Military Sales customers.
As a Contract Specialist, you will develop procurement objectives, prepare acquisition plans and solicitation documents, and lead negotiations on sole source major weapons systems contracts.
Qualification
Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement for DoD GS-1102 positions: a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. In addition.. You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in the federal service or private/public sector.. Demonstrating expertise in system acquisition contracting.. Price/cost analysis.. And negotiation of sole source major weapons systems contracts.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution (required for those entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000).
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 level, including: planning, developing, implementing, and administering all contract aspects of a system acquisition program.
- Utilizing price/cost analysis techniques to evaluate contractor proposals and preparing pre-negotiation positions.
- Applying negotiation techniques to conduct contract negotiations of hardware sole source major weapons systems contracts with high-level business, industry, scientific, and/or government officials.
- Demonstrating complete and complex experience in both cost realism and cost analysis in a sole source major weapons system procurement.
- Must meet Department of Defense qualification requirements for 1102 contracting positions, including title 10 requirements.
- Experience may include paid and unpaid volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).
- Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (one year at GS-12) by the closing date.
Role Responsibilities
Develop procurement objectives for the F-35 program in terms of competition and price range.
- Construct contractual vehicles including pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside policies, and similar considerations.
- Prepare procurement documentation such as determinations and findings and solicitation documents.
- Prepare and maintain current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules.
- Plan negotiation strategy, coordinate strategy with negotiation teams, and lead negotiations.
- Support cradle-to-grave contracting requirements for the F-35 Lightning II program.
- Work with high-level business, industry, scientific, and government officials on sole source major weapons systems contracts.
Conditions & Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
- Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
- New employees to the Department of the Navy must pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
- Must obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty.
- This position is covered under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA); certification in the Acquisition Functional Area and category is required within established timeframes.
- Must complete ethics orientation within three months of appointment and submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Appointment of retired military members within 180 days of retirement is subject to 5 U.S.C. 3326.
Benefits
Complete benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Access to a range of benefits designed for a rewarding federal career.
- Eligibility for benefits depends on position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
- Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits information.
Additional Information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
- Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
- A tentative offer may be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet pre-employment requirements.
- You may opt-in to make your resume available to other hiring managers in the agency for 180 days after the announcement closes.
- Relocation expense reimbursement and recruitment incentives may be offered depending on funding and policy.
- Federal annuitants are subject to DoD and DON policy on employment of annuitants.
- ICTAP candidates must provide required documentation to receive priority consideration.
- Military spouse preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they are determined Best Qualified.
- For questions, email the DON Employment Information Center at [email protected].
About Company
The F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) is part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and is responsible for the acquisition, development, and sustainment of the F-35 aircraft for the U.S. Military and international partners. The JPO manages one of the largest and most complex defense acquisition programs in history. This Contract Specialist position supports the JPO's mission by handling cradle-to-grave contracting for the F-35 program, including procurement of aircraft, engines, and support equipment. The role is critical to ensuring the program meets its cost, schedule, and performance goals.
FAQs
What does a Contract Specialist do in the F-35 Joint Program Office?
A Contract Specialist in the F-35 JPO manages all aspects of contracting for the F-35 program, including developing procurement objectives, preparing solicitation documents, leading negotiations on sole source major weapons systems contracts, and maintaining acquisition plans. The role supports the full lifecycle of F-35 aircraft and engines.
Can I substitute education for experience for this GS-13 Contract Specialist position?
No, education cannot substitute for the specialized experience required at the GS-13 level. You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12. However, a bachelor's degree is a basic requirement for the GS-1102 series unless you are grandfathered under prior DoD contracting experience.
What is the security clearance requirement for this position?
You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain or maintain the required clearance may result in withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
Is this position telework eligible or remote?
No, this position is not telework eligible and is not a remote job. The duty location is in Arlington, VA, and you will be expected to work on-site.
What is the USA Hire Assessment and how long does it take?
The USA Hire Assessment is an online test that measures competencies relevant to the position. Most applicants complete it in less than 2 hours. You will receive a unique link after submitting your application and must complete it within 48 hours of the announcement closing unless you request a reasonable accommodation.
What documents do I need to submit for veterans' preference?
For 5-point preference, submit a DD-214 showing character of service and dates. For 10-point preference, also submit a VA disability letter and SF-15. Active duty service members should provide a statement of service on command letterhead.