Contracting Specialist (COPPER CAP INTERN)

Summary

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

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 and evaluation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here: Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

How to apply

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Required documents

Resume: You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide: Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information: Job title Detailed duties and accomplishments Employer's name and address Supervisor's name and phone number Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.) Hours per week Salary, if applicable Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.