1

Contracting Officer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Support the Contracting Officer in monitoring contract performance, analyzing issues, and providing expert recommendations based on strategic and budgetary considerations. * Apply advanced knowledge ...

Contractor Program Manager

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Coordinate regularly with Government program managers, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and other stakeholders to provide program updates, financial status, performance metrics, and ...

The PS III coordinates with Contracting Officers, program offices, contractors, and other stakeholders to address contractual and compliance matters while recognizing that contractual authority ...

Expert Portfolio Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

The contractor shall provide advice and support to the agency senior staff, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), DIEM management, and stakeholders across the DIE for approaches to identify, gain insight ...

Showing results 41-60

Contracting Officer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$19.8K

$80.4K

$117.6K

How much do contracting officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for contracting officer in Reston, VA is $80,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $86,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contracting officer?

Contracting Officers are authorized individuals in government or private organizations responsible for managing and overseeing contracts. They ensure that all contractual agreements comply with laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Their duties include awarding contracts, negotiating terms, monitoring contractor performance, and resolving disputes. Contracting Officers play a crucial role in procurement processes, ensuring transparency, fairness, and value for the organization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contracting officer?

To thrive as a Contracting Officer, you need strong knowledge of procurement regulations, contract law, and negotiation techniques, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications such as the Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC-C) or DAWIA certification. Familiarity with contract management software, federal acquisition systems, and legal documentation tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and strong communication skills help you navigate complex agreements and build trust with stakeholders. These skills ensure contracts are legally compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals, minimizing risks and supporting successful project outcomes.

What are common challenges faced by contracting officers when managing multiple contracts simultaneously?

Contracting Officers often juggle several contracts at once, which can present challenges such as prioritizing urgent tasks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining clear communication with vendors and internal stakeholders. Staying organized and detail-oriented is crucial to track deadlines, deliverables, and changes to contract terms while minimizing risks. Effective time management and proactive problem-solving are key skills for navigating these complexities and ensuring all contractual obligations are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Contracting Officer vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContracting OfficerContract Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant certifications (e.g., FAC-C), and experience in procurementUsually needs a bachelor's degree and procurement experience, often with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in government agencies or large organizations managing procurement processesSupports contracting activities, often within government or defense sectors
Employer & IndustryPrimarily in government, defense, and federal agenciesCommonly in government, defense, and related industries

Contracting Officers and Contract Specialists both work in procurement roles within government and defense sectors. While Contracting Officers have broader authority to sign contracts and make procurement decisions, Contract Specialists support these processes through research, documentation, and assistance. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in the same environments, but Contracting Officers hold more decision-making power.

How do you become a contracting officer?

To become a contracting officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field, along with experience in procurement or contract management. Many agencies require certification such as the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or equivalent, and candidates must pass background checks and security clearances depending on the agency and contract scope.

What are popular job titles related to Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Contracting Officer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Contracting Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contracting Officer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,428 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Contracts Specialist III

Acquisition Professionals LLC

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Corporate Profile:
Acquisition Professionals (AP) LLC is a trusted strategic partner and solutions-based company that combines years of deep knowledge-based expertise, agile program management, and customized learning solutions, AP provides cradle-to-grave acquisition services and acquisition training; administrative support services; Information Technology Support Services and program and financial management. We leverage technology, tools, and industry best practices through our experienced personnel to create cross-functional results and navigate the complex and high-risk areas for our clients' projects and programs.
Job Summary:
Acquisition Professionals (AP) LLC is seeking an experienced Contract Specialist III to provide high-level cradle-to-grave contracting for the Office of the Senior Procurement Executive
Responsibilities:
  • .The contractor shall be responsible for the administration of the contract from cradle to grave, including contract compliance issues, change orders (modifications, amendments, renewals, extensions, assignments, notations, etc.), handling disputes, cure notices, liquidated damages, and, if necessary, contract cancellation.
  • Shall assist the Contracting Officer in conducting strategic requirements review, acquisition strategy development, solicitation development, and in performing other related procurement tasks as required.
  • Contractor personnel shall assist the Contracting Officer in review of requirements documents submitted by the Program Office to determine adequacy and sufficiency and make recommendations to the Contracting Officer to accept or reject.
  • Contractor personnel shall participate in meetings as required. Meetings include pre-award conferences, post award meetings, periodic progress review meetings, acquisition planning meetings, and other meetings as required by the Contracting Officer. Attendance in the meetings shall be at no extra cost to the Government.
  • Contractor personnel shall assist the Contracting Officer in preparing solicitations, acquisition plans, source selection plans, and other documents required in accordance with regulatory and local guidance. Documents shall be accurate, current, timely, and maintained up to date (ex: acquisition plan milestone schedule).
  • Contractor personnel shall review outgoing correspondence to ensure it is properly formatted and prepared on official letterhead for proper distribution. Reviews shall be completed within 24 hours of assignment.
  • Contractor personnel shall support the Contracting Officer in assisting customers with the development and preparation of requirements documents (e.g., SOW, technical evaluation factors, acquisition plans, IGCEs, etc.).
  • Contractor personnel shall complete all contract awards within the established Procurement Administrative Lead-times (PALT) identified by the Office of the Senior Procurement Executive (OSPE).
  • Contractor personnel shall complete and handle all contract files in accordance with agency acquisition regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Contractor personnel shall prepare modifications for various contractual actions to include, but not limited to, contracts, purchase/delivery/task orders, blanket purchase agreements, indefinite delivery contracts, as necessary.
  • Contractor personnel may be required to assist the Contracting Officer in preparing responses to Freedom of Information Act Requests and Protested actions.
  • Contractor personnel will be required to provide email and phone call responses to program office staff and other agency officials. Personnel shall provide a response within 24 hours of receipt, and immediately when the customer indicates that the matter is urgent.
  • Contractor personnel will be contacted by their contracting officer to discuss the status of work and or respond to a request for information. Personnel shall respond to their Contracting Officer's communication within two hours of receipt.

Education/Certifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree and 24 semester hours in business related coursework, from an accredited college or university. 2. Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting, FAC-C Professional, (FAC-C) Level III or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA)

Required Qualifications:
Experience utilizing government contract writing and contract writing systems (PRISM); independent ability to research and analyze contract and financial data;
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to interface with service providers, program offices, government contracting officers, and contracting officers representatives.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PRISM.
Have extensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), with particular emphasis on FAR Parts 15, 22, and 37.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Prior federal government contracting experience
  • Ability to multi-task and meet short deadlines
  • Ability to work with diverse groups of people

Personal Qualities:
Customer-service oriented Independent thinker Proactive, self-motivated, and a natural leader who takes action without being told what to do
Corporate Summary:
Acquisition Professionals (AP) LLC is an Economically Disadvantaged, Women owned 8 (A) small business. We are located at the Metro Park Office Complex in Alexandria, Virginia. We offer a competitive salary and compensation benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, matching 401k, tax free transit subsidy, paid federal government holidays and paid time off. AP is committed to creating an environment of work life balance.