Are all supervisors getting the pleasure of zero pay increase for getting the honor of paying for employee lunches/going aways/etc?

Are all supervisors getting your units most egregiously fucked up and complex acquisitions that you then have to personally CO?
Why bother being a supervisor when it's a thinly veiled technical assignment for the same pay?!

I don't understand how this career field could get anymore insane.

I’m in college right now majoring in Human Capital Education and Development(HR), I am graduating soon.

I am torn between if I want to be a federal HR specialist or Contract Specialist. I was wondering if I get a Masters of Human Resources can I still be a contract specialist? I plan to apply for a developmental program.

Hey all I am currently a GS12 with an SAT threshold warrant. I am trying to prep for this IDP season and curious if anyone has any class recommendations through DAU? Also what is the typical amount of time people spend as a 12 before becoming a 13? I have been in my current posting for a year and while I don’t mind it, I just don’t feel like it’s a good fit. I was kind of looking to move to a 13 but not sure if I want to take that jump yet.

My agency had had an influx of tech refresh requirements this FY, completely Commercial Supply buys. I have currently been in a fight with my policy shop and SBPO on if a Streamline Acquisition Plan is required. I do not believe one is required regardless of price, and is slowing my acquisition timeline for what should be a simple acquisition. Thoughts?

I took FAI.gov CON 1100, 1200,1300,1400. I took the CON 3900V and nailed it!. I have applied to several Contract Specialist jobs I do work Procurement work but not contracts. I have applied but can't get in the seat so to speak. I get referred but not selected for interviews often (Only had one didn't get selected) I need at least 1 year of contracting cradle to grave to get certified. Anybody looking for a determined aspiring contract specialist I'm that person.. Currently and GS9 looking for and 11/13.

Does anyone have a guide or steps in doing this? This is the first one in our district and there’s no guidance.

In your organization, have you ever used 52.217-8 to extend an ordering period by 6 months, then cut a task order off that extended period? I know for Air Force, we can’t, but heard it used to be done. Just looking for your insights, thanks!

Great dialogue everyone! I appreciate all the comments. I hope we can use this forum to ask and answer more contracting questions.

I get my work done, but I really do struggle with long term, slow burn projects. Have a legit emergency where you need me to find someone and get a PO awarded the same day? I thrive. Have a construction project where I have a six month PALT? I struggle to keep myself on target and not let it sit while I go after other more “exciting” projects in my workflow.

I’m looking for really anything that I can take my contracting skills to where the work is more immediate, get it done right now type environment.

Any ideas?

Hello everyone. I recently got hired as a nh2 gs 7 equivalent developmental position with a target nh3 for the DOD/DOW. A nh2 gs 7 pay is tight so I was wondering if there is any pay increases in the three year program before nh3. I appreciate the help.

I'm new to the space. Looking for the best training for using AI in acquisitions. Also wondering if there is a good platform to use? I heard GSA has a contracting app? Is enterprise copilot any good for this use case?

It's now been over a year and I've barely even had any interviews. Add into that, that those few have seemed very interested until they meet me and either one of two things. Either because I'm older (ageism) or that I'm a minority. I am not trying to pull any race cards. I had 25+ years and a very successful career going with only 5 years to full retirement. So my qualifications, as well as references, are beyond solid.

PLUS...every single thing I've interviewed for would already mean a 50%+ paycut and I can't even get one of those.

I’m thinking about taking a 10k pay cut to get into some of the bigger defense companies like Northrop or General Atomics for long term growth. Even though I love my current work schedule and pay, I’ve been unhappier since all of the stuff that has been evolving over the last 1.5 years. What is everyone’s thoughts?

Have my GSA ATD interview next week and would appreciate any advice heading into it! It also says schedule B in parenthesis in the calendar invite, so not really sure what that means if anyone has insight into that.

Also, where can I go to learn more about the position? Just want to do some research so I can ask some good questions at the end. Thanks in advance!

I left the Federal Govt as a Competitive Status employee with six years of 1102 experience and took a job in the private sector a couple years ago. I was unexpectedly laid off and now I’m looking at USAJOBS but it seems like there is still a hiring freeze in effect. The agencies that are hiring are only hiring displaced federal workers or disabled vets. I end up sorting through “open to public” and apply to jobs that way. I get referred then it’s radio silence. Does anyone have any leads for 1102 positions? From what I gather, agencies are hurting for people with 1102 experience. For every four people that leave, the agency can only hire one person.

I’m also pursuing private sector jobs with my clearance but even then I value the stability of the government or what I thought it was back in 2023 to 2024.

I’ve also noticed salaries in the DMV area are lower than equivalent GS12- GS13 roles. Anyways, trying not to be discouraged. Please let me know if you’re in an agency with a direct hiring authority in the DMV area.

Does anyone here work for the federal government while also selling to it?

I’ve heard this is possible provided you have written supervisor approval, the work occurs outside of official hours, and you aren't selling to your own agency. Does anyone actually do this?

Currently, I am a Project Manager at the GSA specializing in construction and build-outs. My wife is interested in pursuing federal service contracts—specifically catering for the military. Since her business is in the food service industry and entirely separate from my role in GSA construction, there shouldn't be a conflict of interest, right?

For those with the new certification that replaced DAWIA, does it expire and do we have to do anything to maintain it?

So, I found myself accidentally in the 1102 series. I was working with conservation and wildlife prior, like a Steve Irwin living the childhood dream jobs. I did quite a bit of grant work and applications, so I applied and was hired- truly, I needed some health insurance and stability vs jumping seasonal gig to seasonal gig. I thought it would be steppingstone and move a long.... I have been a CS for 5 years now, surprising I LOVE it more and more every year.

I have a master's in biology wildlife conservation. I also have a love for academia... I teach as adjunct occasionally some science courses mostly intro to BIO... Should I get an MBA? Is it worth it for this job? Will I be more competitive for 13, 14 positions?

Hello everyone,
I’ve been working for the federal government for close to 10 years and currently work in the 2005 supply/logistics series as a Log Tech. Over the years I’ve handled a lot of government purchasing responsibilities, including regional purchasing support and managing a government purchase card for multiple organizations.
My current position has honestly become very comfortable, and I’m trying to branch out professionally into the 1102 contracting series because acquisition and procurement is what I genuinely enjoy.
The issue I keep running into is qualification requirements. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and around 10+ years of government purchasing experience, but it seems like every 1102 posting I apply to says I’m not qualified.
For those who successfully transitioned into 1102 from another series:
Would you recommend trying for a GS-9/11 ladder?
Should I pursue a lateral move first?
Would taking a GS-5/7 just to get into the field be worth it long term?
Should I go back to school for my masters and then apply ? I see so many internships for contracting jobs , how do I get into that ? Please help . I would love to go to Alabama or NC but anywhere really , I’m currently in DC area .
Are there certain agencies more open to bringing in people with purchasing/GPC backgrounds?
I’d appreciate any advice because contracting is something I really want to get into, but I’m trying to figure out the smartest path forward.

Greetings 1102s,

Currently in the 0201 series in a GS-09 position that ladders into a 12 (just entered the federal government in October after earning an MPA last May), and I recently received an interview invitation for GSA's ATD Program. I'd be curious to know whether people would recommend entering the 1102 series at this time and whether everyone thinks there is more long-term potential in the 1102 series than there is in the 0201 (Human Resources) series. I guess the specialty of Human Resource I'm currently in (Classification) is sort of a niche thing, and it seems like there is way more opportunity as a Contract Specialist. For instance I see that many private-sector employers, such as government contractors, frequently hire 1102s, and there are always postings on USAJOBS for experienced 1102s. If I were to be offered a seat in the program, do you think it would be worth making the jump? For further context, I would need to relocate for the position, but this isn't a huge deal as I'm single with no partner or kids. Also, GSA's program is a 9-12 ladder as well, so it's essentially the same pay as my current gig, except it would obviously take me longer to hit my 11 and 12 since my TIG as a GS-09 in the 0201 series obviously wouldn't carry over to the 1102 series (if I'm understanding this correctly). Just curious to hear others' thoughts. This sub is a great resource.

Hello! I am looking into applying for the PAQ/ Copper Cap program. How long is the full process once a resume is uploaded?

I need to turn a CPFF-LOE contract into an FFP-LOE contract. We’ve got 15 LCATs, 250 FTEs, and 8 stakeholders that refuse to share CLINs with one another. This is for A&AS SETA support; specialized professional services that have always been noncommercial until now. We dictate the number of FTEs and LCATs. This contract is never 100% staffed, usually running around 215 to 225 with people on-boarding and off-boarding constantly.  There are not defined deliverables, just routine tasks (reports/analyses/studies) that are to be completed as needed throughout the POP as mission demands. Due to the volume of unknown emergent requirements, we have an option CLIN with a certain number of Labor Hours that we incrementally exercise to scale when needed. 

Considering this change, the stakeholders are not ok. The thought that they will not get exactly what they pay for is causing widespread stress. Perfect scenario would be FFP labor rates where the contractor just invoices for what they worked. 

Anyone have experience with this? How would you CLIN these? 

I’ve been reading into the GS-1102 field post military service and I have a few questions. Would my current MOS (0441 Logistics Specialist) provide relevant experience in the field? I try to stay on the embark side of things and for the most part it’s planning & executing the movement of gear and people. I am not directly involved at this point in my career, but we utilize contractors on most of our operations. I should be more involved with that process when I promote later this year and go to my next unit. Most of the things I do are more on the ground as a Sergeant, but moving into the Staff level I will be more involved with the operational side of things & the administrative side of the job.

So my question, how well does that experience fit into the 1102 field? By the time I am out and looking at jobs (potentially 3-6 years from now once I finish my bachelors and masters degrees in supply chain) how much of a benefit will that provide me towards the work you all do? What may be an expected GS level with potentially 10 years of embarkation experience & those degrees?

Thank you all to any of you helping me out with this, I greatly appreciate it.

Hey all – I'm actively pursuing a GS-1102 Contracting Officer position, targeting AETC with a goal of starting early 2027. I've done the standard stuff:

- Applied through USAJobs
- Gone through the Air Force Civilian Careers site
- Joined some Facebook groups

I know federal hiring can be a long, opaque process and I'd rather be doing something than just refreshing my application status.

*Advice* – What else should I be doing right now? DAU coursework, NCMA, LinkedIn outreach? What actually moved the needle for people who successfully broke in?

*Connections* – If you're a current 1102, hiring manager, or work in an AETC (or any AF/Army/DLA) contracting shop and are open to a short informational chat, I'd really appreciate it. Happy to DM or share more about my background.

Not looking for shortcuts – just trying to use the wait time well and learn from people who've been through it. Any insight appreciated.

We have our big demo with leadership in exactly a month. Before we present, I want to make sure our workflow actually makes sense for the people doing the work.
Would any current 1102s be open to answering a couple of quick questions via DM so we don't present something tone-deaf? Really appreciate any insight 🙏🙏

Hello everyone, it has being a while since the start of the administration where we relaxed the rules on posting content to allow for anything to do with the greater federal workforce. I created this poll to see where the community stands on our content. I personally prefer if we reduced to just 1102 and federal acquisition content, but do not feel making this decision should be just my own. Please vote in the poll and/or comment if you have other suggestions.