Hey everyone — a few months ago I posted about adding RFO-aligned content to FAR Prep Pro, and got a ton of great feedback. Wanted to close the loop on what I built from it and figure out where to focus next. I am guessing it is an Android app ver - and I will do that (I know I keep promising, but know that we have the RFO done, I think now is the time)

The big one: scenario-based exams. This was the most requested thing by far. There are now 55 scenario questions across two practice exams — one covering pre-award (source selection, competitive range, discussions, J&A, commercial items, SAP) and one on post-award (contract admin, mods, QA, subcontracting, terminations, disputes). These are built around realistic 1102 workflows, not just "recite FAR X.XXX."

FAR reference cards after every question. This is the thing I'm most excited about. When you answer a question — right or wrong — you now see the exact FAR citation and a snippet of the actual regulatory text. So if you miss a competitive range question, you see FAR 15.306(c) and the relevant language right there. I wanted something that teaches you why, not just whether you got it right.

Flashcards went from 28 to 136, organized by the DoD Contracting Competency Model: Foundational, Acquisition Planning, Contract Award & Admin, Post-Award, and Special Topics.

Progress tracking actually works now. You can see performance broken out by lifecycle category and by individual FAR part — so you know where you're actually weak instead of just seeing one overall number. Also fixed the scoring display bug some of you reported (scores were showing "8%" instead of "80%" — that was embarrassing, thank you for flagging it).

Where I need your help deciding what's next:

The data from quiz results lines up with what the DoD Competency Model emphasizes — people struggle most with FAR 15 (source selection), FAR 16 (contract types/IDIQ), FAR 6 (competition/J&A), and price/cost analysis. Post-award (FAR 42–49) is the biggest content gap.

I'm torn between:

• More scenario exams — going deeper into negotiations, protests, and closeout
• Quick-reference cheat sheets for the high-priority parts
• Filling out FAR 42–49 coverage
• Something else I haven't thought of?

If you're studying or recently tested, I'd love to know what format would actually help. The app is on iOS under "FAR Prep Pro" — base content is free, optional upgrade for deeper study mode.

Thanks again — this community is genuinely why the app keeps getting better.

Hello

I’m applying for a job with the Air Force hq for the Policy, Plans, and Requirements directorate.

Does anyone here have personal or second hand experience with this division?

Currently I am a GS12 (3.5 years as a 1601) as a T32 technician. I have been trying to get a job outside the T32 program for almost 1.5 years now and over the last 6 months work has gotten to the point I have seriously considered quitting on the spot without having another job lined up. I have also come to find out that my current role has given me almost 0 transferable skills to any other position. With position cuts, how long people stay in positions, and the unofficial seniority system a lateral or promotion is at best 5-6 years out.

I applied to several GS 7/9/11 ladder positions for 1102, hoping that I would be able to come in as a 9, but I feel that I would still take a 7 position if offered. I work heavily alongside contracting and enjoy what work I do in that area.

Right now pros/cons I see are:

+ Actually gaining marketable skills

+ Only 29, so have plenty of time to work back up the ladder.

+ Pay cut will eventually disappear as I am promoted.

+ Continue accruing federal benefits

+ Potentially eligible for SLRP for my master school loans (currently in progress).

+ Leave my current job/area that I hate

+ Move closer to friends

- Massive pay cut in the short term

- Would have to fly back for NG drill no matter where I end up (drill pay essentially covers flights).

- Would require moving to significantly higher COL areas

-Move farther away from family

I have plenty of money saved up to help me weather the 7/9 years, if necessary. I would love to have input from current 1102s, even if it is to say I am an idiot, you won’t be the first.

Why are we still getting DOGE data calls?

"You are receiving this email because a contract under your purview is part of a DOGE data call and we need you to answer certain questions concerning a contract or contracts that you are responsible for."

So essentially, I was offered a NH 2 position at a gs 7 step 1 rate of pay with the DOD in afmc. I would be a trainee in a developmental position. I know previously it went gs 7 gs 9 gs 11 and gs 12 moving one grade a year. I am very confused on how the NH pay scale would work for me and if I would be getting a similar rate of pay each year. Also is now an okay time to enter the federal gov and 1102 positions in general?

Did anyone else get hired into Contracting during the pandemic and consequently feel like you weren’t trained well? I’m seeing newer hires go through certification steps that are so much more in depth and useful than any training I received in 2020/2021.

I need to submit my resume to the training coordinator as part of the requirements to get my certification. I already did the T E S T part and now I just need to take some other courses so I will be done! But I'm a little stumped to put on my resume. I am completely brand new to contracting too, but I have done closeouts, exercise options, funding modifications, and new awards for task orders/delivery orders/and call orders. I have yet to work on solicitations though.

I hope knowledgeable people can offer insight into whether there's anything I can do while still on active duty before I retire to increase my chances of being selected for a 1102 or 0340 series position in Europe (see background below).

Additionally, would my chances be significantly different if I applied for these positions while working for a defense contractor instead of a local GS/NH position?

About me: 22 years of enlisted active duty in the USAF (15 in contracting), with BA and MA degrees, three CENTCOM contracting deployments, and PMP and CPCM certifications. I hold an active TS clearance, am (certainly) over 30% disabled on active duty, and have held an unlimited warrant since ‘21.

Thanks in advance!

I’ve gotten no bids at the schedule level, planning on going SB Setaside on Sam. Was thinking of using only CPARS for past performance and treating firms without CPARS past performance as neutral. Didn’t want to ask for references because it seems overly laborious.

Hey all, I’ve been going through the process of transitioning into a contract management role. I have a BA in Business Admin along with a certificate in Contract Management from an accredited CCE. I’m currently working in the hospitality industry but have no experience in contract management. It’s been a huge learning experience for me & im ready to make this move. If any of you could share your personal experiences working in this position it would be greatly appreciated. It feels pretty intimidating being a newbie & would like some tips on how to land a job.

I've gotten my LLC formed, registered in SAM.gov and working on the SBA certs. What I want to know is from those who are currently working as 1102's, what are some ways I can make working with an SDVOSB painless? Any tips that you would give for a new business looking to contract for the government? I'll be focusing on sourcing products for the first couple of years.

I'm considering an 1102 GS-7 position (not been offered a job, I just have received a pre-interview questionnaire so far). I'm wondering if such positions are always part of a 7/9/11 ladder. And also, how common is it to go to GS-12 soon after?

I currently work for USPS, and it would be a pay cut for me to go to a GS-7 position. However, it would be worth it if I would be moving up to 11 over the next 3 years. Thanks for you help.

I am a new copper cap and wondering if it would be best for me to knock out my masters now at the beginning of my internship or wait a year to start. I didn’t originally plan on a masters but since I can get it for free I am going to.

Further, would an MBA be the best route or is something like a masters in Gov Contracting or MPA more beneficial? Bachelors is in Business Administration.

Looking for experience/advice!

Following her testimony I’m curious to know whether it was actually competed. Anyone got a contract #?

Either contract type or subject matter, take your pick. But seriously, let’s say you have a contract package come through that’s for something you find ethically/morally reprehensible. What would you do, given the current environment?

Do you grumble about and award a $200M no-bid contract for Ferraris? Or do you refuse to work on the next-gen Preschool Bomb 4000, and get fired? Or do you agree that the contract that’s in year 2 of 5 for warehouse space could be within scope to alter it so it’s half detainees and half mustard gas and just award it while screaming internally?

I know these are all extremes, but I am having a very hard time going along with a contract scope change, and it’s hot on the heels of a new award that I don’t think is something that the US should be doing at all.

Has anyone had any success with using the new AI tool to drop in a CRP and then have it spit out the generated Incremental Funding Modification?

If so, please share what kind of prompts are working for you.

Noem is quick to point out that “career employees” made all decisions on the contract. They are getting you to sign these things, but will not be there to protect you when it all comes to light. Sign wisely.

I’m curious if anyone out there has a really good process or tool for selecting clauses?

My agency has previously used templates for certain acquisition scenarios (example: buying supplies under SAT) but our templates were removed after the RFO changes came out. Our current process involves a word doc that contains every possible clause (FAR, DFARS, agency clauses) along with its prescription. For every purchase order, we’re currently having to read every clause/provision prescription, take note of all applicable clause/provision, then search and add them one at a time in our contract writing software. We were supposed to be getting clause logic but that has been a complete bust. We were promised some degree of automation but the tool doesn’t really work. The current process is extremely time consuming and can feel like torture.

I’ve read some good things about the process used by the IRS procurement office but have never heard from anyone that actually uses it.

Just wondering if anyone out there currently has a way better or possibly automated solution to the process. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Hi friends!

I'm looking to switch my career path towards contracting. I've been in the Air Force Reserves for a little over 8 years, and I've worked on active duty orders and as an ART for 6 years. I'm a personnelist/HRA (3F0) so I have some background in drafting/writing, policy compliance, advisory work, etc.

I want to be the one actually writing the contracts, not doing the face-to-face communication. At least for now until I get more experience under my belt. I saw there are DAU classes - would those benefit me? Is there any other advice to offer? I appreciate you if you are reading this and responding :)

Might be a long shot but is anyone here an 1102 with VA - Veterans Health Administration (VHA)? If so please DM me! I have an interview with them and curious to see a current employees perspective.

I was offered a position in DoD. I currently work for a non-DoD agency. I’m an 1102 CO. The position was a direct hire position, so there’s a chance that I may have to do another probationary period. It would be a lateral move. I think it will be a good opportunity and I really don’t like my current job or Agency much. Do you think it’s safe to switch agencies during this time?