Job Opening : 54397
Open to current, permanent FBI Staff Operations Specialists currently at the GS 11 or GS 12 level only.
Opening Date: 05/2/2024
Closing Date: 05/17/2024 11:59 pm (EST)
Questions regarding this opening should be directed to rbritton@fbi.gov , avaldez@fbi.gov or aeye@fbi.gov
Position: Staff Operations Specialist GS 11/12
Division: Counterterrorism
Unit: National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)
Location: McLean, VA
Working Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.(hours may vary)
Salary:
GS-11: $82,764.00 - $107,590.00
GS-12: $99,200.00 - $128,956.00
Full Performance level: GS 12
Number of Positions Available: 1
Duration: Joint Duty Assignment/NTE (2 years)
Additional selections may be made from this announcement to fill positions within the same division when the position includes substantially the same duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
This posting is for GS 11/12 Staff Operation Specialists interested in a Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) to the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), located in McLean, Virginia. This is a reimbursable JDA, not-to-exceed (NTE) 2 years with the option for a one-year extension. The candidates selected for this posting will serve in a detail capacity and will be eligible to receive Joint Duty Credit. Upon completion of the assignment, the selectee will go through the reintegration program and will be reassigned to a position at FBIHQ.
There should be no expectation of receiving a transfer back to the candidate's home division regardless of whether there is a vacancy available.
Relocation expenses associated with the assignment will be borne by the FBI. However, to be eligible for transfer for this canvass, Staff Operations Specialists may not have received a cost or no-cost transfer for at least one year.
Selected candidates, if eligible, may receive a full-cost transfer and may be eligible for a $25,000 relocation incentive. To be eligible for a relocation incentive, proof of change in residency will be required. Prior to receiving a relocation or recruitment incentive, the candidate must sign a separate service agreement to complete a specific prior of employment at the new duty station.
**ATTENTION - Due to the recent passing of the Tax Reform Bill, Commercial Payments and Confidential Services Unit (CPCSU)-Transfer wants you to be aware of the potential impact to our transferees. Transfer expenses that were NOT previously taxed (Shipment of Household goods (HHG) within the United States, Shipment of HHG into or out of the United States, Storage of HHG, POV Shipment) will be taxed as income effective 1/1/2018. Currently this situation is fluid, regarding the information we are receiving and the implementation date, as we await the final policy from General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Justice (DOJ).
The impact to our transferees will include:

• A tax bill from the Accounts Receivable Unit (ARU) for any taxable invoice paid to a vendor that has moved or stored your HHG
• A tax withholding on POV shipments
• A W2 issued by the FBI at the end of the calendar year to be reported to the IRS as income

Note that this change is based on when the funds are reimbursed to the vendor/transferee and not when the transfer took place. Please see our webpage at https://go.fbinet.fbi/DO/FD/AS/CPU/Pages/TransferPayments.aspx for continued up to date information and watch for future emails regarding this issue.
The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) founded in 2003, and located in McLean, Virginia (VA), is a critical element of the Intelligence Community (IC), tasked with leading and integrating counterterrorism (CT) efforts through the development of terrorism analysis and the sharing of information with partners across the CT enterprise. NCTC Staff Operations Specialists are uniquely positioned to access both domestic and foreign CT information from multi-agency datasets. Additionally, NCTC provides strategic and targeting elements to help engage United States Government (USG) action and drive national CT activities and objectives. Staff Operations Specialists working at NCTC can participate in a diverse array of skill and career building experiences through NCTC's numerous Offices and Directories. The NCTC's Core Functions are detailed below:

• Threat Analysis: The primary USG organization for analyzing and integrating both strategic and tactical intelligence collected domestically and internationally.
• Information Sharing: NCTC coordinates and shares analysis across the IC and a wide range of customers, while additionally providing 24/7 CT situational awareness.
• Identity Management: NCTC maintains the USG's database on Known or Suspected Terrorists (KSTs), including their goals, strategies, capabilities, and networks; and supports screening activities across the USG.

FBI personnel interested in a JDA at NCTC should evaluate their strengths and weaknesses to determine and indicate their desired placement within the NCTC organization so as to request a specific assignment. This JDA is a 2-3 year assignment that allows FBI employees to gain and develop valuable counterterrorism knowledge and experience to help grow their skills and career with the FBI. Prior experience working counterterrorism matters is not a requirement. NCTC analysts are afforded numerous career development experiences to include writing, briefing, TDYs and unique NCTC training courses.
Directorate of Intelligence (DI): The DI, the largest Directorate in the NCTC with seven geographically and functionally designated groups, focuses on the development of strategic analysis and warning products that are derived from a diverse array of intelligence sources to then be disseminated to a wide range of customers.
Directorate of Identity Intelligence (DII): The DII's mission is to discover, enhance, and share identity intelligence, including biometric, that advances the most complete and accurate identity picture to our partners in supporting CT analysts, and enabling successful screening to prevent terrorist activities from targeting U.S. interests. Additionally, they maintain the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) system used by the USG in conjunction with the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC). The DII also houses the Identity and Network Discovery Group, the tactical analysis component of NCTC, whose function involves performing tactical analysis to identify unknown terrorist threats to the Homeland and U.S. interests abroad, and provide targeting leads to operational USIC components, primarily the FBI.
Selected candidates should not expect to be returned to their previous office. Upon completion of the JDA assignment, the Staff Operations Specialist will be placed in a vacancy within CTD or within another FBIHQ Division based on skill sets and the needs of the FBI at that time. The candidate will most likely be reassigned to a vacancy at FBI Headquarters, and there should be no expectation of receiving another cost transfer at the completion of the assignment if the Staff Operations Specialist wishes to return to his/her home division if there is a vacancy available.
The selected candidate's Division will be able to post for a permanent back-fill.
Employees returning from Legat assignment must advise the Staffing and Administrative Unit, International Operations Division, of their application for this position. Employees currently under an MOU or Service Agreement, if offered the position, must be able to report immediately.
Key Requirements

• Must be a current, permanent FBI GS 11/12 SOS
• Must have achieved a rating of "Consistent" or better in all critical elements on their most recent Performance Appraisal Report (PAR).
• May not have received a cost or no-cost transfer for at least one year.
• Current Staff Operations Specialists will not be promoted as part of the application process.
• SOS candidates must be eligible for a move and must be off probation to apply by the closing date of this posting. Staff Operations Specialists at the GS 11/12 grade levels will be considered.
• Must be able to obtain an SCI clearance.
• Some travel may be required.
• Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450 annually
• Selectee will be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) .

The SOS exploits voluminous data and finds relevant information, which is provided to members of the United States Intelligence Community for decisions and action.
Major Duties

• Evaluates and assesses information, reports findings after review and validation, and contributes to the production of raw and finished intelligence products.
• With minimal guidance, conducts tactical analysis from multiple data sources that contribute to investigations.
• Reviews, minimizes, and analyzes technical and human source collection to identify gaps, new targets, and potential subjects for investigation.
• Determines the appropriate audience, caveats, and format for communications and products.
• Responds to requests from external and/or internal customers; conducts relevant database checks and provides detailed written responses to the appropriate audiences; collaborates and ensures the material is appropriately caveated.
• With minimal guidance conducts extensive research within multiple external and/or internal databases and sources.
• Exploits voluminous data to find relevant information; identifies gaps, patterns, trends, and anomalies.
• Extracts data to produce reports and tactical products for dissemination to external and internal customers.
• Determines the best format to present information, such as graphs, tables, summary reports and/or tactical products.
• Prepares and presents oral briefings and written reports on the conclusion and recommendations drawn from data /information.

Qualifications and Evaluations
Please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI's Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.
If you are deemed Most Competitive, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
GS 11: Applicant must possess one year of SE equivalent to the GS 9 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
• Experience in conducting proactive analytical reviews of data to identify patterns.
• Experience analyzing voluminous amounts of information and making decisions regarding its value and worth to a case.

GS 12: Applicant must possess one year of SE equivalent to the GS 11 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
• Experience in conducting proactive analytical reviews of data to identify patterns.
• Experience analyzing voluminous amounts of information and making decisions regarding its value and worth to a case.
• Experience in current military, economic, cultural and/or geographical and other socio-economic conditions around the world in order to relate significance to such events to various areas of interest to various operations.
Education
Education cannot be used to qualify for this JDA detail.
Preference will be given to candidates with 3 or more years of experience as an SOS
How to Apply
For detailed instructions related to applying, uploading documents, withdrawing an application or updating your application, please review instructions on How to Apply . If applying online is a hardship, please use the contact information listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
Required Documents
To apply to this position, interested applicants must provide a complete application package by the closing date which includes:

1. Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates
2. A complete assessment questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents (if applicable) :
   • College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement
   • Memorandum for Record (MFR), Please see Additional Information

Documents that were uploaded one or more years ago will need to be uploaded again. Although an applicant may see these documents within their current profile, the HR Specialists may not have access to view them. All applicants are being asked to upload another copy (if applicable) to ensure the staffing units can review the complete application.
You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying online is a hardship, please contact the HR Specialist listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
What to Expect Next
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.
Additional Information

• Failure to provide necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete. Your application will be evaluated solely on the basis of information you have submitted.
• As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
• Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing the other workplace safety protocols. Positions with fitness for duty requirements or those that require international travel may require proof of certain vaccinations.
• Management may select at any grade for which this position has been announced.
• Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
• Limited Movement: Policy has been implemented wherein support employees entering a position through a competitive OR non-competitive action may be precluded from moving to another position within the Bureau by means of reassignment or change to lower grade for a minimum of 12 months. HRD will waive this limited movement policy for qualified employees, who have received an official notification letter that their current position is being relocated to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama by 2024, so those employees can compete for a position elsewhere.
• Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI.
• Candidates will not be considered if currently on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP); a Letter of Requirement (LOR); or have failed a PIP or LOR and are currently awaiting the final action by HRD.

a. A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a 90-day written developmental plan for an employee whose performance on one or more critical elements is rated "Inconsistent."
b. A Letter of Requirement (LOR) is issued when a supervisor identifies leave abuse and/or when frequent absences negatively impact operations of an office.

• Relocation expenses MAY be borne by the FBI. Candidates receiving a transfer of physical location, whether at the expense of the FBI or not, will be required to complete a one-year commitment to the assignment, prior to moving to a new position at the FBI. The 12-month waiting period begins the day an employee reports for duty at the new location.
• Current tax law impacts your transfer by making your moving expense reimbursements taxable. Please contact Transfer_Issues for information regarding taxable expenses. For additional insight on the personal impact of the IRS tax rules, you may wish to contact the IRS or a tax professional. Federal Travel Regulation provides that the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) plus the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) are designed to "substantially reimburse" an employee for the additional Federal, State, and Local taxes associated with a change of duty station and the FBI has the authority to compensate employees through the WTA and RITA.
• Candidates receiving a transfer of physical location, whether at the expense of the FBI or not, will be required to complete a one year commitment to the assignment, prior to moving to a new position at the FBI. The 12-month waiting period begins the day an employee reports for duty at the new location.
• Employees selected for promotions at the GS-12 level or higher, as well as employees selected for positions where a transfer of location is required, will be processed through the name check program prior to being notified of their selection.
• Memorandum for Record: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, i. e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record):

a. Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)
b. The month/year work began
c. Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)
d. Specific duties performed
Attach the Memorandum for Record to your application in the "Cover Letters and Attachments" section of My Career Tools on the Careers Home page. Please upload the attachment as type "Other."
Nepotism
Nepotism is the act of favoring relatives in the hiring process, and is prohibited by law. Public officials are prohibited from hiring or promoting relatives or relatives of officials in their chain of command, as well as actively or indirectly endorse a relative's appointment or promotion.
During the hiring process, all selected candidates and FBI hiring managers will be required to certify they are not related to anyone involved in the hiring process.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
The FBI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to a sincerely held religious belief or medical disability for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please notify the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Affairs (OEEOA) Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Program by either e-mail at REASONABLE_ACCOMMODA@fbi.gov , telephone at 202-324-2158, or FAX at 202-324-3976. Your request will receive an individualized assessment.
This e-mail address is only for reasonable accommodation requests. Please do not submit your application and/or any questions unrelated to reasonable accommodations. Should any applications be received, they will not be forwarded for consideration during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.

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