You're not going from a 7 straight to a 12 just with a bachelor's. Unless you have ample outside experience and even then, I'd say it's not very likely.

It isn't automatic or guaranteed, but yes, it means that you'll have the capacity to be promoted from a 9 to an 11 in your current job should your supervisors choose to do so. I am currently in a 9-11 and was promoted the exact day I was eligible, so it just depends on your performance and your supervisor. And I suppose your agency, as well.

With no direct federal contracting experience you're unlikely to come in as a GS12, much less a GS13. Every posting I've seen for 12 or above has required the FAC-C or DoD equivalent contracting certification, which you're not eligible for without a minimum of 12 months working in federal contracting.

You could come in as an 11 with a PhD, or a 9 with a masters.

You could potentially negotiate steps, but grade is unlikely.

So 1102 is a field that is in really high demand. A GS9 is still an entry level for 1102 and so all you really need is the Masters. DOD no longer requires 24 business credits- the nonDOD side may however.

Some familiarity with the FAR and contract types is something that would help you. Any experience at all touching/interacting with contracts is a plus.

You could go in more advanced and learn the FAR parts and the Simple Acquisition Procedures.

1102 requires certification which is where you will learn the bulk of the information for this field. It’s a regulation heavy field. You will be trying to procure 21st century services and products with old outdated and slow-to-change regulation. However, I know many people who thrive in this field. The great thing is that the 1102 is a really good field to climb up the ladder. The growth in this field really is endless and if you can stick it out and take on a lot of independence- you can easily get your 13/14/15.

Also every agency needs 1102. Want to stay in DOD, there will be postings. Want to go to the IC? You’ll find job listings. Want to try out a small agency? Probably need them too.

Great field but it isn’t for everyone.

I am an 1102, GS14. Positives are that you can talk to Presidents and CEO’s from major corporations and some Fortune 500 companies. People get poached all the time to go to the private industry. So you can either play the long game and be a successful 1102 after about 10 years and then bounce.

Let’s say you don’t want to be an 1102 anymore after five years, well there’s no issue switching to being a program/project manager, analyst, compliance, etc.

If you are being promoted internally from a GS9 to a GS11, then I would expect the changes to be in the amount of work you have and maybe you get some more complex procurements. For a GS9 you have a nice diverse contracting background.

Go into your interview ready to talk about some of your contract successes. I recommend you be prepared with specific examples and how you overcame any challenges.