The Travel Program Specialist position is located within the Travel Section of the System and Services Branch (SSB) of the Division of Administrative Services (DAS), Office of Information and Resource Management (OIRM), National Science Foundation (NSF). The Travel Management Section manages the NSF travel programs; provides special consultation on the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) and related policies; plans and executes NSF travel activities and services.
Summary
The Travel Program Specialist position is located within the Travel Section of the System and Services Branch (SSB) of the Division of Administrative Services (DAS), Office of Information and Resource Management (OIRM), National Science Foundation (NSF). The Travel Management Section manages the NSF travel programs; provides special consultation on the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) and related policies; plans and executes NSF travel activities and services.
Any U.S. Citizen and ICTAP/CTAP eligible employee. This opportunity is also open to current/former competitive service employees or those with status only under announcement DAS-2021-0003.
The Travel Program Specialist will perform the following duties:
Provides policy oversight, travel expense management, travel agency services support for the NSB, merit panel reviewers, advisory committees, committee of visitors, and internal NSF staff and invitees to ensure compliance with the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) and other applicable federal guidance;
Resolves complex problems in Travel operations and policy including ConcurGov, Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) Panelist Travel agency services, Passport and Visa Oversight, Transit Subsidy, and NSF Employee Relocation. Oversees project management through sound data analysis and acts to ensure customer service delivery levels are consistent with Division plans and priorities. The incumbent interprets federal law and communicates it in plain language to customers and vendors;
Provides guidance and advice for complex systems interface issues, including consulting related to developing, testing and modifying the financial system interfaces between NSF's financial system (Oracle Federal Financials) the NSF's travel systems; ConcurGov and internal Guest business system;
Performs complex analysis of existing and/or future financial and travel business processes, uses expertise in the field to independently interpret the FTR, federal financial systems/policy, associated agency travel and commercial travel policies and practices to determine how the needs of travelers can be met within the framework of existing Federal and agency guidelines. Develops studies on travel and financial system policies, and how evolving travel needs can be met within the framework of existing guidelines. Analysis and reports shall be documented using the standard MS Office suite of tools;
Designs, writes and disseminates a variety of technical reports that require the retrieval of highly complex raw data and analysis, and its inclusion into appropriate report formats;
Conducts data collection to resolve audit findings requiring administrative policy changes resulting from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audits and provides recommendations to Section Head on implementation;
Interprets guidance from GSA, the FTR and Appropriations Law to make recommendations that have the potential to significantly change travel policies at NSF; prepares and presents analysis in such a manner as to provide decision support addressing technical and financial cost/benefits and provide as a deliverable. Provides guidance and advice for routine to complex system enhancements between NSF's financial system, iTRAK and the NSF's travel systems; ConcurGov and GUEST;
Uses learned knowledge to develop, build and execute custom and standard Financial and Travel Reports utilizing Cognos and Excel. Performs needs assessments, cost benefit analysis, risk identification and monitoring, business requirements analysis, business process modeling, and develop requirements specification and other highly technical documentation for software modifications to ConcurGov, GUEST or iTRAK;
Reviews NSF travel policies and memorandums for accuracy and will recommend which polices are outdated or overcome by events based on newer policies. Reviews the NSF's current procedures and advises changes based on Government-wide precedence. Identifies and evaluates customer needs. Provides recommendations to Section Head to improve customer service provided to NSF staff and panelists;
Tracks and reports the status and dependencies to successfully meet the requirements in support of data calls. Manages logistics for travel training program to include providing desk side, small team and classroom training. Provides as needed as well as aiding NSF staff on both Financial and Travel systems with supported documentation. Provides technical guidance and training for more junior travel staff members. Reviews and responds to travel policy inquiries from internal and external NSF Customers;
Acts as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for various travel program contracts;
Facilities the Official Government Passport program and Visa process;
Prepares recommended replies to NSF leadership on travel program inquiries;
Develops NSF-wide communications to be disseminated via multiple media outlets;
Inputs Oracle iTRAK Purchase Orders and Requisitions associated to Travel Programs;
Facilities Employee Relocation requests for NSF Employees;
Acts as the Agency Representative at various interagency working groups and travel forums ensuring that the latest updates and modifications are known and disseminated throughout the NSF;
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
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.
You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.
All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
Qualifications
To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: researching, extracting, and analyzing travel data; contributing to the development of travel program plans and policies; conducting analysis to identify travel or relocation issues and preparing reports; contributing to the development of agency travel policies or procedures.
To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in the Federal service. Examples of this experience include: applying travel program knowledge to plan and conduct travel studies; analyzing travel data to determine attainment of program or organizational goals and objectives; implementing travel regulations and policies for an agency as they are issued from GSA and other sources; devising plans for the development of a travel program.
Education
Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.
Additional information
Relocation Expenses will not be paid.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): ICTAP and CTAP provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least “Very Good” on the questionnaire. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources
Veteran's Preference: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation as specified on the SF-15.
NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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.
Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligibles. Based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be assigned a score. Your score will determine in which of three categories you will be placed: Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Under this process, veterans will be assigned to the appropriate category (without additional preference points) and then placed at the top of their category.
Veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the highest quality category.
The information contained in your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you meet the competencies required of this position. Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire or your application is not complete, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration. In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.
Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or CTAP must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." In NSF categories, this means at least “Very Good.”
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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.
All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice, and may also submit a cover letter.
Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214 and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Performance appraisals and awards may be considered during the evaluation process if voluntarily submitted.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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.
Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully uploaded before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice, and may also submit a cover letter.
Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214 and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Performance appraisals and awards may be considered during the evaluation process if voluntarily submitted.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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.
Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully uploaded before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
