7-1.4 Contracting Officer Level Qualifications

Appointment to a particular CO level requires progressively more exacting qualifications. In addition, the following qualifications apply to COs appointed by the VP, SM:

1. Contracting Officer Level I:
1. Experience — One (1) year of experience performing substantive purchasing tasks.
2. Training — Satisfactory completion of 32 hours of formal training in each of the following subjects:
1. Fundamentals of SM.
2. Contracting Methods and Principles.

If the CO will be delegated purchasing authority for design and construction purchases, the following Postal Service training course is also required:

3. Introduction to Facilities R&A Contracting (this course is available at the Postal Service’s Center for Leadership Development).

Note: The formal training may be obtained through an accredited college or university, a federally sponsored program, a nationally recognized training organization, or a SM-related professional association or organization.

Contracting Officer Level II:

1. Experience — Three (3) years of current, progressively complex and responsible experience in performing competitive and noncompetitive purchasing (not including simplified purchasing). Generally, this experience must have been gained in intermediate level contracting positions.
2. Training — In addition to the training requirements for a Level I CO, satisfactory completion of 32 hours of formal training in each of the following subjects:
1. Negotiation Strategies.
2. TCO/Cost and Price Analysis (CPA).
3. Contract Management/Administration.
4. Project Management.
5. Contract Law.

If the CO will be delegated purchasing authority for design and construction purchases, the following Postal Service training course is also required:

3. Contract Administration, Pricing, and Claims (this course is available at the Postal Service’s Center for Leadership Development).

Note: The formal training may be obtained through an accredited college or university, a federally sponsored program, a nationally recognized training organization, or a SM-related professional association or organization.

Contracting Officer Level III:

1. Experience — Five (5) years of current, progressively complex and responsible experience in soliciting, negotiating, awarding, and administering competitive and noncompetitive purchasing actions. Ordinarily, this experience must have been in higher-level purchasing positions.
2. Training — In addition to the training requirement for Levels I and II CO, satisfactory completion of 32 hours of formal training in Purchasing/SM Advanced Strategic Issues.

Note: The formal training may be obtained through an accredited college or university, a federally sponsored program, a nationally recognized training organization, or a SM-related professional association or organization.

Contracting Officer Level IV. The holders of the following positions are Level IV COs:

1. Manager, Facilities Portfolio.
2. Manager, Mail Equipment Portfolio.
3. Manager, Services Portfolio.
4. Manager, Supplies Portfolio.
5. Manager, Transportation Portfolio.