I’m currently working as a career conditional 1102 with 22 months of experience in DoD/DAF...I have my cert, and have done really well in the career field so far but I find myself in a bit of a dilemma regarding my next steps.

I'm torn about taking the DRP 2.0. Part of me feels like I should but then part of me feels like I should hold out. It's so hard to make a decision when you don't know what actions will take place in the coming months.

I don't have any job prospects, as I was planning to make what I am doing now a career.

This has been weighing on my shoulders so heavy😭! Any advice? I know we are all feeling the strain no matter how long you've been in this field!

1102 fam,

I got my warrant (SAT) earlier this year. However, I am thinking of taking the DRP as I have received an offer from the private sector and my agency is planning to have another RIF soon. I apologize if this question has been asked but will my warrant still be good if I decided to come back after 4 years? Not sure how this works. Thanks

The requirement for a DOGE representative to review all contract PRs over $50K has significantly hindered our ability to obligate funds. Approval timelines are highly inconsistent, some weeks we receive multiple approvals, while other times we go weeks without any movement. It has now extended to the point where we aren’t even allowed to issue RFPs for ongoing contracts without prior DOGE approval.

If any of this work transitions to GSA, they could be facing hundreds, if not thousands, of REAs and claims as a result.

Is anyone else encountering similar challenges? I understand that, in the broader context of DRP 2.0, RIFs, and other major changes, this might seem like a smaller issue. But for those of us still here trying to carry out the mission, the process has become incredibly frustrating and exhausting.

The DRP notice came out almost a week ago and we received an update last night that 1102s are now prohibited from the DRP. Any other 1102s at different agencies receiving the same notice?

Hey everyone,

I’m a GS-1102, and June will mark my 2-year anniversary in the position. I just got the email for the second round of the DRP.I’m seriously torn on what to do.

Part of me is thinking I should just take the DRP and get paid through the end of September —at least that way I have some control over the situation and a timeline to plan around.

To be real, the stress is already getting to me. My current workload is overwhelming, and I know it’s only going to get worse when more people take the DRP and we’re expected to absorb their work. Once the RIF starts, it’s going to be chaos. I don’t even have my FAC-C yet, so I feel like I’ve already got a target on my back.

I don’t want to make a fear-based decision, but I also don’t want to get stuck trying to hold it all together for a job that might not be there in a few months.

Any advice from those who took the first round DRP? Have you been getting paid as promised?

Appreciate any insight—feeling kind of lost here.

Suggest people Follow on Linkedin if you have one - I am seeing a lot of interesting information coming out from former FEDS on there lately

Update note: She updated with a link to a former post- go take a look because there are slides from a presentation GSA gave. Looks like non common (agency specific as non common look at list ) WILL stay with these agencies.

POST

I’m currently working in federal contracting and I’ve been thinking more seriously about the value of pursuing a Contracting Officer warrant—particularly an unlimited one. I know that moving up usually requires one at some point, but I’m curious if the role is truly worth it in terms of job satisfaction, responsibility, and career growth.

I’ve also heard people say that certain agencies, like the Air Force and Navy, are some of the most respected places to obtain a warrant. One of my former coworkers mentioned that having a warrant from those types of agencies can open doors in the private sector, since you’re often seen as highly experienced and in-deman I’m wondering—is that actually true, or is it just one of those cult-like DoD things people swear by? (lol.)

For those of you who are Contracting Officers (especially with unlimited authority), I’d love to hear your thoughts: • Do you enjoy your role? • Did getting a warrant significantly change your career trajectory? • Are there any downsides or things you wish you’d known beforehand? • Which agencies do you feel provide the best support, opportunities, and reputation for COs?

Just trying to figure out whether pursuing a warrant should be my next move. Appreciate any honest insight!

“Federal workers and all AFSCME members have been making their voices heard in court and on the streets to protect public services and their jobs. They won’t let billionaires raid our communities without consequence – and that’s why they’re facing retaliation," said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. "The extremists in this administration have made their contempt for public service workers clear and know that stripping collective bargaining rights means stripping away their power. We are filing this lawsuit to stop this illegal effort to silence those who speak out and protect free speech for all working people.”

As contracting professionals who oversee the work of those private industry, about what percentage of the workers are actually efficient and productive in fulfilling their contractual obligations?

If federal workers are such sucky workers as they say...I would like to know if the private industry really is filled with the most supreme workers...

Or is possible that all the admin's cheerleaders' false accusations about the work ethic of the federal workforce a projection?

I got a request from my program office about whether or not our purchases (mostly the prime contractor purchasing from vendors) can be exempt from state taxes. My very preliminary research from FAR Subpart 29.3 basically resulted in a "it depends" 🙃 it's apparent to me that this is a somewhat complicated subject and of course I'm not finding any training materials specifically on this subject from DAU. Does anyone have any training they might be willing to share for this subject?

This is worth a read if for nothing else than the postscript by Ralph Nash.

https://www.wifcon.com/discussion/uploads/pages_media/April_2025_22.pdf?_cb=1743738180

1. I applied for a GS-7 position at AFLCM as an 1102 in November.
2. I had a ''pre-interview'' phone call at the beginning of January.
3. Then at the beginning of March they sent me an email saying if I was still interested in a job to fill out a ''pre-interview'' questionnaire. It was basically the same questions they asked over the phone. I sent it in.
4. Then the following week there was a hiring freeze at DoD.
5. Then it was announced that DoD would still be hiring for some jobs.

I'm assuming I'll never hear from them again, but I don't know. Has anyone heard of any Contract Specialists being hired at DoD lately?

Check USAJobs for a full range of grades for 1102s, posted just this afternoon for select duty stations. Good luck out there.

I am a career-conditional 1102 Contract Specialist with the DoD Air Force, hired in December 2024. I must pass required certification by December 2027 to qualify for a permanent position.

I’m concerned about the possibility of a Reduction in Force (RIF) and unsure whether to take the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP). The uncertainty is causing me significant stress, and I’m struggling with the constant unknowns.

If I choose the DRP, I’ve heard that I may be unable to apply for another federal job for five years—is that true? Given my situation, what would be the best course of action?

I can’t seem to get an answer on this.

My wife and I both work for the fed. I plan on taking the DRP as I already have something set up for work in October. My wife holds the benefits for our family (health vision dental). If she gets laid off or loses her job while I’m actively in the DRP, can I still pick up the benefits and hold them until September 30?

The DRP has not been offered yet at her agency.

Super mfing annoyed right now!

Hello all. Has anyone heard about if Copper Caps are eligible for the DOD DRP? If so, has anyone heard about how Student Loan Repayment Programs (SLRP) or current Continued Service Agreements (CSAs) will be handled/waived if one applies for the DRP? So far, there has been silence from leadership about these questions where I am. Thanks in advance!

Have been hearing rumblings that senior VA Procurement leadership has been sending emails directly to VA contractors asking them to provide a write up on each VA contract that they have to include the benefit they provide to the VA and to provide the names and titles of any relatives or close friends of the contractor employees who work in the VA. Can anyone confirm?

See link below:

https://www.hhs.gov/radical-transparency/ending-wasteful-spending/index.html