Summary

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL CLOSE AFTER 250 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED, WHICH MAY BE SOONER THAN THE LISTED CLOSING DATE.

A USAHIRE ASSESSMENT is required as part of your application (see HOW TO APPLY).

This is a mid-level developmental position leading to GS-12.

The hiring office may conduct an initial formal training program for new hires.

See RESPONSIBILITIES for information about the duties of a Contract Specialist.

See QUALIFICATIONS for information about qualifying for this position.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Military spouses
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Vacancy is open to All US Citizens. Applications for this vacancy require submission of an online USAHire Competency Based Assessment. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). You must reside within a 2-hour commute to the selected ODS by the time of your appointment.

Duties

• *Duties at the full performance level include:
• Plans, solicits, negotiates, awards, administers and closes out the most complex and difficult acquisitions of materials, systems, services and equipment in support of agency goals and initiatives.
• Formulates contracting strategies and secures commodities through negotiated and sole-source acquisitions using a variety of acquisition methods and contract types.
• Performs cost and price analyses on contractor proposals to ensure fair and reasonable pricing and negotiates for lower pricing when appropriate.
• Reviews acquisition actions to determine cost effectiveness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required. Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
• You must complete and pass the USAHire Assessment as part of the application process (See HOW TO APPLY).
• See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW TO APPLY for important information about this position.

Qualifications

This announcement will close after 250 applications are received, which may be significantly sooner than the listed closing date.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for this GS-07 Contract Specialist position you must demonstrate:

(1) a passing score on the USAHire Assessment (see HOW TO APPLY) AND

(2) the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the federal 1102 series AND

(3) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience OR

(4) Optional Education (separate from the education required for the IOR) OR

(5) Combination of Specialized Experience and Optional Education

(1) USAHIRE ASSESSMENT - Look for a notification pertaining to the USAHire Assessment after you submit your initial application see HOW TO APPLY for more information.

(2) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR):

A. a bachelor's degree with a major in any field

OR

B. successful completion of at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields:

(1) accounting

(2) business

(3) finance

(4) law

(5) contracts

(6) purchasing

(7) economics

(8) industrial management

(9) marketing

(10) quantitative methods or

(11) organization and management

Applicants who don't meet the requirements of this IOR will be ineligible.

(3) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-05 OR (if your position and/or experience is in another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level equivalent to GS-05 or above.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of performing functions related to the purchase of supplies or services, including conducting market research, determining appropriate sources, negotiating or evaluating prices and selecting a supplier or service provider.

If you have this experience, you must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.

Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.

Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.

An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.

TYPICAL DUTIES THAT DEMONSTRATE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE INCLUDE:

(a) purchasing goods or services;

(b) requesting quotations for goods or services;

(c) researching prices for goods or services;

(d) negotiating prices or terms and conditions in a professional setting; and

(e) making written recommendations in a professional setting.

SEE RESUME REQUIREMENTS UNDER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

(4) OPTIONAL EDUCATION: Applicants without Specialized Experience can meet Minimum Qualifications with:

A. a bachelor's degree that demonstrates Superior Academic Achievement (SAA)* OR

B. a bachelor's degree followed by at least one full year of graduate education or law school (see below).

Graduate Education: To qualify for GS-1102 positions on the basis of graduate education, graduate education in one or a combination of the following fields is required: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods or organization and management.

*See EDUCATION for information on SAA.

(5) COMBINATION: Applicants without the full amount of Specialized Experience or the full amount of Optional Education can meet Minimum Qualifications with a portion of each that can be combined to meet the full requirement:

A. Except for the 52-week requirement, Specialized Experience must be as described above.

B. Only graduate education, as described above, can be considered.

HR will determine if the combination of experience and graduate education is sufficient to meet Minimum Qualifications.

NOTE you must submit transcripts to substantiate all claimed education.

Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (e.g., USAHire Assessment, IOR and Specialized Experience [and/or Optional Education]) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

See EDUCATION and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for more information on demonstrating your eligibility and qualifications.

Information on this job series can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/contracting-series-1102/

NOTES SPECIFIC TO THIS CAREER-LADDER POSITION:

The hiring office may conduct an initial formal training program for new hires.

This is a mid-level developmental position leading to the GS-12 full performance level. Assignments in this position are developmental in nature.

Management devises structured training and development activities to provide experience and technical competence in the methods, procedures, principles and techniques of the full performance level.

Trainees perform a variety of functions in support of higher graded specialists and consult with those analysts to identify problems and methods of approach, but is expected to perform standard, routine duties independently.

Management defines the objectives, priorities and deadlines for projects or assignments and is available for consultation and to assist trainees with unusual situations, problems or studies that do not have clear precedents.

Management evaluates reports and other completed work for technical soundness, appropriateness of conclusions or recommendations, consistency and relevance.

During this period of training, management broadens assignments to enable the incumbent to eventually perform all the duties of the next higher grade.

Consideration for promotion is at the discretion of management and is based on the existence of higher-level work your ability to perform that work, administrative requirements and current agency and/or organizational restrictions.

Education

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met and demonstrated by all applicants. (See QUALIFICATIONS above.)

In addition to the education required by the IOR, you can use Optional Education, as described above, in lieu of (or in combination with) Specialized Experience.

For example, a bachelor's degree meets the IOR. If your degree demonstrates *Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or is followed by at least one academic year of **graduate education, it also meets the Optional Education portion of Minimum Qualifications and eliminates the requirement for 52 weeks of Specialized Experience. (18 semester hours will be considered as satisfying 1 academic year of graduate education.)

*Superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for this position.

**You must submit the transcript for your bachelor's degree and the transcript for your graduate education.

If you have a portion of Specialized Experience and a portion of graduate education, submit the transcript for your bachelor's degree (to support the IOR) and the transcript for your graduate education, in addition to a resume which demonstrates a portion of the Specialized Experience. HR will determine if the full requirement is met.

TRANSCRIPTS For application purposes, you may submit unofficial transcripts, but all transcripts must show your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled, the degree earned (or successful completion of *24 credits in any of the 11 creditable fields) and your GPA. Transcripts that do not show that a degree was conferred cannot be considered to have resulted in a bachelor's degree.

*Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable field, highlight qualifying courses to ensure they are given consideration. This may require you to print a copy of your transcript, highlight the qualifying courses and upload the highlighted copy of your transcript.

If you completed your qualifying education in more than one school, you must submit full transcripts for all schools you attended.

TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE or you may not receive credit for completed courses.

DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.

EDUCATION IN LIEU OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

If you claim a bachelor's degree with *Superior Academic Achievement, submit

a full transcript showing your final GPA OR

a full transcript and official documentation of your class-ranking OR

a full transcript and official documentation of your National Honor Society Membership.

If you claim a bachelor's degree with at least one academic year of graduate education (generally at least 18 graduate-level credits) submit the full transcript for your bachelor's degree as well as the full transcript for your graduate education. Your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work.

EDUCATION IN COMBINATION WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

You must have successfully completed at least some graduate level courses and performed duties that meet Specialized Experience for a portion of the required 52 weeks - you must submit the transcript for your bachelor's degree and the transcript for your graduate education, along with a resume describing your experience. HR will determine if the full requirement is met.

If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.

*Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) can be demonstrated by

1. Class standing must be in the upper third of graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

2. GPA (no more than 10 percent of total credit based on pass/fail or similar systems) must have a GPA of:

(a) at least 3.0 out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript or as computed on 4 years of education or as computed on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or

(b) at least 3.5 out of 4.0 based on the required courses in the major or the required courses in the major completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

3. Election to qualifying National Honor Society: National Honor Societies Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision.

You must provide appropriate documents to support your claim.

HR reviewers will make the final determination on the relevance of completed courses and the computation of your GPA.

Foreign Education: If your qualifying education was completed in a foreign college or university, you must also provide, as part of your application, documentation 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 a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.

If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire Assessment: If you have a physical or mental disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, or the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, as amended, that would interfere with completing the USAHire Assessment, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Reasonable Accommodation requests and appropriate supporting documents must be received prior to starting the USAHire Assessment. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and applicants will receive notice of the decision prior to receiving an email notification to complete the USAHire Assessment. You must complete the assessment within 48 hours of receiving the URL. See USAHire Reasonable Accommodation Request for more information.

OTHER NOTES:

See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on qualifying for this position.

See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW TO APPLY for information on applying for this position.

You must complete a USAHire Assessment as part of your application.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

The hiring office may conduct an initial formal training program for new hires.

This is a GS-07 career-ladder position leading to the GS-12 full performance level.

Position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule and may be eligible for an Alternate Work Schedule (AWS).

Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met.

This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). Selectees must reside within a 2-hour commute to the ODS.

Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay tables.

Salary shown is 2024 GS Base Salary for GS-07 positions. See General Schedule (opm.gov) for 2024 General Schedule (GS) Locality Pay Tables.

Successful performance in this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).

You may be required to file an OGE form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, in accordance with 5 CFR section 2634, subpart i.

This is a high-risk public trust position. You may be required to complete Standard Form 85P (Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions) to have the appropriate investigation conducted.

You must complete a USAHire Assessment as part of your application (see HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and HOW TO APPLY for more information).

Position is assigned to:

Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management (DCBFM)

Office of Acquisition and Grants (OAG)

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  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.

(1) You will receive a score based on your responses to the USAHire Assessment, which will evaluate your knowledge, skills and abilities as they pertain to:

Arithmetic

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Flexibility

Integrity/Honesty

Interpersonal Skills

Learning

Mathematical Reasoning

Reading

Self-Management

Stress Tolerance

Teamwork

The USAHire Assessment includes a cut-off score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical competencies. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut-off score or fail to complete the assessment.

(2) Using that score, you will be placed into one of three Category Rating groups:

Best Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills and abilities

Well Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge, skills and abilities

Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge, skills and abilities

Veterans' Preference is considered during this part of the evaluation.

(3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on your score, your resume and transcript will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate Minimum Qualifications for this position (i.e., the IOR and Specialized Experience and/or Optional Education, if applicable).

See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for more information on what your resume must demonstrate.

Overstating your qualifications or experience may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the assessments may also result in your removal.

(4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate Minimum Qualifications will be referred to the hiring manager in category order, beginning with Priority Selections. Applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.

Your description of your knowledge, skills and abilities is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability.

PRIORITY SELECTION:

Well qualified ICTAP eligibles will be considered first if appropriate supporting documents are

provided (see REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and CTAP / ICTAP Guide ) few applicants (if any) are eligible under ICTAP.

Qualified veterans' preference eligibles will be placed ahead of others in the category for which ranked.

Qualified veterans' preference-eligibles who demonstrate a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be placed in the Best Qualified category.

See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on how to support these claims.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  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.
• Required Documents
  
  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.
  
  Resume - all applicants (SSA employees may use SSA-45)
  
  Transcript - all applicants (to support IOR and Optional Education, if claimed)
  
  Current SF-50 - recommended for current and former federal employees
  
  Vet Preference documents - if claimed
  
  ICTAP documents - if claimed
  
  Military Spouse documents - if claimed
  
  RESUME must include:
  
  your name and contact information
  
  full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
  
  full-time position or part-time hours worked per week
  
  your grade and pay scale (if your position is or was federal) and
  
  a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
  
  SEE QUALIFICATIONS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.
  
  If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
  
  Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or
  
  achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position and support your responses to the online questionnaire.
  
  Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered and may cause you to be ineligible.
  
  Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
  
  An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
  
  APPLICANTS WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
  
  Provide details of the duties you perform that demonstrate the requirements for this position. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
  
  APPLICANTS WITHOUT SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
  
  It's expected that some applicants may qualify on education alone and may not have relevant work experience, but you must still submit a resume that
  
  (1) shows your name and contact information,
  
  (2) describes how you meet the IOR AND
  
  (3) describes how you meet the optional education requirement.
  
  If you have work experience you want to include (even if not related to this position), follow the resume requirements stated above.
  
  TRANSCRIPTS - required for every applicant to support IOR claim AND Optional Education, if claimed (follow instructions in QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION).
  
  SF-50 - recommended for all current and former federal employees
  
  VETERANS' PREFERENCE See Vet Guide. Submit DD-214 (Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service). See below if you are still on active duty.
  
  For 10-point preference also submit SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference) and documents specified on the reverse.
  
  For derived preference submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse.
  
  Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
  
  Preference will be based on the documents received.This may affect your eligibility and/or rating.
  
  ICTAP - See CTAP / ICTAP Guide
  
  Submit separation notice; SF-50 documenting separation; performance appraisal, etc.
  
  MILITARY SPOUSE - see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses and submit appropriate documents.
• How to Apply
  
  To successfully apply for this position, you must complete:
  
  (1) the Initial Application with uploaded required documents AND
  
  (2) the USAHire Assessment
  
  You may email OPE.Staffing.DCBFM@ssa.gov with inquiries about the initial application process PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement. Questions pertaining to the USAHire Assessment must be submitted to the USAHire Help Desk (see below).
  
  (1) INITIAL APPLICATIONS must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) June 7, 2024, and must include:
  
  A.responses to questionnaire
  
  B. uploaded resume and transcript(s)
  
  C. other documents to support eligibility, if any (see Required Documents)
  
  PREVIEW INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRE HERE: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12430506
  
  (1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
  
  (2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
  
  (3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents.
  
  (4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
  
  (5) Recommended: "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended
  
  (6) Optional: Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview
  
  (7) REQUIRED: Look for an email with information about completing the USAHire Assessment
  
  The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
  
  We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
  
  Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories.
  
  Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
  
  (2) USAHIRE ASSESSMENT
  
  After you successfully submit your Initial Application, you will be sent a notification (both on-screen and via email) advising if you are required to take the additional USAHire Assessment. Check Spam and Junk folders!
  
  *If you need a reasonable accommodation for the USAHire Assessment submit USAHire Reasonable Accommodation Request and required supporting documents.
  
  If you completed an assessment for the same grade and series within the previous year, you may not have to complete another assessment at this time. Some applicants may have taken a portion of the assessment during a previous application for a different grade and/or series and will only be required to take the remaining portions.
  
  If you are required to take the Assessment, you will receive a unique URL to access USAHire using your USAJOBS login. Review the USAHire instructions prior to beginning the assessment.
  
  Set aside at least 3 hours to take the assessment; however, it may take less time. The deadline for completion of the USAHire Assessment will be in the email, but you'll have at least 48 hours to complete it.
  
  You can stop an assessment and continue later by re-using the URL but note that some parts are timed, and it's not advised to stop during those parts. Continuing at a later time does not extend the deadline! (The URL can also be found on the Additional Application Information page located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.)
  
  USAHire HelpDesk: If you need USAHire assistance (e.g., inability to access the assessment link, technical difficulty after accessing the link or other questions) contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov.
  
  Technical assistance is available Monday through Friday 7 AM to 8 PM EST. The Helpdesk is closed on weekends and federal holidays including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. You may also visit the USAHire Resource Center for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  OPE Staffing DCBFM
  
  Phone
  
  410-965-1234
  
  Email
  
  OPE.Staffing.DCBFM@ssa.gov
  
  Address
  
  DCBFM - OAG
  
  6401 Security Boulevard
  
  Baltimore, MD 21235
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
  
  No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
  
  If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
  
  A second email will provide information about the USAHire Assessment. If it indicates the assessment isn't required, your application is complete (assuming you submitted all required documents). If you need to take the USAHire Assessment, follow the instructions carefully.
  
  HR cannot provide copies of announcements or application documents to you.
  
  You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
  
  After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
  
  INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
  
  HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
  
  For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
  
  Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
  
  After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Resume - all applicants (SSA employees may use SSA-45)

Transcript - all applicants (to support IOR and Optional Education, if claimed)

Current SF-50 - recommended for current and former federal employees

Vet Preference documents - if claimed

ICTAP documents - if claimed

Military Spouse documents - if claimed

RESUME must include:

your name and contact information

full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position

full-time position or part-time hours worked per week

your grade and pay scale (if your position is or was federal) and

a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.

If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.

Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or

achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position and support your responses to the online questionnaire.

Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered and may cause you to be ineligible.

Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.

An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.

APPLICANTS WITH SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Provide details of the duties you perform that demonstrate the requirements for this position. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.

APPLICANTS WITHOUT SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

It's expected that some applicants may qualify on education alone and may not have relevant work experience, but you must still submit a resume that

(1) shows your name and contact information,

(2) describes how you meet the IOR AND

(3) describes how you meet the optional education requirement.

If you have work experience you want to include (even if not related to this position), follow the resume requirements stated above.

TRANSCRIPTS - required for every applicant to support IOR claim AND Optional Education, if claimed (follow instructions in QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION).

SF-50 - recommended for all current and former federal employees

VETERANS' PREFERENCE See Vet Guide. Submit DD-214 (Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service). See below if you are still on active duty.

For 10-point preference also submit SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference) and documents specified on the reverse.

For derived preference submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse.

Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.

Preference will be based on the documents received.This may affect your eligibility and/or rating.

ICTAP - See CTAP / ICTAP Guide

Submit separation notice; SF-50 documenting separation; performance appraisal, etc.

MILITARY SPOUSE - see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses and submit appropriate documents.

How to Apply

To successfully apply for this position, you must complete:

(1) the Initial Application with uploaded required documents AND

(2) the USAHire Assessment

You may email OPE.Staffing.DCBFM@ssa.gov with inquiries about the initial application process PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement. Questions pertaining to the USAHire Assessment must be submitted to the USAHire Help Desk (see below).

(1) INITIAL APPLICATIONS must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) June 7, 2024, and must include:

A.responses to questionnaire

B. uploaded resume and transcript(s)

C. other documents to support eligibility, if any (see Required Documents)

PREVIEW INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRE HERE: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12430506

(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.

(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.

(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents.

(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.

(5) Recommended: "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended

(6) Optional: Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview

(7) REQUIRED: Look for an email with information about completing the USAHire Assessment

The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.

We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.

Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories.

Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.

(2) USAHIRE ASSESSMENT

After you successfully submit your Initial Application, you will be sent a notification (both on-screen and via email) advising if you are required to take the additional USAHire Assessment. Check Spam and Junk folders!

*If you need a reasonable accommodation for the USAHire Assessment submit USAHire Reasonable Accommodation Request and required supporting documents.

If you completed an assessment for the same grade and series within the previous year, you may not have to complete another assessment at this time. Some applicants may have taken a portion of the assessment during a previous application for a different grade and/or series and will only be required to take the remaining portions.

If you are required to take the Assessment, you will receive a unique URL to access USAHire using your USAJOBS login. Review the USAHire instructions prior to beginning the assessment.

Set aside at least 3 hours to take the assessment; however, it may take less time. The deadline for completion of the USAHire Assessment will be in the email, but you'll have at least 48 hours to complete it.

You can stop an assessment and continue later by re-using the URL but note that some parts are timed, and it's not advised to stop during those parts. Continuing at a later time does not extend the deadline! (The URL can also be found on the Additional Application Information page located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.)

USAHire HelpDesk: If you need USAHire assistance (e.g., inability to access the assessment link, technical difficulty after accessing the link or other questions) contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov.

Technical assistance is available Monday through Friday 7 AM to 8 PM EST. The Helpdesk is closed on weekends and federal holidays including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. You may also visit the USAHire Resource Center for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Agency contact information



OPE Staffing DCBFM

Phone

410-965-1234

Email

OPE.Staffing.DCBFM@ssa.gov

Address

DCBFM - OAG

6401 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21235

US

Next steps

Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.

No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.

If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.

A second email will provide information about the USAHire Assessment. If it indicates the assessment isn't required, your application is complete (assuming you submitted all required documents). If you need to take the USAHire Assessment, follow the instructions carefully.

HR cannot provide copies of announcements or application documents to you.

You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.

After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).

INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.

HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.

For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.

Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.

After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Criminal history inquiries
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request