The NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts audits, investigations, and other reviews of NASA programs and activities to prevent and detect crime, fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. The Counsel to the Inspector General acts as the primary official responsible for providing legal services and policy advice to the Inspector General (IG) and staff in connection with audits, investigations, projects, legislation and regulations, ethics, and internal OIG operations and litigations.
Summary
The NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts audits, investigations, and other reviews of NASA programs and activities to prevent and detect crime, fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. The Counsel to the Inspector General acts as the primary official responsible for providing legal services and policy advice to the Inspector General (IG) and staff in connection with audits, investigations, projects, legislation and regulations, ethics, and internal OIG operations and litigations.
Serves as staff attorney-advisor responsible for audits and investigations and other oversight and enforcement activities related to crime, fraud, waste, abuse, and economy and efficiency in NASA's programs and operations.
Provides legal services to the Inspector General (IG) and staff in connection with audits, investigations, special projects, legislation and regulations, ethics, whistleblower retaliation, and internal OIG operations and litigation.
Serves as principal OIG attorney-advisor in the Western region of the United States (comprising NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ames Research Center, Armstrong Flight Research Center, and NASA OIG offices in Long Beach, CA and Denver, CO.
Works with senior OIG management and mid- and senior level Agency officials, as well as with officials at the Department of Justice and US Attorneys' offices and with other OIG counsel within the Federal community.
Provides legal services to field office and headquarter level audit, investigative, human resources, budget, administrative and other clients.
May be required to complete background investigation and drug screening.
A one year trial/probationary period may be required.
Must provide resume and supporting documents (See required documents).
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. A copy of your unofficial transcripts showing conferral of J.D. or LL.B. and documentation of active bar membership must also be provided with your application.
In order to qualify for the Attorney Advisor position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Education: All candidates must have a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree or a Bachelors of Law (LL.B.) degree from an ABA accredited law school. (Must submit unofficial transcript showing conferral of J.D. or LL.B. with application.)
AND
Bar Membership: All candidates must have current admission in good standing to the Bar in one of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or one of the U.S. territories. (Must submit documentation of active bar membership with application.)
AND
Required Experience:
For GS-14: Three (3) full-time years (36 months) of professional legal experience post bar admission with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
For GS-15: Four (4) full-time years (48 months) of professional legal experience post bar admission with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
NOTE: Only post bar admission professional legal experience is qualifying. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year of your initial admission to the Bar so that your experience can be evaluated accurately.
Placement at the GS-14 level requires at least one year of legal experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service; and placement at the GS-15 level requires at least one year of legal experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service. Placement at the GS-15 level will require experience involving the more complex legal issues, often with no or little precedent, and involve a less degree of supervision than at the GS-14 level. Placement at the GS-14 or GS-15 level will be determined based upon (a) overall demonstrated breadth and depth of experience and competence in the specified skill areas, (b) grade level and salary history, and (c) demonstrated ability to handle matters of increased complexity and importance in multiple key skill areas.
Experience is required in a majority of the following legal areas, and preferably all: government contracts and acquisitions, Federal personnel law and ethics (Title 5), criminal law, grants, cooperative agreements and other transactions, appropriations law, and Federal information law (including FOIA / Privacy Act), and Federal tort law.
The successful candidate will need knowledge of fraud remedies (criminal, civil, and administrative); knowledge of government ethics; knowledge of Title 18 crimes and criminal procedure; knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (the FAR), Federal government contract cost and government accounting issues; knowledge of the operations of a Federally -funded research and development center (FFRDC), skill in information disclosure law, experience in Federal whistleblower protection law (both civil service and contractor employee) and experience in providing legal support to audit personnel and knowledge of generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS).
Experience reviewing, analyzing, summarizing, discussing and drafting proposed and existing legislation and regulations.
Demonstrated skill in administrative or court litigation is a favored, particularly before the MSPB, the EEOC, grievances, mediation and OSC matters.
Superior analytic, written and oral communication skills are mandatory, particularly for the purpose of legal advice, contract and other analysis, compliance and training using modern and traditional teaching techniques, social media, and video-conferencing directed at a non-lawyer audience, such as investigators, auditors, management analysts and various support personnel.
Experience as a practicing attorney in a Federal OIG is considered a positive factor.
Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your assessment questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your Resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name, position title, grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.
Education
You must submit a legible copy of transcripts showing conferral of J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA accredited law school. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
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://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.htm
Additional information
Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
Physical Demands: No special physical demands are required. Work is typically sedentary with some standing, bending, and carrying of papers or books.
Working Conditions: The work environment is a typical office area with adequate light, heat, and ventilation. Normal safety precautions are required.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
NASA OIG prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruiting, hiring, developing, and management of the workforce to foster an inclusive workplace where NASA OIG employees are valued and respected.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants who provide the required information specified in the vacancy announcement will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference in the attorney hiring process. However, NASA considers veterans' preference as a positive factor when filling attorney positions. If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you are encouraged to include this information in your USAJOBS profile and your resume.
All qualifications for this position must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
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.
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.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
Résumé which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. See Qualifications section for more information.
Unofficial transcripts showing conferral of J.D. or LL.B
Documentation of active bar membership
A complete OnlineQuestionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position: You must complete the online occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
NASA Office of Inspector General
300 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20546
US
Next steps
Once your application is submitted you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful and you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you are found qualified and your your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
Résumé which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates specified in month and year format, and indicate hours worked per week. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. See Qualifications section for more information.
Unofficial transcripts showing conferral of J.D. or LL.B
Documentation of active bar membership
A complete OnlineQuestionnaire
Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:
If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, orMother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position: You must complete the online occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES.
Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.
NASA Office of Inspector General
300 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20546
US
Next steps
Once your application is submitted you will receive acknowledgement that your submission was successful and you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you are found qualified and your your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview. You will be notified of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
