Contract Specialists are at the heart of the complex process of fulfilling United States Air Force acquisition needs for everything from complex aerospace systems such as satellites, electronics, and high-performance aircraft to commercially-available supplies and services necessary for the day-to-day operation of a military installation. Throughout the acquisition process, contract specialists employ their contracting expertise, available resources, and business acumen to ensure work products reflect proper interpretation of myriad laws and regulations and are capable of withstanding the scrutiny of the Federal Courts, the General Accounting Office (GAO), the United States Congress, and the American public. Contract Specialists are generally concerned with: 1) soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts with commercial organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and State, local or foreign governments for products, services, construction or research and development for the Federal Government; 2) administering contracts by ensuring compliance terms and conditions, including resolution of problems concerning the obligations of the parties; 3) responding to protests, equitable adjustments, and claims; 4) terminating contracts by analyzing, negotiating, and settling claims and proposals; 5) analyzing and evaluating cost or price proposals and accounting system data; 6) planning, establishing, or reviewing contracts, programs, policies, or procedures; 7) formulating and administering policies and procedures to promote achievement of Federal socioeconomic goals, such as those affecting small business, labor surplus areas, and disadvantaged business firms; 8) developing acquisition strategies and directing or managing procurements; 9) providing staff advisory services in one or more of the specializations in the 1102 series; 10) contracting for emergency/contingency support; and 11) closing out contracts in a timely manner.