About to get a requirement for a 650k commercial buy. Normally I could use FAR 13.500 but understand RFO has changed things. Are these types of buys now he'll on earth/not simplified?
Got a tentative offer from an FAS announcement I applied to months ago. Lateral at grade, no interview, no reference checks, straight to tentative offer. That set off my alarm bells, so I asked to speak with the supervisor before accepting. Had that call and they were great, direct, clearly knew the portfolio, and seemed like someone I’d actually want to work for. I’ve been trying to move to the 1102 side for a while with the long-term goal of a warrant. I also don’t have my FAC-C yet. What I’m trying to figure out:
1. Is no-interview normal for bulk 1102 hires off a single announcement with multiple vacancies, or does it usually signal high turnover in the office?
2. For anyone working there right now, how’s the workload and morale post-reorg and everything else that happened over the past year? I know FAS restructured in May and there’s a lot moving with the RFO.
3. Is GSA actually supporting career development and training right now or do they just need paper pushers?
4. For people who’ve been in FAS, how hard has it been to move up?
I already know it’s 100 percent in office (well, I guess in OPMs office now), so no need to weigh in on that. Open to any other thoughts!
Hey guys, headed into my 3rd year of my copper cap program here. In many ways I feel like I’ve learned a lot and the actions I do work, I’ve become very good at, minus the regular slew of mistakes that get caught in review. When I’m faced with work I haven’t done or seen yet though, I tend to struggle and feel lost. We work mostly R&D contracts with long lifecycles so it’s hard for me to get a lot of exposure to anything other than contract administration. Is this normal? Sometimes I feel like having to show me things leads to my COs choosing to work with other CSs. What can I do about it?
Neither I or my AI can understand why a seasoned 1102 (or anyone) would take a position like this considering the risk. Especially, when the caveat of announcement states "Performs the duties listed .... independently." In all serious and forget about politics, this is not good the 1102 series. With 1102's being decentralize, and being placed under non-contracting managers, having to be accountable to appointed executives, and having more supposed discretion, this is a risk beyond taking. Anyone have some other thoughts because I'd like to know how this might be a good thing. And for the non-public employee critics, certain professions need certain protections because we are stewards of public funds and have a higher scrutiny. Unlike appointed officials and other professions, 1102 can end up in prison.
There is a job posting for contract specialist position in San Diego under Department of Navy. Can you please share your experience there? Also, considering switching careers to contract specialist, can you please share what you do daily? Thank you!
Signed an offer to contract for an agency in arlington, any new hires to a gov contracting agency related to cyber care to share how long their EOD took?
Fairly new to 1102 work and I’m just curious what phase do you prefer to work on, pre-award, award, post-award? And if you can explain why so I can get a better understanding
In my department we work on the contract through the entire lifecycle, but I hear it’s common for 1102 to work on the contract through a specific phase and then hand it off to someone else when it’s completed. (Correct me if I’m wrong)
Currently head of technology at my small DIB company and looking for discords or groups for this particular practice? Similar to how the CMMC guys have their own industry discord etc.
I'm looking to absorb more of the BD/Pipeline/Proposal processes and trying to lurk on active, currently relevant conversations of the state of things etc.
Thank you!
Currently in contracting, as my contract is coming within the next year and few months.. has anyone done the transition from Active Duty Contracting Specialist to civilian GS Contracting? Whats the process? Pros cons. Any experience moving to a position out of state? I already have my degrees and about 3 years experience in the field. I do not have a warrant.
Im trying to weigh out all my options and see what makes the most sense.
Hello, I have a GS-12 job interview with the VA.
I’m coming from the DOD primarily working as a KS and KO on supplies and services.
Are there any tips or areas to focus on when detailing my experience that someone who has worked for the VA can provide?
I’m currently an 1102 Contract Specialist with DoD and have been with the federal government for a little over a year. I’m in an intern program where I have to complete the required training and pass the Back-to-Basics exam before I officially graduate from the
program.
Im a career-conditional employee, and from what I understand from USAJOBS, I should be eligible to apply for positions under the “Federal Employees” hiring path and compete with other competitive service employees. Does anyone know if being in an 1102 developmental/intern program affects my ability to apply for and accept another federal position before graduating from the program?
I’m also starting to question whether 1102 is the right long-term career for me. I have a bachelor’s degree, 7+ years of buying/procurement experience, and now over a year as a federal Contract Specialist. My performance has been good overall, and the majority of my performance ratings have been 5s.
The issue is that I’m realizing the increasingly technical side of contracting may not play to my strengths. I’ve especially struggled with reading and interpreting some of the updated RFOs and all of the different requirements. With additional training/testing coming up, including pricing training and eventually the Back-to-Basics exam, I’m questioning whether I want to continue down this path. I’m also a very anxious/poor test taker, even when I understand and can perform the actual work.
I’ve realized that I really enjoy the people side of my job — interacting with customers, helping people, coordinating between different groups, communicating, solving problems, and being someone people can come to for help.
I’d want to stay federal if possible, but I’m interested in exploring other career series that are more people-oriented and still have good earning potential (ideally $60K+).
For anyone who has left the 1102 series or changed federal career fields:
• What series did you move into?
• Was it difficult to qualify for another series coming from 1102?
• Can a career-conditional employee move to another agency/series before reaching the 3-year career tenure mark?
• Does being in a developmental/intern program affect your ability to transfer?
• What federal jobs would you recommend for someone who enjoys working with and helping people more than highly technical contracting work?
I’m not necessarily trying to leave federal service — I’m just trying to figure out whether there may be another career field that fits my strengths better.
Any advice from HR professionals, current/former 1102s, or anyone who has made a similar career change would be greatly appreciated
Is it normal to interview or be offered more than one opportunity at a time ? For clarity one base pulled my info from Hirevue and offered me a position based upon my responses on there without interviewing ( however i wouldn’t start until next summer and my paperwork doesn't get submitted until January)
However I also had someone who sent me a questionnaire that I had to return. They’ve reviewed it and want to set up an interview. The questionnaire had some general questions and it asked me to choose a base I’d like to go to based on the 4 options provided. I honestly want to go to the base from situation A bc I feel like it’s a better fit but I know alot of people say keep your options open. Just looking for some advice .. Thank you !
Anyone have any thoughts on this program in Philly?
Hello all,
I’m currently with an agency as a 1910 (quality assurance) but not as a traditional 1910 sense where I’m conducting audits and sample testing etc.
I’m more of a technical advisor advising order fulfillment and 1102s on mission requirements, approving and disapproving vendors via traceability, performance history, etc. I do extensive research on materials we’re procuring and we clear PRs and perform PQDRs with post-awards and such.
Not to beat my own drum, I came in as a GS-9 couple (non ladder) years ago and I’m about to be a 12 and about to finish my bachelor’s soon as well.
But I’ve been always interested in challenge that 1102 presents. Where I’m at it’s already a thankless job, and I thrive in positions where attention to detail and interpersonal skills matter.
The question is, is it possible to start as a 12 with my background? I’d also take an 11 position with pay retention as a last resort.