XL EagleContract Specialist
Contract Specialist. A contract specialist is a government acquisition professional who does much of the hands-on work of buying. They draft solicitations, post notices, answer questions, evaluate quotes, prepare award documents and keep the contract file.
In federal service, contract specialists are often in the 1102 job series. Many do not hold a contracting officer's warrant, so the final signature usually comes from a contracting officer.
Why it matters to a small contractor
The contract specialist is often the name on the notice and the person who reads your email first. Be clear, polite and concise. A specialist who finds your submissions complete and easy to evaluate will remember you, which helps on the next buy.
Example
An RFQ for vehicle maintenance lists a contract specialist as the primary point of contact and a contracting officer as the secondary. The specialist answers the questions, evaluates the quotes and prepares the award, which the contracting officer signs.
Contract Specialist: common questions
Can a contract specialist award a contract?
Only if they also hold a contracting officer's warrant with enough authority. Otherwise they prepare the award for a contracting officer to sign.
Who should I email questions to?
Whoever the solicitation names. Often that is the contract specialist, with the contracting officer copied.
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