Posted on Jan 16, 2016
What has been your experience with Gov Contracting jobs CONUS and OCONUS?
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Looking at applying for a couple of Gov Contracting jobs(Security) both CONUS and OCONUS. Any Retirees or former Military have any experience doing this? I've done my due diligence ie: web search the company, looked at reviews etc.
Just looking for a little insight to those that may have done this.
Just looking for a little insight to those that may have done this.
Transition
Employment
Government Contracts
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 3
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As a former Contracting Officer and facilities administrator, I can give you some nuggets that affect the employees of security firms hired to perform a variety of services. First, there are minimum wages under the Service Contract Act. They are lower than Davis-Bacon (construction) but at least there is a bottom end. The Government does not involve itself in employee performance or disciplinary matters. That's up to the contractor. However, issues with a specific employee that is a problem on base can result in their base access privilege being revoked, hence you get fired. Doing hard work, getting a raise or two can be wiped out overnight when the contract is resolicited. A new contractor who bid minimum usually brings in their own people (management core) and then "offers" current employees an opportunity to hire on, but usually back at the minimum. There are exceptions so some middle continuity is retained. My experience with service contracts is virtually all new contractors cut too much corporate memory, hence the mistake cycle repeats. You can look up SCA wage rates on line.
Security clearance is different for your MIL vs. contracted service. If you currently have one, it streamlines the process. If employees are required to have a clearance, there are provisions in the contract for the contractor to have their own security office and process employee paperwork through the contract administrators security office.
Be prepared to bounce among the firms unless you get into their management group but are then expected to move to where the contracts are. Make sure you have a transportable 401 plan. Good luck.
Security clearance is different for your MIL vs. contracted service. If you currently have one, it streamlines the process. If employees are required to have a clearance, there are provisions in the contract for the contractor to have their own security office and process employee paperwork through the contract administrators security office.
Be prepared to bounce among the firms unless you get into their management group but are then expected to move to where the contracts are. Make sure you have a transportable 401 plan. Good luck.
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PO1 John Miller
CAPT Kevin B.
You definitely speak the truth of when contracts are renegotiated. Even if company "A" re-wins the contract, company "B" can contest it, meaning a work stoppage. And until that gets resolved, you're not working and more importantly, not getting paid.
You definitely speak the truth of when contracts are renegotiated. Even if company "A" re-wins the contract, company "B" can contest it, meaning a work stoppage. And until that gets resolved, you're not working and more importantly, not getting paid.
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CAPT Kevin B.
PO1 John Miller there is no work stoppage. While the protest gets resolved, the incumbent is awarded an extension so the work continues. Depending on the pathway (GAO vs. US Court of Claims), it can range from 120 days to whenever there is a ruling. Even after that, there is a turnover period. Given the size and duration of the contract, protests, in my experience, always occur, especially in a depressed market like we've had the past 10 years or so.
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PO1 John Miller
CAPT Kevin B.
Not necessarily Sir. At my current job we experienced a work stoppage due to a protest.
Not necessarily Sir. At my current job we experienced a work stoppage due to a protest.
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CAPT Kevin B.
PO1 John Miller that would be unusual. Things like base operations and maintenance contracts are always continued. I can only presume the service provided wasn't considered essential, hence no need to extend or was a slam dunk for resolution early. What line of work was it?
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SFC (Join to see) I am seeking a job in contracting myself in the Hampton Roads area. I know DLA offers contracting jobs as well as the VA. I am searching high and low my self. I used to be a Assistant Contracting Officer Representative. Also try the DCMA(Defense Contracting Management Agency).
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If you go OCONUS be sure to check into the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, IRS Pub 54.
If you meet the requirements (330 full days outside the US in 12 mon. period) the first $101K (as of 2016) is tax free. When the time comes for your taxes, go to a tax guy who's experienced in doing this.
Also network with your fellow contractors. Never know when it might come in handy down the road.
Best of luck!
If you meet the requirements (330 full days outside the US in 12 mon. period) the first $101K (as of 2016) is tax free. When the time comes for your taxes, go to a tax guy who's experienced in doing this.
Also network with your fellow contractors. Never know when it might come in handy down the road.
Best of luck!
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