What Does a Military Contracting Officer Do?

I'm considering a career as a military contracting officer and would love a detailed job description. What are the primary responsibilities and daily tasks? Also, what qualifications or experience are typically needed to enter this role?

A military contracting officer, also known as an acquisition officer or contract specialist in different branches of the military, is responsible for procuring the huge range of goods, services, and construction necessary for the military to function. They play a vital role in ensuring that these resources are obtained in a way that's both economically beneficial and operationally effective. Here's a closer look at the responsibilities and qualifications of this position.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Supervision of Procurement: The most significant role of a military contracting officer is to handle the procurement process. This includes everything from conducting market research, preparing solicitation documents, analyzing proposals, negotiating pricing and other terms, awarding contracts, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

2. Contract Management: After contracts are awarded, contracting officers also manage these contracts. They monitor the contractor's performance, oversee modifications if necessary, resolve any disputes, and close out the contract once the work is completed.

Daily Tasks:

Since the procurement process is quite extensive, daily tasks for contracting officers can vary. On any given day, they might be holding pre-proposal conferences, conducting cost or price analysis, drafting contracts, coordinating with other military personnel on requirements, or managing post-award activities.

As for qualifications and experience:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree is usually required, preferably in a field related to business, economics, public administration, or a related discipline.

2. Training: Each branch of the military has specific training programs for acquisition and contracting. For instance, in the Air Force, aspiring contracting officers must first complete officer training and then go through specialized acquisition training.

3. Experience: Like many jobs, experience is beneficial. Many officers get this through progressively responsible work in purchasing, supply management, or a related role.

Keep in mind that requirements may vary between branches, so you'll want to look into the specifics for the branch of the military you're interested in. Also, the positions are typically open only to commissioned officers in the military, so you would need to meet the requirements for commission, which usually includes being a U.S. citizen and meeting certain age and physical fitness standards.