Contracting Specialist (COPPER CAP INTERN)

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Major duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base is searching for a Contract Specialist for the Copper Cap Internship Program (GS-1102-07 target 12). https://afciviliancareers.com/blog/the-copper-cap-internship-program-endless-possibilities/ Description: The Space Force Copper Cap Intern Program is an elite, multi-year developmental pipeline designed to prepare top-tier college graduates for successful careers as Department of the Air Force civilian Contract Specialists and Contracting Officers. Operating at the cutting edge of national security space capabilities, Guardian civilians in this program procure next-generation satellites, space launch vehicles, ground systems, orbital tracking networks, cyber defenses, and emerging commercial space technologies. Over a structured three- to four-year formal training plan, trainees participate in comprehensive classroom coursework, rotational assignments across diverse acquisition environments, and senior-level mentorship, while benefiting from accelerated, non-competitive promotion potential from GS-7 up to the GS-12 (or equivalent) level. The ideal candidate for this role is a highly motivated, United States citizen who has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree within the past two years or is a current student on track to graduate by May 2026, maintaining a minimum 2.95 GPA (or meeting Superior Academic Achievement criteria); qualified veterans precluded from applying due to military service obligations may apply up to six years post-degree. Eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, the candidate must possess strong quantitative analysis skills to evaluate budgets, complex pricing models, and cost estimates, alongside an aptitude for interpreting and applying federal regulations such as the FAR and DFARS. Furthermore, they should demonstrate advanced digital literacy in spreadsheet modeling, exceptional written and oral communication skills for drafting acquisition plans and briefing senior leaders, and a proven track record of ethical stewardship, collaborative leadership, and structured problem-solving in deadline-driven, ambiguous environments. Key Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of commonly used contracting methods sufficient to perform procurement functions when the contract actions are well defined and well precedented. Knowledge of contract negotiation techniques, and the laws, regulations and precedents governing procurements by this method, to perform developmental assignments; and of business practices and market conditions as they relate to program and technical requirements sufficient to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and contractor performance. Knowledge of report writing techniques to present factual information clearly, write procurement memoranda, and draft simple contract provisions and supporting documentation. Skill in solving practical problems relating to supplies, services, and/or construction matters as they relate to the development of specifications or to contract administration involving product quality. Skill in dealing with others in a work relationship to present information orally and to accomplish a given purpose. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and plan, organize work, and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

DOD QUALIFICATION STANDARD FOR GS-1102 CONTRACTING POSITIONS This is an individual, single agency qualification standard for Department of Defense positions. This standard implements requirements contained in Title 10, United States Code, Sections 1723 through 1733, as amended by Section 861(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) and implemented on a policy exception basis by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment memorandum, Exception to 24 Semester Hours Requirement for Contracting Positions, effective and dated August 2, 2020. Basic Education Requirements for GS-5 through GS-15 (or equivalent) positions: Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. NOTE: The education requirements listed above apply only to individuals entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000 are exempt from meeting this requirement. Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent)-1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirement. GS-12 thru GS-15 (no educational equivalent) One year equivalent to at least next lower grade level Basic Qualification Requirements for Contracting Officer Positions: In addition to meeting, the basic educational requirement as well as the requirements in the table above, applicants must have: Have at least two years of experience in contracting positions; and Have completed all contracting courses required for a contracting officer for positions at the level and grade at which the person is serving. Certification at this level is sufficient to meet this standard. In addition: Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic education requirements above, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression is qualifying for positions at grades GS-7 (or equivalent) and above. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. Basic Requirements for Critical Acquisition Positions: The Secretary of Defense shall designate the acquisition positions in the Department of Defense that are critical acquisition positions, applicants must: Be eligible for GS-14, or equivalent; and Hold a bachelor's degree; and Have completed all mandatory training requirements for Level II or III certification as prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to higher level contracting positions; and Possess four years of acquisition experience. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower grade level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position. Basic Qualification Requirements for Senior Contracting Officials: A Senior Contracting Official is a position such as a director of contracting, or a principal deputy to a director of contracting, serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Office of the Secretary of a Military Department, the Headquarters (HQ) of a Military Department, the HQ of a Defense Agency, a subordinate command HQ, or a major systems or logistics contracting activity in the Department of Defense. Before a person may be assigned to a critical acquisition position as a senior contracting official, the person must have at least four years' experience in contracting. Waivers: With the exception of Specialized Experience, the component acquisition career management authority may waive any or all of the requirements listed in this qualifications standard with respect to any employee of the Department of Defense if the board certifies that the individual possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated job performance and qualifying experience.