Search for Contract Specialist positions in Portsmouth, VA, requiring a baccalaureate degree, with full-time employment, at least one year of specialized experience, and must be a U.S. citizen.

Okay, I've searched for Contract Specialist positions in Portsmouth, VA, requiring a baccalaureate degree, full-time employment, at least one year of specialized experience, and U.S. citizenship. I found 45 positions that match your criteria.

Contract Specialist

Portsmouth, VA

Bachelor

1 year + Experience

Citizenship

Can you help me to analyze the job description and company culture?

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Contract Specialist role at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) focuses on the crucial functions of procurement, negotiation, and management of contracts that enable the agency to fulfill its mission in supporting national security. The primary responsibilities involve soliciting, analyzing, and evaluating contractor proposals while performing cost or price analyses. This indicates a need for strong attention to detail and analytical abilities, as inaccuracies at this stage can lead to significant cost overruns and project delays. Autonomy is key in this role, particularly for those who may act as warranted Contracting Officers, which adds a layer of responsibility and decision-making. Success in this position is likely defined by the ability to effectively navigate complex negotiations, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster collaborative relationships with contractors and internal teams—often aligning to mission-critical objectives of the DLA. Candidates are expected to embrace both the technical requirements of contract administration and the strategic overview of how these contracts contribute to operational efficiency and military support.

Company Analysis:

The Defense Logistics Agency operates within the realm of U.S. federal logistics and procurement, acting as an essential support pillar for military operations and national defense. It is positioned as a vital entity capable of providing comprehensive logistics support, which requires a keen focus on operational excellence and efficiency. Given its collaborative environment that merges civilian expertise with military precision, prospective candidates should anticipate a culture that values teamwork and mission-oriented work over individual accolades. The DLA places a premium on professional growth, offering training and development opportunities, which suggests that they are invested in their employees’ long-term success. The Contract Specialist role is likely to fit within a larger team of procurement professionals where visibility with leadership could be significant, facilitating potential career advancement opportunities. This role not only supports logistical operations but also aligns with DLA's larger strategic goals of optimizing resource management in service to both military and civilian needs.

Mock up some interview questions based on the job description.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

Behavioral Questions:
1. Tell me about a time when you had to negotiate a contract under challenging circumstances. What strategies did you use, and what was the outcome?
1. Can you describe an experience where you had to analyze complex data or inputs to make a recommendation? What was your thought process?
1. Describe a situation where you faced a conflict within a team related to contract specifications. How did you resolve it?
1. Share a time when you had to ensure compliance with regulations or guidelines in a previous role. What steps did you take to maintain adherence?
Technical/Role-Specific Questions:
1. How would you approach evaluating contractor proposals to ensure they align with the project specifications?
1. Can you detail your experience with performing cost analysis? What models or tools have you used in the past?
1. How would you handle a situation where a contractor is not meeting performance standards outlined in their contract?
1. Can you explain the steps you would take to prepare change orders for existing contracts?
Situational Questions:
1. Imagine you are presented with conflicting specifications from different stakeholders regarding a contract. How would you navigate this situation?
1. If you encountered a request for procurement that you believe does not meet legal or regulatory standards, what actions would you take?
Company Fit/Motivation Questions:
1. Why are you interested in pursuing a career with the Defense Logistics Agency, specifically as a Contract Specialist?
1. How do you believe your previous experiences align with DLA's mission and values?
Questions for the Candidate to Ask the Interviewer:
1. What are the most significant challenges currently facing the contracting team at DLA?
1. Can you describe the onboarding and training process for new Contract Specialists?
1. How does DLA measure success for the Contract Specialist role in the first year?

Job Details

Overview Company

Contract Specialist

DLA Careers

6 days ago

Highlight

OnsiteFull-time1+ yearEntry

Summary

DLA Careers is seeking a Contract Specialist to join their team in Portsmouth, VA. The role involves solicitation, analysis, evaluation, and negotiation of contractor’s proposals, as well as contract administration.

About the Role

As a Contract Specialist, you will be responsible for providing solicitation, analysis, evaluation, and negotiation of contractor’s proposals. You will review requests for the procurement of equipment and/or supplies, perform cost or price analysis, and administer contracts, including monitoring contractor performance and processing contract modifications. You may also serve as a warranted Contracting Officer.

About You

Required:

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution or equivalent experience.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
Ability to complete DoD certification and other requirements.
Must achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2 years.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including access to federal benefits.
Eligibility for recruitment incentives.
Drug-Free Federal Workplace Policy.

DLA Careers

Welcome to DLA Careers! Here we’ll highlight civilian job opportunities and the benefits of working at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Follow us to see how you can contribute to the team, working with our dedicated military personnel, to advance our mission as the nation's logistics combat support agency that safeguards national security and supports our communities.

Why DLA? • Diverse Opportunities: From engineering and cybersecurity to logistics and business, we offer a wide range of roles that suit various interests. • Collaborative Environment: Work in a dynamic team where civilian expertise and military precision come together to achieve common goals. • Professional Growth: Access ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities to help grow. • Meaningful Work: Every task you undertake contributes to something bigger than yourself. Help shape the future to make a difference in the lives of others. • No Prior Military Experience Required: Employees don’t need prior military experience to join our team. We value diverse perspective skills, and we believe that a wide range of background can contribute to our mission’s success.

DLA welcomes participation on all of its social media platforms. Please see the comment policy and privacy policy for more details on standards and conduct practiced on these platforms: https://www.dla.mil/Public-Affairs/Social-Media. We expect commenters will treat each other, as well as our agency and our employees, with respect. We encourage discussion and look forward to an active exchange of ideas.

DLA will not request resumes to be sent to a private email account. Resumes can be uploaded when applying for positions on dla.usajobs.gov

Select content was removed March 4, 2025 to align with the President's executive orders and DoD priorities in accordance with DoD Instruction 5400.17, "Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes."

Portsmouth, VA