STUDENT TRAINEE (CONTRACTING)

Summary

These positions are part of the Interior Business Center (IBC), Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD). As a student trainee in AQD's internship program, ASPIRE, you will receive experimental immersion and hands-on training in key foundational acquisition concepts from dedicated, acquisition professionals. Please refer to the Duties and Additional Information section for more information on the ASPIRE internship program.

This job is open to

• Students
  
  Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.

Clarification from the agency

Pathways Internship - current students

Videos

Duties

• Gain experience in the different stages of the acquisition-life cycle via experimental immersion training and hands-on practicum.
• Acquire training and knowledge in key business acumen areas related to the acquisition career field, such as customer service and project management.
• Learn about the various regulations, policies, and statutes that govern the different phases in the acquisition-life cycle.
• Gain exposure to acquisition, business, and financial systems that support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ASPIRE Program Information:

The Interior Business Center is looking for current college students interested in learning about federal government acquisitions to participate in a paid, hands-on, immersive student intern program called ASPIRE. As an ASPIRE intern, you will join a cohort of other interns, gaining exposure to a community of acquisition professionals, who share a passion for serving the federal government and teaching others key acquisition concepts. The ASPIRE program will provide interns a solid foundation to serve as future acquisition professionals. The ASPIRE program is comprised of three phases: Cornerstone, Keystone, and Capstone. The requirements and specifics for each phase are as follows:

1. Cornerstone

a. Upon completion of the academic year, interns will report to the Winter Park, FL vicinity.

b. Interns will work full-time, on site on a set schedule.

c. Paid housing may be available during this phase.

2. Keystone

a. After completing the Cornerstone phase, interns will return to school. During this phase, interns have the option to work a flexible, part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) while in school in a remote capacity.

3. Capstone

a. Upon completion of the academic year, interns return again to Winter Park, FL vicinity to finish the final phase of the ASPIRE program.

b. Interns will work full-time, on site on a set schedule.

c. Paid housing may be available during this phase.

Upon completion of the Capstone phase, interns may be converted to a full-time, permanent position to work from the Winter Park, FL vicinity.

NOTE: Upon completion of the Capstone phase, paid housing will no longer be available.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by background investigation.
• Direct Deposit of pay is required.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.

Qualifications

Applicants must carefully review the information in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for important information and instructions pertaining to the multi-hurdle assessment process for this position.

GS-04: To qualify, you must have completed 2 full academic years of post-high school study OR an associate degree (1 full academic year is equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours).

Only education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Eligibility Requirements:

In order to be eligible for the Pathways Career Internship Program, the following qualifications must be met:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 16 years of age;
• Be a student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree or certificate seeking student taking at least a half-time academic, technical, or vocational course load in an accredited technical, vocational, 2 or 4 year college or university, graduate or professional school. The Certification requirement includes post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.
• Possess and maintain at least 2.0 cumulative GPA or equivalent on a 4.0 scale.
• Only education from institutions which are accredited or preaccredited/candidate for accreditation may be used to meet education requirements.
• Students must meet eligibility requirements throughout the duration of their appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.

*If you are currently enrolled, but in your last semester/quarter of completing your degree/certificate requirements and expect to graduate Winter of 2024 or Spring of 2025, you must show proof of continued education such as an acceptance letter or you will be disqualified.

Program Completion and Conversion Requirement:

At the successful conclusion of the Pathways Program, interns may be eligible for conversion to a permanent appointment. Conversion is not guaranteed. To be considered for conversion the following requirements must be met:

-Must be a U.S. citizen

-Completed 640 hours of work experience acquired through the internship program

-Successful completion of degree or certificate requirements from a qualifying institution

-Meet qualification requirements for the position to which you will be converted - Contracting Series, 1102, Contracting Series, 1102 (opm.gov)

-Performed successfully in position and documented through performance evaluations

Depending on the intern's eligibility, if converted to a permanent appointment the anticipated targeted position will be either as a Contract Specialist, GS-1102-05 (FPL 13) or a Contract Specialist, GS-1102-07 (FPL 13). The target position and FPL may change based on the need of the organization at the time of conversion. Interns must meet the qualification standards for the series of the position being converted to.

Education

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. All documentation needs to be legible. If selected, you will need to provide official transcripts.

Only education from institutions which are accredited or pre-accredited/candidate for accreditation may be used to meet educational requirements.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

These positions are located in the Winter Park, Florida vicinity. In order to be eligible to receive consideration for this position, you must be able to report to the duty station location listed in this vacancy announcement if selected and be available to work the schedule listed.

As a Student Trainee (Contracting) you will serve in a trainee capacity, performing routine and recurring developmental assignments to acquire knowledge and an understanding of functions, principles, practices, and methods used in the area of acquisitions.

Recruitment Incentive:

If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment incentive with a service agreement. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed.

Telework Suitability:

The duties of this position are suitable for occasional telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval and if they meet the eligibility criterion in the 2010 Telework Act.

Stipulations of Employment:

Appointees must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the Pathways Program.

The duration of an excepted service appointment in the Pathways Program is a trial period.

Must maintain half-time enrollment status and 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Work Schedule:

Below are the work schedule requirements for each phase of the ASPIRE program:

1. Cornerstone (Summer 2025)
   
   a. On site, full-time work, in Winter Park, FL vicinity
   
   b. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM ET (excluding Federal Holidays)
2. Keystone (Academic 2025-2026 Year)
   
   a. Optional, part-time work (up to 20 hours per week), in a remote capacity
   
   b. Must have an approved remote agreement on file to work remotely
3. Capstone (Summer 2026)
   
   a. On site, full-time work, in Winter Park, FL vicinity
   
   b. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM ET (excluding Federal Holidays)

Miscellaneous:

This position has been designated as hard to fill. If you were referred by an IBC employee, the employee may be eligible to receive a bonus for referring you under the IBC Referral Program. A qualified referring employee must submit the Candidate Referral Form to the HROD point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement prior to the issuance of a competitive selection certificate.

DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

Promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days.

• 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.

Eligible and qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager in unranked order by preference status: (1) Preference eligible veterans having a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more (CPS and CP); (2) Other preference eligibles (XP); (3) Applicants eligible for 5-point veteran's preference (TP); and those (4) Applicants not eligible for veteran's preference (NV).

• 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.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  
  1. Resume: You MUST submit a resume that includes your work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment in a month/year (e.g, mm/yy) format and duties performed under each period of employment. If multiple resumes are submitted, only the most current resume will be reviewed for qualifications.
  2. Transcript(s): You MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s). If selected for this position, you will be required to furnish an ORIGINAL transcript prior to being appointed.
  3. Proof of Enrollment: In the case that your transcripts do not demonstrate proof of enrollment, you MUST submit an enrollment letter that demonstrates future enrollment or a letter that demonstrates current course enrollment by the closing date of the advertisement or you will be disqualified from further consideration.
  4. Other supporting documents:
  
  
  
  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
  
  
  Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
  
  Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.
  
  It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
  
  
  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.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.
  
  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.
  
  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded document may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • You may preview the Assessment Questionnaire at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12504365
  
  If you have questions about this job, please contact the HR Office representative listed in the "Agency Contact Info" section of this vacancy announcement. Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Mountain Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you may request an alternate application method from the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon EST on the closing date of the announcement.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Stephanie Wiesing
  
  Phone
  
  303-969-5677
  
  Email
  
  Stephanie_Wiesing@ibc.doi.gov
  
  Address
  
  IBC AQD Acquisition Mgmt Division III
  
  318 Elden St. Suite 2000A
  
  Herndon, VA 20170
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  For status updates on your application, please follow the directions listed above in the How to Apply section. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. If you are selected for an interview for this position, you will be contacted directly. A final job offer for this position is typically made within several weeks after the closing date of the vacancy announcement. After confirming a job offer, all other applicants will be notified of their non-selection.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Resume: You MUST submit a resume that includes your work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment in a month/year (e.g, mm/yy) format and duties performed under each period of employment. If multiple resumes are submitted, only the most current resume will be reviewed for qualifications.
2. Transcript(s): You MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s). If selected for this position, you will be required to furnish an ORIGINAL transcript prior to being appointed.
3. Proof of Enrollment: In the case that your transcripts do not demonstrate proof of enrollment, you MUST submit an enrollment letter that demonstrates future enrollment or a letter that demonstrates current course enrollment by the closing date of the advertisement or you will be disqualified from further consideration.
4. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted by the closing date of the announcement.


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.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
• You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
• You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
• To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded document may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• You may preview the Assessment Questionnaire at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12504365

If you have questions about this job, please contact the HR Office representative listed in the "Agency Contact Info" section of this vacancy announcement. Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Mountain Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you may request an alternate application method from the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon EST on the closing date of the announcement.

Agency contact information

Stephanie Wiesing

Phone

303-969-5677

Email

Stephanie_Wiesing@ibc.doi.gov

Address

IBC AQD Acquisition Mgmt Division III

318 Elden St. Suite 2000A

Herndon, VA 20170

US

Next steps

For status updates on your application, please follow the directions listed above in the How to Apply section. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. If you are selected for an interview for this position, you will be contacted directly. A final job offer for this position is typically made within several weeks after the closing date of the vacancy announcement. After confirming a job offer, all other applicants will be notified of their non-selection.

Fair & Transparent

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

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