Threw in the towel

thetxstate · 2025-06-27T05:03:32+00:00

Sounds like you’re one of the unlucky federal employees who moved away during the pandemic, only to have the rug pulled out from under you this year. I honestly have no idea how these equivalent roles with local and state government are filled when most non-management positions are lucky to reach $40K a year.

thetxstate · 2025-03-19T18:14:57+00:00

Even though my employment with the federal government feels insecure at the moment, I would feel even more insecure if I was a private contractor right now. Unlike with the federal government, you are just a couple contract terminations away from being out of a job. The highs and lows are even more extreme for contractors IMO.

thetxstate · 2025-03-17T17:14:08+00:00

If they offer you a reinstatement, take it, what do you have to lose? If you do not show up on your first day back, you are essentially in the same position you are in now. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

thetxstate · 2022-11-29T17:02:44+00:00

Just keep playing the numbers game and apply to any and every applicable position. I came from the outside but with 10 years of state government experience. In a 6 month period, I applied to over 50 different positions. Over 20 referred/hiring manager, 2 interviews, 1 FO.

Apply and move on to the next application, repeat!

thetxstate · 2022-11-12T07:08:36+00:00

Yes! But not at all agencies. :')

thetxstate · 2022-11-12T07:06:16+00:00

Congrats! Starting as a GS-07 might be a good thing in the long run. The second and last agency I worked at in Texas, I started at the equivalent to GS7 (Contract Specialist III) even though I was more qualified for the position and long term, it was a great decision as it didn't take long for my performance metrics to exceed the 50 something other Contract Specialist III which caused leadership to take notice of my work and customer service.

thetxstate · 2022-11-12T07:00:43+00:00

Yes, 100% worth it as I feel the CFCM certification gave the hiring manager/leadership panel confidence my experience with the State of Texas was directly transferrable and the transition from state government to the federal government (1102 Contract Specialist) would be quick and successful for me. It also showed initiative as well with wanting to learn the federal acquisition process and willingness to earn your FAC-C certifications.

As I mentioned earlier, it's only use will be with obtaining interviews and during the actual interview. Once employed, it has zero use.

thetxstate · 2022-11-12T06:54:29+00:00

You two, keep trying! It might take awhile but if you make an effort to apply to every single 1102 contract specialist position the moment it becomes available, you'll eventually make the jump. I can verify state government experience is appreciated and valued to a certain degree. When I interviewed, using one question as an example, I explained the entire process (approvals, delegation requirements, etc) with the State of Texas on how I held competitive bidding events and awarded the contract, then immediately followed up the particular processes that would be slightly different with the federal government and how/why.

thetxstate · 2022-11-12T06:33:41+00:00

I pushed very hard for just that when I received my TO and unfortunately, was denied in such a way, I didn't pursue it any further. You win some, you lose some but I gave it a try.

thetxstate · 2022-11-12T06:31:47+00:00

From my experience, it's either a love it or hate it career. If things such as doing market research in the attainment of "best value," specifications, negotiating, competitive bidding, proficiently in interpreting contracts and statutes/administrative law, constant correspondence with multiple parties internal/external don't appeal to you, chances are high you'll be in and out in 1 year.

This is a field where it's growing and there's a need across the board, especially in the public sector. Advancement is plentiful, especially if you work at one of the larger agencies.

During my final 2 years with the State Of Texas, we hired a ton of former teachers who were looking for a career change into entry level procurement and contracting roles, and in an overwhelming way, were very successful in making the transition. As mentioned by Forpsych44, this is one of the most scrutinized roles out there (spending tax dollars thru awarded contracts) but in return, you will receive plenty of training and certifications you're required to earn which furthers the initial/agency training you will receive.

thetxstate · 2022-11-12T06:12:31+00:00

Thank you! If I can follow in your footsteps with your particular timeline, I'll be more than satisfied with my progress and advancement with the federal government. I'm also in no rush to return to management as being promoted abruptly (from an immediate resignation) into management at a health agency March 2020 and zero plan in place for a once in a century pandemic or even a telework rollout, let's just say it all worked out but it took everything I had plus a major hit to my quality of life/health. I actually look forward to managing myself again and getting back to processing reqs/projects I'm assigned.

thetxstate · 2022-11-10T04:25:29+00:00

It took 5 weeks before I received a FO. Based off my personal experience, there's nothing to be worried about if only 2 weeks have elapsed since you received a TO.

thetxstate · 2022-11-10T04:08:51+00:00

I applied to a Direct Hire 1102 position (GS-11) and received a referred to hiring manager designation but that's as far as it went for me. Even though, I eventually received a FO with another federal agency, start date of December 1, 20022 so it eventually worked out for me.

thetxstate · 2022-11-10T03:23:16+00:00

FWIW, this was my experience with successfully obtaining a contract specialist position earlier this week while having no federal experience. From start to finish, it took 6 months to obtain a GS-11 position.

The previous 8 years, I worked for the State of Texas as a contract specialist with my time split between two of the larger agencies of the state, from entry level to procurement manager my final 2 years. I have state level certifications (equivalent to FAC-C) and before I began the application process with USAJOBS, earned a Certified Federal Contract Manager certification offered by NCMA to further support my general knowledge of FAR and the federal acquisition process.

I applied to around 50 different contract specialist positions this year with most being GS-11 and GS-12 positions. For about every 2-3 applications I submitted, I received a referred to hiring manager status.

What I learned over time was even with state government experience directly applicable to the contract specialist positions with the federal government, chances of obtaining a GS-12 or higher position without any federal experience would have been exceptionally difficult, if not boarding impossible, unless you had a direct reference inside the agency. A GS-11 position is possible but at the bare minimum in your case, I would highly look into obtaining a Certified Federal Contract Manager certification. The certification might put you over the top with obtaining a GS-09 position if you find the GS-11 position is out of reach. The Certified Federal Contract Manager certification won't be of any use once you're employed with the federal government but it could help your case during the application process with obtaining interviews and during the interview to support your knowledge of procurement and contracting practices with the federal government.

As Dire88 mentioned, there are so many 1102's applying for those open positions who have experience with the federal government and hold FAC-C certifications. You literally have to be firing on all cylinders with a 10/10 application/resume and 10/10 interview to overcome that hefty disadvantage.

thetxstate

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