Duties

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to to provide complete legal services that will facilitate the successful execution of its acquisitions to include defending bid protests, contract disputes and other contract claims litigation that has been filed against the agency.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on difficult legal or factual questions in connection to bid protest, contract dispute litigation and fact-finding issues related to government contracting and fiscal law.
• Discuss case strategy and presentation, line of approach, possible lines of opposition to be encountered and other aspects of the case to ensure that the proper groundwork has been laid and optimum litigation strategy selected.
• Prepare required memoranda of fact and law and other critical litigation pleadings and other, non-litigation-related documents. Draft settlement agreements and proposals.
• Execute legal analysis relevant to the procurement mission. Keep apprised and researches changes in federal procurement statute, regulation, executive branch policy and case precedent.
• Represent and argue the agency?s position in negotiations, meetings, written and oral proceedings before administrative tribunals and courts and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
14

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• PCS expenses if authorized will be paid IAW JTR and Air Force Regulations
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
• Position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing
• Periodic travel away from the normal duty station may be required
• Overtime may be required
• Incumbent is required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450) upon appointment and annually

Qualifications

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD). In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT THE GS-12 LEVEL: In addition, of having the general requirement, one of the following requirements must be satisfied: two years professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level OR the second professional law degree (LL.M.), plus one year of professional legal experience at the GS-11 level. Professional legal experience must include knowledge of federal statutes, regulations, Executive Branch Policy and Orders applicable to Government acquisition/contracting and the body of case law applicable to government contracts. Examples of federal acquisition law that will be performed under the supervision of one or more assigned senior trial counsel should include: major services acquisitions or systems acquisitions or research and development or advisory and assistance services or facilities/real property contracting matters or knowledge of the mediation and alternative dispute resolution remedies.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT THE GS-13 LEVEL: In addition, of having the general requirement, the attorney shall have professional legal experience in excess of two years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Professional legal experience must include knowledge of federal statutes, regulations, Executive Branch Policy and Orders applicable to Government acquisition/contracting and the body of case law applicable to government contracts. Examples of federal acquisition law that will be performed with limited supervision should include: major services acquisitions or systems acquisitions or research and development or advisory and assistance services or facilities/real property contracting matters or knowledge of the mediation and alternative dispute resolution remedies.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT THE GS-14 LEVEL: In addition, of having the general requirement, the attorney shall have professional legal experience in excess of three years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Professional legal experience must include expert knowledge of federal statutes, regulations, Executive Branch Policy and Orders applicable to Government acquisition/contracting and the body of case law applicable to government contracts. Examples of federal acquisition law that will be performed independently should include: major services acquisitions and systems acquisitions and research and development or advisory and assistance services or facilities/real property contracting matters and knowledge of the mediation and alternative dispute resolution remedies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
GS-12
1. Knowledge of procedural rules governing litigation at the United States Government Accountability Office, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the United States Court of Federal Claims.
2. Knowledge of applicable federal procurement statutes, regulation, case law, Executive Orders and executive branch and agency policy guidance applicable to government contracting, privatization, ethics and acquisition.
3. Proficiency in legal research methods, including familiarity with on-line legal databases and other agency resources.
4. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate authoritative oral legal advice concerning the various stages of contracting, acquisition and procurement management.
5. Skill in interpreting the law and applying it to specific situations and the exercise of legal judgement.
6. Ability to render authoritative written and legal opinions and products involving extremely complex and difficult legal problems arising from the formation and management of contracts.
7. Highly skilled in reviewing all legal documents for legal sufficiency and protection of the government's interest.

GS-13
1. Transactional federal acquisition law experience and/or litigating acquisition matters before the United States Government Accountability Office, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, the United States Court of Federal Claims or a comparable forum.
2. Ability to provide authoritative legal advice concerning the various stages of contracting, involving complex and difficult legal problems arising from the formation and management of government contracts.
3. Skill and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with both professionals and non-professionals.
4. Knowledge of applicable federal procurement statutes, regulations, case law and Executive orders and agency policy guidance applicable to government contracting, privatization, ethics and acquisition.
5. Skill in interpreting the law and applying it to legally complex and factually complex situations and the exercise of legal judgement.
6. Ability to tactfully advise senior leadership, counsel and other agency officials on sensitive legal issues.
7. Proficiency in legal research and familiarity with legal databases and other resources used to perform government contracting legal research.

GS-14
1. Ability to provide authoritative legal advice concerning the various stages of contracting, acquisition and procurement management.
2. Ability to render authoritative written and legal opinions and products involving complex and difficult legal problems arising from the formation and management of government contracts.
3. Knowledge of applicable federal procurement statutes, regulations, case law and Executive orders and agency policy guidance applicable to government contracting, privatization, ethics and acquisition.
4. Skill and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with both professionals and non-professionals.
5. Skill in interpreting the law and applying it to legally complex and factually complex situations and the exercise of legal judgement.
6. Ability to tactfully advise senior leadership, counsel and other agency officials on sensitive legal issues.
7. Proficiency in legal research and familiarity with legal databases and other resources used to perform government contracting legal research.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here . To be best-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated best qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

90-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 90-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 90 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here .

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities, please visit: https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/FTR%20Bulletin%2018_05%20Relocation%20Allowances_0.pdf

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application for this Public Notice:

IMPORTANT: You MUST provide the following supporting documentation at the time of application to verify completed education and current active bar membership: copy of transcript reflecting required education; copy of current Bar Membership/Card; letter from the Bar, or printout from the Bar website (dated within four months of application) showing active status and in good standing. Also, if you have been a bar member for less than five years, a copy of your final law school transcript and, if available, a statement of relative class standing. Verification of eligibility and supporting documentation must be submitted by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure your appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. If you do not submit all of the required materials, we will not be able to process your application, and you will lose consideration for this position. No additional information will be solicited or accepted after the closing date.

Online Application - Questionnaire

Resume - must include beginning and ending month and year for each employment period, hours worked and supervisor

Transcripts - you must submit your transcripts (can be a copy)

Registration/License - active, current registration/license if applicable for the position

Veterans' Preference - If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, which must include character of service or a Statement of Service/Proof of Service which must include service dates and character of service. In addition, if claiming 10-point preference you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces (or documentation of Purple Heart, if applicable) and a SF 15 (Application for 10-point veteran preference).

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act Chapter 21 of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 2108a, requires Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, assuming the service member is otherwise eligible. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. The service member's military service dates are necessary in order to determine whether he or she meets the definition of "veteran" under 5 U.S.C. 2108(1). The "certification" must reflect the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of submission. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin (if applicable), your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Further, under paragraph (h) of the rule, agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD-214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.

NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE:
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation.

NOTE: Applicants for attorney appointments do not require veterans' preference in order to be eligible for consideration.

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.