Summary

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS), UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG), DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR MISSION SUPPORT, ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR ACQUISITION (CG-9), DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT (CG-91), OL-PORTSMOUTH COMMANDANT (CG-9143-3), PORTSMOUTH, VA.

Learn more about this agency

Overview
Accepting applications

Open & closing dates
12/16/2022 to 03/01/2023

Salary
$80,033 - $123,717 per year

Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 13

Location
2 vacancies in the following location:

• Portsmouth, VA 2 vacancies

• Remote job
  No

Telework eligible
Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required.

Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes-Relocation cost will be paid in accordance with federal regulations.

Appointment type
Permanent - This is a permanent appointment.

Work schedule
Full-time - This is a full-time position.

Service
Competitive

Promotion potential
13

Job family (Series)
1102 Contracting

Supervisory status
No

Security clearance
Other

Drug test
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Announcement number
23-1394-HQ-TS-EHA

Control number
695239600

This job is open to

The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens Subject position(s) will be filled through Expedited Hiring Authority All applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for further consideration. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating, Veterans Preference, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

Duties
You will serve as a Contract Specialist with complete responsibility to plan and recommend for execution of all contractual actions and phases for assigned projects. The Contract Operation Division is responsible for acquiring the full range of USCG primary mission critical supplies, services, and systems valued above the simplified acquisition.

Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include:

• Serving as a contract specialist responsible for all contracting transactions from initiation to recommendation of award to procurement of items or services with specialized requirements.

• Preparing solicitation documents, e.g., waiver, justification and approval for other than full and open competition, determinations and findings, etc., incorporating cost accounting standards, testing procedures, cost escalation factors, firm-fixed price, fixed-price-incentive, cost-plus-award-fee, cost data requirement, etc.

• Preparing responses to Congressional inquiries, Freedom of Information Act requests or other sensitive correspondence, including appeals, protests or mistakes in the bidding procedures of assigned contracts.

• Monitoring contractor's performance, approval of progress payments, reviewing and providing recommendations on contractor proposals resulting from change orders, scheduling, problems and proposed solution, verification of deliveries and similar activities.

• Negotiating complex modification to contracts such as those for R&D software system development.

• Utilizing in-depth price/cost analysis techniques for supporting the development of cost-related sections of complex solicitation documents, analyzing cost data and price re-determination/price order/terminations/labor and material cost, etc.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.

• Trancripts are required at the time of application

• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.

• One year probationary period may be required.

• National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) is required.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR GS-12: All applicants must meet the following basic education requirement: a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field; OR 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.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR GS-13: You must meet all three requirements listed below, unless you are covered by an exception:
1) Completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field, 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.
NOTE: The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) does not grant Academic degrees; therefore, courses completed at the DAU are not creditable towards meeting the 24-semester hour requirement, in the fields identified above, unless the coursework has been evaluated by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and appears on a college or university transcript.
AND
2) Completion of at least 4-years of experience in a contracting or related position, 1 year of which was directly related experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service. Directly related experience must have involved applying contracting principles, laws, regulations and procedures sufficient to plan, develop, implement, and maintain all aspects Applying contracting principles, laws, regulations and procedures sufficient to plan, develop, implement, and maintain all aspects of one or more major systems contracts; applying knowledge of a procurement functional area sufficient to provide expert technical leadership, staff coordination, and consultation; formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation; performing in-depth evaluations of the financial and technical capabilities, or the performance, of the contractor anticipating problems and providing advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required.
EXCEPTIONS TO QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants who have been in a GS-1102 position, at or above the GS-13 level, since January 1, 2000 without a break in service only need to meet the 1-year of directly related experience in order to qualify. The educational, training and additional years of contracting experience requirements do not apply to these individuals.
AND
3) Training refers to the May 7, 2014, Memorandum on Revisions to the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) from the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. Applicants must meet the FAC-C requirements and be certified at Level II or III at the time of application. Possession of certification must be indicated as part of application submission. Applicants not certified may still apply and be selected, but must achieve certification within 24 months of appointment. A valid Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification is equivalent to a FAC-C at the same certification level, provided the FAC-C education and continuous learning requirements have been met. Certification requirements may be viewed at click here.
NOTE: The agency may obtain a waiver for any individual not meeting the training requirements. The Coast Guard Head of the Contracting Activity must obtain the waiver from the DHS Chief Procurement Officer prior to the extension of an employment offer.
NOTE: If you are currently employed with an agency other than DHS and seeking a lateral transfer AND you were promoted to an 1102 position at or above the GS-13 level (or equivalent) after 12/31/99 based on a waiver of the agency's training requirements, you will need to be approved for another training waiver before you can be hired into a GS-1102 position at or above the GS-13 level with DHS. If you were hired into your current GS-1102-13 or higher level position, with a non-DHS agency, based on an educational waiver, you will still have to meet the educational requirements stated in Qualification Requirements #1.
To qualify for the GS-12 level: Applicants at the GS-12 grade level must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level that is similar to experience gained in the Federal sector . Examples of specialized experience will include all of the following: analyzing procurement requests to determine requirements, appropriate method of contracting, type of contract, and procurement plan; developing procurement/contractual documents inclusive of determining standard and non-standard terms and conditions; conducting pre-bid/proposal conferences and negotiations; and analyzing cost and pricing data and contractor responsibility.
To qualify for the GS-13 level: Applicants at the GS-13 level must possess specialized experience equivalent to one year of experience at the next lower grade level GS-12 that is similar to experience gained in the Federal sector. Examples of specialized experience includes: performing procurement planning; developing procurement objectives in terms of competition and price range, and constructs the contractual vehicle including use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, setting-aside polices and similar considerations; providing advice to project personnel on effective implementation and time frames required; developing new or innovative acquisition plans, source selection plans, and contract terms, conditions, or financial arrangement; performing contract administration activities; conducting extensive and sophisticated cost and financial analysis; and serving as lead negotiation for contract modifications for programs involving several interrelated contracts.
THERE IS NO EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION AT THE GS-12 OR GS-13 GRADE LEVELS.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education
This position does have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
You are required to submit your unofficial college transcripts from an appropriately accredited educational institution in order to document completion of the educational requirements for this position. The unofficial transcripts must be legible and include your name, major, school name/location, course title/number, date completed, grade and number of credits earned. Official transcripts will be required if selected prior to establishing an entrance on duty date. Information on Defense Acquisition University equivalent providers may be found at http://www.dau.mil/learning/appg.aspx.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here

Additional information

Applicants will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. Certain responses on the form could pose a problem with suitability for employment determinations. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete/make updates to the OF-306 and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, or imprisonment.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about e-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at click here
Recruitment incentives may be authorized.
Selectee(s) for this position who are current federal employees on permanent appointments and will be moving outside of the current commuting area of their current position to accept this position are authorized to receive a one-time relocation bonus of 10% of the salary including locality for this position. Receipt of the bonus will require a 12 month service agreement. The employee must establish a residence in the new geographic area prior to payment.
Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent position are authorized to receive a one-time recruitment incentive of 10% of the salary, including locality for this position. Receipt of the bonus will require a 12 month service agreement.
Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent or term position may be eligible for student loan repayment up to $10,000 (pre-tax) for one calendar year. More than one loan may be repaid if the combined repayments do not exceed $10,000. Receipt of this incentive will require a three year service agreement.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
More than 1 selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 45 days from the date the certificate was issued.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application and hiring process, please contact 202-795-6307. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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 development opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits". Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your résumé and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using the on-line self assessment questions that are based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

The necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to perform this job are:

• Knowledge of contracting procedures, types, and methods applicable to formal advertising, negotiation, simplified, and commercial acquisitions, including fixed-price and cost type contracts, and the appropriate use of special provisions and incentives.

• Knowledge of contracting methods and contract types and of contracting principles, laws, statutes, Executive Orders, regulations and procedures applicable to pre-award and/or post award actions.

• Knowledge of the principles of acquisition planning to develop and implement plans to procure a multiyear program or system.

• Knowledge of cost accounting methods and techniques sufficient to understand contract cost accumulation and estimating system.

• Skill in negotiation techniques to conduct contract negotiations.

If selection is made below the full performance level, the incumbent may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s).
Cutoff Daes:
First Cutoff Date - 1/2/2023
Second Cutoff Date - 1/16/2023
Third Cutoff Date - 1/30/2023
Fourth Cutoff Date - 2/15/2023
Last Cutoff Date - 3/1/2022

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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 development opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits". Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
1. Your resume
2. You are required to submit your unofficial college transcripts from an appropriately accredited educational institution in order to document completion of the educational requirements for this position. The unofficial transcripts must be legible and include your name, major, school name/location, course title/number, date completed, grade and number of credits earned. Official transcripts will be required if selected prior to establishing an entrance on duty date.
3. If you are claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), submit a copy of your agency notice, most recent performance rating and most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level and duty location. If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. To be considered eligible, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position. Please see ICTAP eligibility.
4. OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Submit proof of your former or current status, such as your SF-50. Please see here.
All documentation as outlined above must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you are unable to submit your documents electronically, you may fax or mail the documents. A fax cover sheet will be provided to you from the system, with fax number and instructions to transmit the requested documents. The required documents will also be accepted by mail and must be received by the closing date of the announcement. The mailing address is COMMANDANT, (CG-123HQ) ATTN OFFICE OF CIVILIAN HUMAN RESOURCES (JOBS), US COAST GUARD, 2703 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE STOP 7912, WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7912.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.