Copper Cap Program

What is the Contracting Career Field Management Team (CCFMT) Copper Cap Training Program?

The Copper Cap Program is an Air Force managed program designed to train college graduates and place civilians within the Air Force work environment as contract specialists.  Contract Specialist trainees are assigned to work with professional contracting officers.  Trainees receive formal and on-the-job training in requirements definition, solicitation preparation, price justification, negotiation and award of contracts, and administration of contracts.  Trainees begin their internship by assisting in purchasing a variety of goods and services for the United States Air Force.

Employees in Contracting are at the heart of a complex process of satisfying Air Force requirements 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 process, contracting personnel must ensure procedures are followed which reflect the proper interpretation of a myriad of laws and regulations, and which are capable of withstanding the scrutiny of the Federal Courts, the General Accounting Office (GAO), the United States Congress, and the American public. 

Trainees are appointed at the GS-7 (or NSPS equivalent) level and are non-competitively promoted approximately every year, based on successful performance, until they reach their target grade.  The target grade is the level to be reached by the end of the training program and varies by location from GS-11 to GS-12 (or NSPS equivalents).  For a target 11 position, the training period is three years.  For a target 12 position, the training period is four years. Candidates having a master’s degree are eligible to apply for the GS-9 target GS-12 positions, which consist of a three year training program.

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Eligibility Requirements for Copper Cap Program

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