The Office of Inspector General (OIG), works within the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to prevent or stop waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. The OIG also consults with the Congress about programs in progress and proposed new laws and regulations. The OIG carries out its mission by issuing audit reports, evaluations, and management advisories with findings and recommendations to improve program delivery and performance.
Summary
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), works within the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to prevent or stop waste, fraud and abuse in departmental programs. The OIG also consults with the Congress about programs in progress and proposed new laws and regulations. The OIG carries out its mission by issuing audit reports, evaluations, and management advisories with findings and recommendations to improve program delivery and performance.
You will serve as a Government Information Specialist for the OIG with responsibility for safeguarding the security of information contained in reports which may have impact on privacy and other governmental information. You will analyze, review, and research Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests and prepare appropriate responses. Duties included, but are not limited to:
Analyze FOIA requests received to determine if they are in compliance with agency regulations, and can be accepted for processing, and where records responsive to the requests are likely to be found.
Prepares FOIA correspondence which includes: acknowledgement letters, time extension letters, requests for clarification and fee assurance, and interim and final response letters.
Reviews records requested for public release on a standard case-by-case basis; scans and performs electronic redaction of this information on a routine basis. Ensures that redactions are neat, accurate, and correctly labeled with appropriate exemption numbers.
Tracks FOIA requests received by means of manual and electronic logs
Indexes records located in response to FOIA requests
Maintains records necessary for the preparation of FOIA annual report. Ensures that the information in the report is complete and accurate, and submitted within established time frames.
Analyzes whether records should be withheld under FOIA exemptions.
This position is subject to a background investigation.
Submit application and resume online by 11:59 P.M. EST on the closing date.
COVID VACCINATION: As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with our agency, if after November 22. Our agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.
Due to COVID-19, our agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Your employment with DOT OIG will begin remotely at your current residence. Once our normal business operations process begins you will receive further instructions on when to report to the office. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency’s telework policy.
APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS AND TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
GS-11: To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes: experience with a Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts program or office, including analyzing and applying laws/requirements regarding release and withholding to requests for government information;
OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree;
OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related; OR combination of education and experience.
GS-12: To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes experience with a Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts program or office, including analyzing and applying laws/requirements regarding release and withholding to requests for government information; reviewing and tracking incoming FOIA/PA requests; communicating, coordinating and collaborating with the FOIA requester community regarding status/processing of requests.
GS-13: To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes experience with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Acts (PA) program or office, including analyzing and applying laws/requirements regarding release and withholding to requests for government information; reviewing and tracking incoming FOIA/PA requests; communicating, coordinating and collaborating with the FOIA requester community regarding status/processing of requests, testifying on behalf of an agency on FOIA cases and providing assistance to attorney’s in litigation processes, making policy/procedural recommendations, and conducting special studies/projects for FIOA/PA activities and programs.
Education
NOTE: IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY, APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETE COPY OF THEIR TRANSCRIPTS. DEGREE AUDITS ARE NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTE FOR OFFICIAL/UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS. IF SELECTED, AN OFFICIAL/SEALED TRANSCRIPT WILL BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO AN APPOINTMENT DATE BEING ESTABLISHED.
IF YOU HAVE EARNED A DEGREE FROM A FOREIGN INSTITUTION YOU MUST SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION EVIDENCE THAT ANY EDUCATION COMPLETED IN A FOREIGN INSTITUTION WAS APPROPRIATELY ACCREDITED BY AN ACCREDITING BODY RECOGNIZED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AS EQUIVALENT TO U.S. STANDARDS. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, REFER TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WEB SITE AT http://www.ed.gov.
Additional information
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL LIKE VACANCIES IN THE ANNOUNCED DUTY LOCATION.
This is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion procedures under announcement number JL-2022-0002.
NOTE: THIS VACANCY IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 200 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AND WILL CLOSE AT 11:59 P.M., EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST) ON THE CLOSING DATE OR AT 11:59 P.M., (EST) ON THE DAY WE RECEIVE THE 200TH APPLICATION, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
Candidates will be asked to fill out a Declaration for Federal Employment (Optional Form 306). Individuals selected for this position will be required to certify that their application materials are accurate when they enter on duty. Any male applicant who was born after December 31, 1959, and who is subsequently selected for this position must certify that he is registered for the military selective service by the date he is to enter on duty. False certification may result in termination after appointment.
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or to find an individual unqualified, unsuitable, or unfit for employment based upon financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience should be used only to determine the person's qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual's personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.
THIS AGENCY PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES. IF YOU NEED A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY PART OF THE APPLICATION AND HIRING PROCESS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE AGENCY. THE DECISION ON GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS WILL BE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. ALL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, UNION AFFILIATION OR NON AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, NON- DISQUALIFYING PHYSICAL HANDICAP, OR ANY OTHER NON-MERIT REASON. THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL (OIG), U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Relocation expenses will not be paid. No permanent change of station (PCS) expenses will be paid.
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.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) offers all standard federal benefits that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits.
The Department of Transportation recognizes the importance and encourages the use of telework. Telework supports departmental mission and performance goals and improves the Department's capability to support homeland and national security requirements. Telework improves individual and organizational productivity; helps reduce highway congestion and mobile source emissions; serves as a recruitment and retention tool; helps maintain operations during emergency situations; and improves worklife quality.
This position has been identified as a telework-eligible position.
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.
Applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be further evaluated on their responses to the on-line announcement questions. Eligible applicants will receive a numerical rating based on their responses to the application questions for this position submitted on-line via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV. These responses must be substantiated by your on-line resume. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible.
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.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) offers all standard federal benefits that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits.
The Department of Transportation recognizes the importance and encourages the use of telework. Telework supports departmental mission and performance goals and improves the Department's capability to support homeland and national security requirements. Telework improves individual and organizational productivity; helps reduce highway congestion and mobile source emissions; serves as a recruitment and retention tool; helps maintain operations during emergency situations; and improves worklife quality.
This position has been identified as a telework-eligible position.
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.
Resume: Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
TRANSCRIPTS- You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. If selected, an official/sealed transcript will be required prior to an appointment date being established.
DD-214 and/or SF-15 - To receive consideration including veteran's preference points, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 12/04). The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position. The letter must be printed on the licensed medical professional's letterhead and must include a signature or it is invalid.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors; meet the definition of best qualified (GOLD Category); and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays). The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).
NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.
Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed above, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.
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.
Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the experience/education as described on your resume contains accurate and sufficient information that clearly supports your responses to all of the questions for this position. If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible. If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, applicants must contact us PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume: Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
TRANSCRIPTS- You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. If selected, an official/sealed transcript will be required prior to an appointment date being established.
DD-214 and/or SF-15 - To receive consideration including veteran's preference points, all veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 (copy Member #4). If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit your SF-15 (revised 12/04). The form is available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp. If you are a current service member, in lieu of a DD-214, you may submit a statement from your military personnel center certifying the nature and dates of your service and expected date of separation.
SCHEDULE A - To receive consideration for Schedule A appointment, you must submit your certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are likely to succeed in the performance of the position. The letter must be printed on the licensed medical professional's letterhead and must include a signature or it is invalid.
CTAP/ICTAP - If you are eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), a copy of your certificate of surplus status, certificate of expected separation, or a specific Reduction-in-Force notice establishing your eligibility under CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualification requirements for the vacant position to include any selective factors; meet the definition of best qualified (GOLD Category); and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Supporting documents may either be uploaded or faxed to 571-258-4052. The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays). The requested information MUST be received by fax within 48 hours prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement (not including Saturdays, Sundays or government holidays).
NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration.
Applicants who fail to submit all the required documentation listed above, in addition to their resumes, will be considered ineligible for further consideration for this announcement.
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.
Applications submitted via WWW.USAJOBS.GOV must be received before midnight eastern time on the closing date of the announcement. No extensions will be granted. If you fail to submit a COMPLETE on-line resume, you WILL NOT be considered for this position. Please make sure that the experience/education as described on your resume contains accurate and sufficient information that clearly supports your responses to all of the questions for this position. If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible. If applying on-line poses a hardship to any applicant, applicants must contact us PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE to speak to someone who can provide assistance for on-line submission. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
DOT, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your application status by the servicing human resources specialist via e-mail. It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file and remove any restrictions from your e-mail account that may prohibit our contacting you via e-mail. You may also check the status of your application at WWW.USAJOBS.GOV.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
