FAQ
1. What is government contracting recruiting? Government contracting recruiting is the process of identifying and hiring personnel for roles associated with government contracts. These roles can be contingent upon contract awards, meaning they may not be immediately available but are dependent on the government’s selection of a contractor. Government contract recruiting focuses on sourcing and hiring talent for roles tied to government contracts. At times, they come with strict regulatory requirements compared to private sector. Recruiters in this space must ensure candidates meet specific requirements by the government client. Examples of these could include, security clearances, citizenship status, and specialized certifications.
2. What is an RFP (Request for Proposal)? An RFP is a formal document issued by a government agency outlining project requirements and soliciting bids from contractors. Applicable companies respond to an RFP with a proposal detailing how they will meet the agency’s needs, including personnel qualifications, pricing, and execution strategies.
3. Why do job postings sometimes say a role is ‘contingent upon contract award’? When a company submits a proposal in response to an RFP, they often include key personnel required for project execution. However, the contract has not yet been awarded, so hiring for these roles is dependent on whether the company wins the contract. This could also apply to roles where a contract is already in place and the client wants to expand the work while they await funding approvals.
4. Why do some positions remain open for a long time? Certain government contract positions stay open because they are linked to pending proposals or future contract opportunities. The hiring process can take longer due to factors like contract negotiations, funding approvals, or delays in government decision-making.
5. What does it mean when a job is ‘proposal-based’ or ‘bid-recruitment’? A ‘proposal-based’ or ‘bid-recruitment’ job means the company is identifying potential candidates to include in their proposal. If the contract is awarded, the company will proceed with hiring those candidates. These jobs/roles are not guaranteed until the contract is won, but companies typically start recruiting early so they are ready to hire quickly if the bid is won.
6. Why do some government contract positions require an active security clearance? Many government contracts involve sensitive information, so security clearances are required to ensure that employees meet federal background investigation standards before accessing classified or restricted materials.
7. How do salary and benefits work for government contract positions? Salaries and benefits for government contract jobs are often determined by the contract’s terms, including the budget set by the government agency and industry-standard pay scales. Some contracts follow the Service Contract Act (SCA), which mandates specific wage rates and benefits for covered roles. Others may be covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) where employees are represented by a union and this contract sets the terms of employment for its members.
8. What happens if a contract is not awarded or is lost? If a company does not win a contract, positions tied to that proposal may not be filled. If an existing contract is lost to another vendor, affected employees may be given the option to transition to the new contractor (under the ‘right of first refusal’ clause in some cases) or be reassigned to other company projects.
9. What is the difference between a contract employee and a indirect hire? Contract employees work on specific government contracts, and their employment is often tied to the duration of the contract. Indirect hires are permanent employees of the contracting company and may be reassigned to different projects as needed.
10. What should candidates know before applying for government contract roles? Candidates should be aware that some roles are contingent on contract awards, meaning a job offer is not guaranteed until the contract is secured. They should also be prepared for longer hiring timelines due to government approval processes and security clearance requirements. Some roles may have strict requirements. Many roles require the candidate to be a US citizen and be subject to background checks/security clearances. The selected candidates should also be prepared to follow the government/client’s rules, regulations and having relevant certifications/experience.
11. How can candidates improve their chances of being selected for a government contract role? Candidates can enhance their chances by maintaining up-to-date resumes with relevant certifications, obtaining security clearances if possible, and gaining experience in industries that frequently work with government contracts (e.g., IT, logistics, engineering, program management).
12. What is a ‘Key Personnel’ designation in government proposals? Key Personnel are individuals identified in a government proposal as critical to the project’s success. Their resumes, certifications, and qualifications are often submitted as part of the proposal, and their participation may be a requirement for contract award.
13. What happens when a government contract ends? When a contract ends, employees may transition to another project within the company, move to the successor contractor if the contract is re-awarded to a different firm, or seek new employment opportunities. Employers may also rebid for contract renewal.
14. Are there opportunities for advancement in government contract jobs? Yes, many employees in government contracting advance their careers by gaining experience across multiple contracts, obtaining industry certifications, and transitioning into management or specialized technical roles within the contracting company or the federal government.
If you have further questions about government contracting roles, feel free to reach out to our recruiting team!