COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Jacob Combs is a current member of the Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office in Columbus, Pathways to Career Excellence program. He started his PaCE journey in December 2024 and will graduate in December 2026 as a contract specialist.
Why did you first apply to the PaCE program?
I first applied to the PaCE program shortly after earning my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franklin University. Growing up in a family dedicated to civil service and the military, I witnessed firsthand the profound personal and professional meaning of supporting the warfighter. My father has built a successful, lifelong career at DLA, which exposed me early on to the incredible men and women driving this agency’s mission. I saw what an honor and privilege it is to wake up every morning knowing that your daily work contributes to an essential, global purpose far greater than yourself. I was taught the principles of servant leadership at a young age, and the opportunity to apply those principles toward supporting our nation's warfighters was the driving force behind my decision to join the PaCE program.
What is your professional background?
While in high school and college, I was determined to graduate debt-free. To achieve that, I worked full-time in retail management as a lead and supervisor, and part-time handling packages at a distribution center, all while taking on freelance jobs. This foundational experience in frontline customer service, operational logistics and team leadership taught me how to effectively collaborate with individuals from all walks of life. I firmly believe that any team is strongest when it leverages diverse backgrounds and unique skill sets. My early experiences taught me how to navigate different perspectives, build teams and work cohesively with a team to successfully execute a shared mission.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role in the PaCE program? How do you overcome them?
The most significant challenge I face is reminding myself that mastering the acquisition profession is a marathon, not a sprint. My natural instinct is to dive deep into every topic and want to be a subject matter expert immediately. However, federal contracting is highly complex, and there is a necessary progression to learning the policies.
I received an invaluable piece of advice from the former J7 Chief of Staff for the United States Air Force, Col. Wardrias Little. When I asked him about the secret to his illustrious career, he simply told me to “Blossom where you are planted.” He emphasized the importance of living in the moment, mastering your current responsibilities – no matter how foundational they may seem – and fearlessly tackling challenges that others might avoid. That advice is a constant reminder to focus on maximizing my current opportunities so that I build a rock-solid foundation for future growth in my career for me and my team.
“Blossom where you are planted.” He went on to say that to live in the moment and grow and do your best with the work you were given, no matter how minuscule you think the work may be, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges that others may be scared to take on and then go on from there. This advice from has been a constant reminder in my head to focus on where you are now and on what you are doing now to be able to truly learn and grow for the future.
What's something that most people don't know about your job?
As a contract specialist, I think most people don't realize the sheer volume of daily engagement we have with both our mission partners (customers) and our industry partners (contractors). Far from just processing paperwork, we are constantly communicating via phone and email. On the front end, this involves collaborating with customers to refine and clarify their requirements to ensure the warfighter gets exactly what they need for mission success. On the back end, it involves continuous dialogue with contractors to monitor performance, ensure proper invoicing and guarantee that the contract is successfully closed out.
What trends do you see shaping your job role in the future?
The most transformative trend shaping acquisition is the integration of Artificial Intelligence, specifically tools like GenAI and Loggie. As these technologies mature, I believe they will streamline many of our routine and administrative processes. This efficiency will free up contract specialists, contracting officers and contracting officers’ representatives to dedicate more time to complex critical thinking, strategic negotiations and advanced decision-making that AI cannot replicate. Because AI is here to stay, it is vital for all of us to proactively embrace these tools. Doing so will give DLA the upper hand in operational efficiency, allowing us to better protect and equip our warfighters in an ever-changing landscape.
What makes a good fit for someone in your position?
A successful contract specialist must possess meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills and a high degree of adaptability. Because we manage every single phase of the procurement lifecycle, the role requires constantly shifting gears. You have to be able to navigate a dynamic environment where personnel change, customer requirements evolve and acquisition policies are frequently updated – all while maintaining a willingness to jump in and support your team wherever needed.
How would you describe your job to someone unfamiliar with it?
In short, I procure the essential products, services and IT solutions that enable United States military forces to operate, defend our nation and protect our citizens globally.
To expand on that, I handle what is known as the "cradle-to-grave" contracting lifecycle. This means I manage a requirement from its very inception to its absolute completion. The "cradle" phase involves acquisition planning, conducting market research and drafting the solicitation. From there, I evaluate contractor proposals, negotiate terms and award the contract. Finally, I manage the "grave" phase, which includes administering the contract, monitoring contractor performance, ensuring the government gets what it paid for and officially closing out the contract once the mission is complete.
Can you share a specific accomplishment or project that made you feel especially proud?
My proudest achievement since joining my DCSO team was serving as the lead contract specialist for a critical DLA Information Operations requirement supporting DLA Energy. This was a complex acquisition but thanks to the exceptional mentorship, expertise and leadership of my division chief, Julie Miller, and contracting officers Shaun Bunnell, Tyler Merkle and Mary Finotti, our team successfully navigated this major IT acquisition. We were able to award this mission-critical requirement well ahead of the projected schedule, ultimately saving millions of taxpayer dollars in the process.
Editorial Note: The DLA Weapons Support Pathways to Career Excellence program is a two-year program that provides a structured career path with formal training, on-the-job assignments, cross-training and rotational assignments. PaCERs begin as general schedule 7s and can advance to GS-11or GS-12 upon completion. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PaCER, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate or from military service. For more information, visit www.dla.mil/Careers/PaCE/.