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Service Branches
Work Environment
Acquisitions and contracts managers work in offices.
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Military Status
Officer
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Average Military Salary
$106,475
Overview
Acquisitions and contracts managers are responsible for preparing and coordinating every task involved in the planning, development, and implementation of procurement programs. They provide management, technical expertise, and supervision to ensure successful development of defense acquisition programs and accomplishment of desired outcomes. They are responsible for analyzing purchase requests and performing cost or price analyses. They evaluate contract proposals, award and administer contracts, and evaluate contractor performance.
Military Training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Acquisitions and contracts managers may have an education background in finance or accounting. Job training for acquisitions and contracts managers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:
- Purchasing and accounting procedures
- Use of computers in contract administration
- Supply and financial management
Helpful Attributes
- Ability to develop detailed plans
- Interest in negotiating
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
Related Civilian Careers
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail and Farm Products
- Procurement Clerks
- Cost Estimators
- Industrial Production Managers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Purchasing Managers
- Logisticians
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