United States Citizens Permanent Full Time
**Secure the Homeland
Proud to Protect**
Are you interested in a job where your primary purpose will be to perform contracts specialist work related to the acquisition of goods and services to support programs and operations? Then consider joining the Office of Federal Protective Service (FPS), National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Come work with the best to prevent and deter terrorist attacks, protect against and respond to potential threats, ensure safe and secure borders, welcome immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce. This mission of the **U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)** is carried out every day by the dedicated men and women who answer the noble calling of public service with courage and enthusiasm. With a diverse and critical mission, we lead the unified national effort to secure America. In today's interconnected world, our country's security challenges are constantly evolving. To meet these challenges, DHS fosters a culture that values and promotes diversity, teamwork, flexibility, and innovation.
In Headquarters, we coordinate, plan, and guide the Department's work across all DHS components. You could enjoy a career that includes research, administration and management, legal work, budget and finance, cyber security, infrastructure protection and intelligence analysis. Our services touch every U.S. citizen, and our goal is to secure our country across land and sea. Come join the team who is "**Proud to Protect**".
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM: All U.S. Citizens
This announcement is issued under the direct-hire authority to recruit for positions for which there is a critical hiring need. Selectee(s) will receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one year probationary period.
More than one selection may be made from this announcement should the need arise.
U. S. Citizenship is required. Appointment subject to availability of funds. Must complete initial online questionnaire and additional assessment(s). Must complete a Financial Interest Statement (OGE Form 450).
At the GS-9, 11, and 12 levels, you will perform duties under closer supervision and of less complexity. At the full performance level GS-13, you will perform duties such as:
* Perform contract administration functions, such as verifying evidence of contractor’s progress, negotiating modifications, issuing termination notices, reviewing contract claims, and conducting contract closeouts.
* Ensure all actions have been taken to safeguard the interests of the FPS in its contractual relationships. Create and maintain all required contractual documentation.
* Conduct briefings for unsuccessful contract offers and prepare documentation in the event of a protest. Prepare protest and termination case documents. Prepare a variety of written correspondence to transmit information.
* Provide guidance on Department procurements and contract administration to lower-graded specialists, program offices, field offices, and user functions.
* Serve as a primary contact and consultant regarding a variety of extensive acquisition functions that encompass the planning, execution, administration, and termination of complex and sensitive contracts through the use of formal advertising or negotiation procedures, the evaluation of contract price proposals, and the administration, termination and close-out of contracts.
**BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GS-1102-9/11/12:**
To qualify for this series for grades 9, 11, and 12, you must have completed one of the following:
A. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field. **(Submit transcript)**. ****
**OR**
B. At least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. **(Submit transcript). OR**
C. Have been employed in a GS-1102 position at the GS-05 through GS-12 level since January 1, 2000.
**In addition to the Basic Requirements above, you must also meet the additional minimum qualifications for a grade level:**
**To qualify at the grade GS-09, you must have one of the following:**
A. EXPERIENCE: You must have at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include activities such as 1) procuring supplies or services through formal advertising; 2) evaluating contracting bids or proposals; 3) and monitoring contractor progress.**Note: The contents of your resume must fully and explicitly support this response in its entirety. Otherwise, you will be found ineligible.**
**OR**
B. EDUCATION: Have at least 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree with coursework in one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; or LL.B, or J.D. **(Submit transcript)**
**OR**
C. COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of such education and experience. NOTE: To calculate your percentage of qualifying experience, divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by 12. (Only graduate education in excess of the first full year may be used in this calculation). To calculate your percentage of graduate education, first determine the total number of graduate hours that exceed 18 semester hours (or your school's definition of one year of graduate study), then divide the total number of your excess graduate semester hours by 18 (or your school's definition of one year of graduate study). Now, add the two percentages together. The sum of the percentages must equal at least 100%. **(Submit transcript)**
**To qualify at the grade GS-11, you must have one of the following:**
A. EXPERIENCE: You must have at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include activities such as 1): initiating and awarding contracts for supplies, services, or construction; 2) developing procurement plans; 3) analyzing bids or proposals for compliance with advertised specifications; 4) writing requests for proposals or invitations for bids; and 5) monitoring contract administration until final delivery.**Note: The contents of your resume must fully and explicitly support this response in its entirety. Otherwise, you will be found ineligible.**
**OR**
B. EDUCATION: At least 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education coursework in one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; or PhD or equivalent doctoral degree. **(Submit transcript)**
**OR**
C. COMBINATION: An equivalent combination of such education and experience. NOTE: To calculate your percentage of qualifying experience, divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by 12. (Only graduate education in excess of the second full year may be used in this calculation). To calculate your percentage of graduate education, first determine the total number of graduate hours that exceed 36 semester hours (or your school's definition of two year of graduate study), then divide the total number of your excess graduate semester hours by 18 (or your school's definition of one year of graduate study). Now, add the two percentages together. The sum of the percentages must equal at least 100%.
**To qualify at the grade GS-12**, you must have at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include activities such as 1) receiving and evaluating proposals in conjunction with price/cost analysts or other technical personnel; 2) conducting pre-award conferences; 3) monitoring contractor performance in relation to the completion schedule; and 4) issuing change orders after negotiating settlements for such changes or terminating contracts.**Note: The contents of your resume must fully and explicitly support this response in its entirety. Otherwise, you will be found ineligible.**
**BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GS-1102-13**:
To qualify at the grade GS-13, you must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management **(Submit transcript),**
**AND **
You must have completed all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 level contracting positions, including at least 4 years of experience in contracting or related positions.
**In addition to the Basic Requirements above, you must also meet the additional minimum qualifications for the GS-13 grade level:**
Have at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include activities such as: 1) conducting pre-award and post-award functions including price/cost analysis, negotiation, and administration to procure supplies or services with specialized requirements for complex equipment, services, or construction; 2) deciding on the method of contracting, milestones, and procurement plan; 3) preparing solicitation documents such as cost accounting standards, testing procedures, cost escalation factors, firm-fixed price, fixed-price-incentive, cost-plus-award-fee or cost data requirements: 4) preparing and conducting pre-proposals conferences or pre-solicitation site visits; and 5) monitoring contract performance and negotiating contract modifications. .**Note: The contents of your resume must fully and explicitly support this response in its entirety. Otherwise, you will be found ineligible.**
**Exceptions to the Qualification Requirements for the GS-1102-13:**
All Federal employees in GS-1102 positions who have continuously encumbered GS-1102 positions are considered to have met the "new" standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at Grade 13 will be considered to have met the standard for other GS-1102 positions at their same grade, including positions at other agencies. To qualify for promotion to a higher grade, the basic and specialized experience requirements must be met.
Education:
For any college courses, graduate work, research, thesis or other non-descript courses listed on your transcript (such as "Independent Research"), please indicate through your resume or attachment memorandum from an academic professor how each course fulfills the specific education requirement, i.e., state number of semester hours credited, topic of study, grade earned.
NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.
Special Instructions For Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
**New employees must serve a one year probationary period.**
**Essential Personnel**: This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operations events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and actions of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in his position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with an applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
The assessments for this job will measure:
Knowledge of contracting principles, techniques, methods, and procedures; Knowledge of contract administration concepts, principles and practices; Ability to utilize cost/price analysis techniques; Ability to develop contractual terms and conditions; Skill in planning, developing, and implement contracts; Skill in developing briefing materials, reports, and presentations; Accountability; Attention to Detail; Customer Service; Flexibility; Influencing/Negotiating; Integrity/Honesty; Interpersonal Skills; Learning; Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; Teamwork; Decision Making; Reading; and Reasoning.
To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority as an ICTAP candidate for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and must be rated well-qualified or above (or rated at 85 or above under merit promotion procedures) on the rating criteria for this position. For information on how to apply as a CTAP or an ICTAP eligible, seewww.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
Under the provisions of the Direct-Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements described above and who are otherwise eligible to apply for the position, may be referred for selection consideration.
Applicants will be evaluated on their total background including experience (paid and unpaid), education, awards, and training and self-development as it relates to the position based upon the information provided in the resume/application and any other supporting documents. If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position that you held. If your resume includes non-government service, including contractors, please include the salaries for each position held. All work experience should specify the length of time spent in the position. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated.
Please note: If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is apparent in your description of experience and/or education OR that your application is incomplete, you will be rated ineligible or your score may be lowered.
Evaluation of Experience: Please include ALL applicable work experience that relates to the position for which you are applying. You must include months and years to receive credit for your work experience. You may use additional sheets to describe your work experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that indicates hours per week "varies." List exact hours per week on each job experience.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on Monday, June 08, 2015to receive consideration. The application process will follow the bullets outlined below. Notifications are provided to correspond with each step that is outlined below.
* Click **Apply Online**to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the initial online questionnaire.
* Click the **Submit My Answers**button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
* If you log into your USAJOBS account,https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the **Application Status**link and then select the **more information**link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
* To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click **Update Application**in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
* When you receive a notification from your USAJOBS account it may indicate that your application is complete after you submit the initial online questionnaire and documentation, however, your application will NOT be complete until you have successfully completed the next step described below.
* If you meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses that you submit, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. The invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments will be sent from email addressassessments@USAHire.opm.gov. Please plan to set aside 3 hours for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time.
* You must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position. Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take them for one year.
* Before attempting to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you should visithttps://usahire.opm.gov/assess/default/sample/Sample.actionto determine if the computer you are using is likely to experience any issues during testing. If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance please contacthelpdesk@usahire.opm.gov.
* If you accidently deleted the invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contacthelpdesk@usahire.opm.govto request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received byhelpdesk@usahire.opm.gov**BEFORE**the close of the JOA.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, click here for more information about the request process:http://www.usajobs.gov/content/pdfs/USAHireReasonableAccommodation.pdf. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours of the closing of the Job Opportunity Announcement. If the email invitation is sent after the close or less than 48 hours prior to the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours from the time the email is sent.
Click the following link to view and print the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire
The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of this announcement:
1. Your **Résumé**
2. A complete **Assessment Questionnaire**
3. College transcript(s); for meeting basic qualification and if qualifying based on education
4. SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action; for meeting basic qualification (have been employed in a GS-1102 position at the GS-05 through GS-12 level since January 1, 2000.
If you are a displaced Federal employee within in the local commute area of this announcement, you must include ALL the following documents to receive ICTAP consideration for this vacancy:
1. _ Proof you are a displaced Federal employee under 5 CFR 330.702_ . (e.g., one of the following: RIF Separation Notice; Notice of Proposed Removal for Declining a Transfer of Function; Agency certification of inability to place after termination of work-related disability compensation; OPM Notice of Termination of Disability Annuity; or certification of a Military Reserve Technician or National Guard Technician special disability retirement annuity.)
2. _ SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Action) sufficient to show all of the following_ : 1) that you held career/career-conditional competitive status in your position of record; 2) the promotional potential of your position of record; and 3) the duty location of your position of record. (NOTE: You may need to submit more than one SF-50.)
3. _Most Recent Performance Appraisal_ (This requirement does not apply if you qualify for ICTAP due to injury compensation or disability annuity).
**Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (I/CTAP):** To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above (or rated at 85 or above under merit promotion procedures) on the rating criteria for this position. For information on how to apply as a CTAP or an ICTAP eligible seewww.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this job, you will receive an email from email address Assessments@USAHire.opm.gov with a link to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. This assessment must be completed within 48 hours after the close of this JOA. If you have not received the link to the assessment within 24 hours of the closing date and you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you should contact HelpDesk@USAHire.opm.gov to request the invitation to be re-sent.
Based upon your qualifications and assessment scores, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview.
You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Employee Benefits”.
Promotion Potential: This position has promotion potential to GS- 13.
Background Investigation:
This position is a non-sensitive position and the tentative selectee must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a Suitability clearance as a condition of placement/retention in this position.
Other Information:
This position has been designated as a bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 USC Section 7112(B)(6).
All employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/ Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).