Contracting Specialist (COPPER CAP INTERN)

What you'd do

• 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).
• 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.