Summary This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in the Management Directorate (MGMT), Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM). The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a program analyst and advisor to management on the evaluation of the effectiveness of assigned program(s); and provide technical expertise in the discipline of Big A acquisition, and support for the Acquisition Portfolio Manager. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position. Responsibilities As a Program Analyst (Acquisition), GS-0343-12/13, your typical work assignments may include: Reviews, advises, and conducts complex studies, analyses, evaluations, or investigations supporting acquisition programs, systems, and processes, including areas where definitions, methods, and/or data are incomplete, controversial, or uncertain, or where boundaries of the studies are extremely broad and difficult to determine in advance. Serves as an expert analyst in the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness. Performs long-range planning and analysis of substantive agency programs. Responsible for acquisition reporting functions per the Master Acquisition Oversight List (MAOL) for the OBIM portfolio investments to include Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) and other reporting systems such as Investment Evaluation, Submission and Tracking (INVEST) system and Unified View of Investment (UVI) system. Provides expert guidance and advice within the organization concerning big A acquisition policies and management and organizational theories that require considerable adaptation and/or interpretation for application to internal program issues and problems, or where decisions about how to proceed are complicated by conflicting program goals and objectives. All DHS-HQ announcements have a 10 business day open period due to the number of applications received. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Specialized Experience: GS-12 Level: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in Federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Supports planning, scheduling, and conducting projects and studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work operations in a program and support setting. Performs evaluation assignments of projects and studies that require analysis of interrelated issues, such as effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity, of substantive, mission-oriented programs, and investigations supporting acquisition programs, systems, and processes. Coordinates and performs acquisition reporting functions for the portfolio investments including the implementation of the Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) process. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. GS-13 Level: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in Federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Knowledge of the planning and implementation of life cycle policies and processes of the Acquisition Management Instruction, Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC), and the overarching Acquisition Lifecycle Framework (ALF). Propose methods and techniques addressing novel or obscure problems where guidelines or precedents are not substantially applicable, and documents and reports study results to management. Applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of complex short and long-range goals of the organization, developing detailed plans for implementing them, and overseeing implementation of the goals in subordinate organizations. Assists in determines the need for written policies and procedures, oversees the development of policies and procedures, and reviewing and recommending approval upon completion. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. Selective Placement Factor Certification: Currently possess or obtain a DHS Level 2 Acquisition Program Manager certification or other federal agency equivalent (e.g., Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM) within two (2) years of hire date. 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. 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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Essential Personnel Position - This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR, Part 752, as applicable). Education Not Applicable Additional Information 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/understand the required documentation, click on the links above. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result. This position may be filled at the GS-12 or GS-13 level. If selection is made at the GS-12 level, promotion to the GS-13 level may occur without further competition. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Background Investigation: DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Moderate Risk as a condition of placement in this Non-Sensitive position. This review may include 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. When DHS Headquarters completes their selections, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with additional federal agencies. You will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results shared to be considered for employment with additional agencies. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements. 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 rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.