Duties

Summary

This position is located in the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer within the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The incumbent serves as the DHS Acquisition Innovation Advocate and maintains theProcurement Innovation Lab as a front-leader in the federal procurement innovationsector and supports the DHS acquisition community as well as Federal Agency partnersin transforming Federal acquisition processes and outcomes.Champions ideas for Government-wide procurement innovation through the AIA Council, DHS AIA Council, and other relevant Government-wide forums and groups. Builds coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, non-profit and private sector organizations to achieve common goals. Cultivates a space where new ideas are
encouraged and where collaborative cross-functional efforts anticipate customer needs
more effectively while engaging end users and industry partners regularly.

Leads a team that provides expert technical guidance and procurement innovation coaching to procurement teams across DHS; collects feedback through post-award and post-performance interviews; and shares lessons learned across the acquisition community through a variety of training events. Advocates on behalf of DHS procurement teams to continue to remove obstacles that impede timely award or effective mission delivery. Responsible for timely briefing OCPO leadership on PIL procurement projects as needed, summarizing the issues and timelines, identifying benefits and risks to DHS and providing recommendations on issue resolution so that leadership can effectively champion procurement teams and support removal of obstacles.

Responsible for supporting the development of PIL Innovation Coaches across the DHS Components. Leads and supports the activities of the DHS AIA Council. Serves as an advocate for the CPO supporting the development of a culture within the acquisition community that is receptive to procurement innovation and managed risk taking to improve mission outcomes and enhance awareness and adoption of procurement innovation. Responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships within OCPO, across management lines of business (e.g. CFO, CIO, OCRSO), and within HCA organizations to contribute to CPO's objectives regarding communication and collaboration and to foster procurement innovation and a smart risk-taking mindset in relevant stakeholders. Consistently maintains responsive, timely and helpful engagements with internal OCPO colleagues as well as external customers from within DHS, across the Federal government and with industry.

Shares at various levels best practices on industry engagement throughout the procurement process and opportunities to incorporate viable ideas from industry into the procurement innovation process.

Serves as a principal advisor on non-traditional procurement models, such as rapid phased prototyping using other transaction authority, commercial solutions opening pilot program authority, prizes and challenges, and FAR-based flexibilities, and including adoption of innovative, cutting-edge procurement models already in use at other federal agencies. Serves as a principal advisor on methods to acquire and monitor contracts for IT modernization and digital services (such as iterative development methods, human centered design, and X-as-a-service) and opportunities to acquire and apply emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence, intelligent automation, machine learning, robotic process automation, blockchain technology and cognitive computing) in support of both OCPO and DHS program objectives and mission.

Analyzes and evaluates extremely complex and sensitive contracting problems affecting the ability for DHS to meet its mission. Devises creative solutions that meet DHS's needs associated with major DHS contracting programs, and proposes innovative solutions to resolve issues, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and increase efficiency and effectiveness of the acquisition process, promoting strategies that reduce procurement administrative lead times and focus first on outcomes and missions.

Integrates new developments and best practices into DHS acquisition regulations, policies and procedures. Utilizes and recommends business process improvements to improve procurement operations, more effective use of resources and customer service. Develops a range of alternatives for the solution of procurement process challenges and problems on which even top national experts disagree and interest groups have strongly held views.

Analyzes proposed and recently passed complex acquisition regulations and recommends and/or develops appropriate implementation procedures and policies. Develops, coordinates, and implements strategic and near-term plans to include mission, goals, objectives, and implementation strategies.

Provides oversight and direction to a team of subject matter experts, technical specialists and support staff. Monitors assignments and completion of work and takes necessary steps to ensure the quantity and quality of work performed.

Travel Required

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

Supervisory status
Yes

Promotion Potential
00

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US citizen to apply for this position
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation
• You must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• You must submit to a pre-employment drug test
• Selectee may be required to serve a one-year supervisory probationary period.
• Selectee will be required to complete an OGE 278, Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure form.

Qualifications

Mandatory Technical Qualifications :

You must include the narratives for the below TQs with your application package to be considered

TQ-1: Demonstrated extensive experience and expert knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies governing the federal acquisition of supplies and services. Prior experience must reflect responsibility for both pre-and post-award management and administration of major acquisitions.

TQ-2: Demonstrated experience to work collaboratively and persuasively across multiple lines of business, Components, and across agencies to build consensus that delivers outcomes to meet mission needs of the organization.

TQ3: Demonstrated experience in developing, delivering, and measuring the success of procurement related training to diverse audiences including the Acquisition Workforce, Industry, and other stakeholders.

Specialized Experience:
You qualify for the SL grade level (starting salary $132,552.00) if you possess one year of specialized experience in the Federal government, and/ or private and public sector performing duties such as: 1) providing analysis of technical issues orally and in writing to senior management and technical peers in a concise and convincing manner, 2) planning, evaluating, programming and budgeting methodologies for research, development, test, evaluation, and acquisition programs in order to assess project performance and to develop and defend short-, mid- and long-range plans supporting mission objectives, and 3) providing policy guidance, and strategy development on data analytics, data architecture, and data management.

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level.

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

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.

Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.

Current or Former Political Appointees: 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 or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

Education

Additional information

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." 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. ( https://www.opm.gov/news/releases/2016/08/newly-established-leave-policy-gives-disabled-veterans-more-time-to-address-medical-issues-1/ )

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/SCI clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change

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.

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.

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 resume 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 a job questionnaire based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform this job:

• Contracting/Procurement
• Drug testing
• Leadership
• Min quals
• Technical Competence

If you are placed in the Best Qualified category, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

To preview the job questionnaire and application, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11003816

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you will be removed from consideration or your score will be lowered.

Consideration may be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indicator of quality of prior experience. No points will be awarded.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles:If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View information on VEOA in OPM's Vet Guide ).

Veterans , Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers , and people 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 and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

Your resume

Your responses to the job questionnaire

Your responses to the Mandatory Technical Qualifications

Are you a current or former federal employee? Must Submit: Your most recent SF-50 showing your current grade and tenure; (you may be removed from consideration if not submitted). An SF-50 showing highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. NOTE: Performance award, Realignment, and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure. With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with dates that show proof of you holding the grade for at least a year) to support meeting time in grade requirements. (NOTE: You may need to submit more than one SF-50.)

If education is required: Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. 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. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. If applicable.

Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service connected disability. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information .

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your: - Agency notice - Most recent performance rating - Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location

Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: - Position title - Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) - Agency - Beginning and ending dates of appointment

Are you applying under special hiring authorities as a military spouse? Provide a copy of your: - Marriage certificate, and - Your spouse's PCS or A completed SF-15 with supporting documentation.

Are you applying under Schedule A hiring authority for persons with severe disabilities? Provide: Evidence of your intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefit.

You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

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.