The FirstNet Authority is an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that oversees FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety. The FirstNet Authority was established via the Middle Class Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (the Act) in light of September 11th, which revealed fundamental problems with communications systems used by our nation's first responders. FirstNet is built through a public-private partnership with AT&T that launched in 2017.
Summary
The FirstNet Authority is an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that oversees FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety. The FirstNet Authority was established via the Middle Class Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (the Act) in light of September 11th, which revealed fundamental problems with communications systems used by our nation's first responders. FirstNet is built through a public-private partnership with AT&T that launched in 2017.
The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) is responsible for the comprehensive strategic short- and long-term planning for the FirstNet Authority's acquisition portfolio, which includes all goals, objectives, and operational needs. Major responsibilities include:
Responsible for the overall/comprehensive executive level management in the areas of procurement, purchasing and contracts administration. Acts as an advisor to the senior management team and the FirstNet Authority on issues related to procurement, purchasing, contracts and contract administration. Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures governing FirstNet Authority procurement, purchase card procurement and contracting; leading efforts to ensure proper service is provided and that all information and materials provided to FirstNet Authority staff, vendors, and other stakeholders are accurate, up-to-date, and understandable. Leads contractual discussions and engagements with FirstNet Authority contractors. Participates in joint planning with partner contractor within the FirstNet Public-Private Partnership.
Provide direction in contract formation, contract negotiations and contract administration pertaining to the procurement of goods and services for the FirstNet Authority. Provides technical direction and guidance as needed to program offices and staff in the preparation of procurement plans and on all aspects of contract formation to include solicitation, source selection and contract documents, and the review, analysis and technical evaluation of bids or proposals. Incumbent has unlimited procurement authority for the FirstNet Authority's acquisition program. Implements and oversees systems and tools to monitor, evaluate, and assess the effectiveness of procurement, purchasing and contracts administration and related activities, and develops recommendations for continuous improvement. Oversees the FirstNet Authority's procedural development, training, contract tracking, and vendor performance assessment. Assesses current procurement, purchasing and contract administration/compliance function, identifies policy and procedural changes for streamlining and improving the procurement system as well as promoting competition and fulfillment of Departmental procurement goals and programs.
Provide executive level management of personnel, to include hiring, coaching and recommending personnel actions. Provides timely review of, and feedback on all applicable individual performance plans and evaluations. Coaches and mentors FirstNet Authority procurement staff as able and/or necessary, and appropriately addresses employee conflicts and disciplinary actions. Responsible for the general day-to-day management and supervision of subordinate managers and other assigned staff.
Lead efforts to plan, secure approval of, and follow through on comprehensive long term acquisition goals, objectives, and operational needs. Spearhead engagement with Departmental acquisition executives to ensure timely approval of appropriate procurement actions. Support FirstNet Authority engagement with Departmental briefings related to the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network contract and other procurement-related matters. Monitor projects, initiatives, and day-to-day functions and responsibilities controlled by, assigned to, or associated with the CPO's staff. Review recommendations for improvements, modifications and/or enhancements to assure responsiveness to changing requirements. Assign, oversee, and monitor the development, implementation, and modification of internal workplace policies, standards, procedures, practices, and communication programs.
Work cooperatively with the other FirstNet Authority officers and supports them in formulating and implementing goals and priorities of the organization and developing and successfully implementing programs and activities to meet established objectives.
Oversee the conception, development and implementation of procurement- related training for non-procurement FirstNet Authority personnel to ensure proper contract oversight and engagement. Collaborate with FirstNet Authority executives and program offices to develop procurement solutions to unique challenges. Engage external auditors and respond to audits and reviews on behalf of the FirstNet Authority. Develop and implement improvements based on external reviews and feedback. The CPO is also expected to collaborate with stakeholders and leverage public safety consultation throughout the creation of requests for proposals.
All members of the SES are subject to geographic relocation.
A one-year probationary period is required for new SES members.
Subject to pre-employment and employment random drug testing.
Public Financial Disclosure (SF-278 filing within 30 days is required).
Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Level III (FAC-C Level III) required.
OPM approval is required before appointing any current or former political appointee to a permanent position in the civil service. This includes anyone who has been a political appointee in the last five years. Applicants are advised that the Department of Commerce will request information regarding the vaccination status of applicants for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
Qualifications
All candidates for SES positions with the Federal Government must demonstrate leadership experience indicative of senior executive level management capability.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, your resume should demonstrate that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), and the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ's), listed below.
It is recommended that your resume emphasize levels of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, and program accomplishments and results. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the equivalent of the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state and local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet all executive and technical qualification factors will automatically exclude you from further consideration.
Executive Core Qualifications: The following are the five ECQs and their competencies. The ECQs were developed to assess executive experience and potential, not to evaluate technical experience. ECQs measure whether an individual has the broad experience needed to succeed in a variety of SES positions.
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. (Competencies: creativity and innovation, external awareness, flexibility, resilience, strategic thinking, vision).
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.(Competencies: conflict management, leveraging diversity, developing others, team building).
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. (Competencies: accountability, customer service, decisiveness, entrepreneurship, problem solving, technical credibility).
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.(Competencies: financial management, human capital management, technology management).
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. (Competencies: partnering, political savvy, influencing/negotiating).
Demonstrated experience in professional, executive level procurement, purchasing and contracts administration including significant knowledge of applicable acquisition laws and regulations, as well as contract administration and termination methods.
Demonstrated experience managing a substantial procurement organization including 1) planning, project management, budget formulation (personnel and program), and procurement systems, and 2) serving both internal and external customers, and effectively communicating with external stakeholders, including high level corporate and government executives.
Demonstrated experience in planning, developing, and implementing a contracting strategy as principal contracting advisor for a large acquisition program with multiple major acquisitions, including those of unprecedented nature and complexity or which have had a material influence on critical agency- level programs.
IF SELECTED, you will be required to complete an ECQ package by drafting narratives for each of the ECQs and be certified by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in order to be placed in this position. If you are currently serving in a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program and your ECQs were certified by an OPM QRB, you WILL NOT need to draft the ECQs.
Education
This position has a positive education requirement. Therefore, you MUST provide documentation supporting any education claims in your application. This documentation can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade.
A. Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions, including at least 4-years experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position. And
B. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
FEDERAL ACQUISITION CERTIFICATION. For additional information, please go to www.fai.gov.
Applicants currently holding a FAC-C/DAWIA Level III certification are considered to have met all mandatory training requirements for this announcement. You must submit your certification with application package.
Additional information
Background Investigation/Clearance: This position is designated as Critical-Sensitive, High Risk (Top Secret).
Financial Disclosure: This position is covered under the Ethics in Government Act, which requires comprehensive financial disclosures from employees. The appointee will be required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278), within 30 days after his/her appointment, and then annually thereafter.
Qualifications Approval and Probationary Period: Persons newly selected for career appointment to the Senior Executive Service must have their executive core qualifications approved by an Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Review Board and will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Mobility: Individuals selected for Senior Executive Service positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines.
Application materials: The materials you send with your application will not be returned.
Veterans' preference: VETERAN'S PREFERENCE IS NOT APPLICABLE TO POSITIONS IN THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE.
SSN: You will be required to enter your full social security number (SSN) only to initially access and create an account at the OPM USAJOBS website; however, only the last four digits will appear in your resume. Please DO NOT put your SSN on pages within your application package. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature: Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements: If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. The Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer.
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.
Resume (not to exceed five pages) review. Your resume should demonstrate possession of the technical qualifications and executive core qualifications. Typically, experience demonstrating the technical and executive core qualifications will have been gained at or above the equivalent of the GS-15 or its equivalent with state and local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Follow the instructions in the vacancy announcement carefully when preparing your resume and adhere to the page limitations. Any pages in excess of the page limit will not be considered.
Basic qualification determination.
Rating panel assessment of your executive core qualifications and professional technical qualifications.
Structured interview and possible further interviews.
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.
This is a resume-based recruitment. Applicants are required to submit only a resume which must provide detailed evidence of how they meet the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs).
Resume that does not exceed the five (5) page limit. (ECQ and PTQ sample experience should be incorporated in the resume and not separately).
Additional documents you may submit:
For current Senior Executive or individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility - You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your career appointment status in the SES.
For OPM QRB certified SES Candidate Development Program graduates - You are encouraged to submit your OPM certificate of QRB ECQ approval.
For current Federal employees - You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your current tenure, position title, series, and pay.
FAC-C Level III Certification or equivalency certification. Please indicate in your application your level and source of certification or eligibility for certification, if applicable.
College Transcripts. Note: This position has a positive education requirement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit transcripts or a list of applicable courses with their application package. This also applies to status applicants who are applying to a position in a different occupational series than they are currently or were previously appointed. Applicants who do not submit their transcripts (or list of applicable course work) will be evaluated based on the information provided in their application package (and/or resume) along with their responses to a self-certification question asking if they meet the basic qualifications listed in the vacancy announcement. Those deemed tentatively qualified will be referred for consideration. If selected, applicants will be required to provide an official transcript prior to entry on duty. If the official transcript does not support the educational requirements of the position, the applicant will be considered ineligible for the position.
Documents not listed above including writing samples, recommendation letters, narrative ECQ and PTQ statements, and proof of veteran status will not be considered and will not be forwarded to the rating panel or selecting official.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, answer the online vacancy questions, and submit all required documents.
The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Nicole McFadden, the servicing Human Resources Specialist, either by e-mail at nmcfadden@doc.gov or by telephone at 202-809-7468. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users may contact us via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.
Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying on-line for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application. If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please call 1-877-662-7730 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST (excluding Federal holidays) for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement.
As the Applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. A complete application package consists of the following:
1. Resume and responses to the online job questions submitted via this website. Your resume should include the following information:
a. Your full name, mailing address (including zip code), and day and evening telephone numbers.
b. Paid and Non-paid job-related work experience. For each job listed you are to provide:
(1) Job title
(2) Duties and accomplishments
(3) Employers' name and address
(4) Supervisor's name and phone number
(5) Starting and ending dates (month and year)
(6) Hours per week
(7) Salary
(8) If Federal; Title, Series, and grade/pay band.
c. Education. Provide name, city and state of all schools attended; i.e., colleges and universities, vocational, trade, business, technical. Provide dates of attendance, major, and type and year of any degrees received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
d. Other Job Related Qualifications Information: Provide training courses, special skills you possess, certificates and licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, etc., applicable to the position.
First Responder Network Authority
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
M/S 243
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
The Executive Resources Operations Staff will provide notification of applicant status through periodic emails at the four points of the hiring process, as applicable, in a timely fashion. The four points of notification are: Application Received; Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Not Met; Panel Rating of Best Qualified (Application referred to the Selecting Official) or Panel Rating of Qualified/Not Qualified (Application not referred to Selecting Official); and Selected or Not Selected.Applicants can check the status of their application at any time after the announcement closes by accessing USAJOBS website.Select "My USAJOBS" and enter your ID and password. Click the link titled "Applications" and select the link under "Application Status" next to the name of the announcement. Your status will be updated as changes occur. If you have any questions, you may contact the Human Resources Specialist at the telephone number listed in the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This is a resume-based recruitment. Applicants are required to submit only a resume which must provide detailed evidence of how they meet the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs).
Resume that does not exceed the five (5) page limit. (ECQ and PTQ sample experience should be incorporated in the resume and not separately).
Additional documents you may submit:
For current Senior Executive or individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility - You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your career appointment status in the SES.
For OPM QRB certified SES Candidate Development Program graduates - You are encouraged to submit your OPM certificate of QRB ECQ approval.
For current Federal employees - You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your current tenure, position title, series, and pay.
FAC-C Level III Certification or equivalency certification. Please indicate in your application your level and source of certification or eligibility for certification, if applicable.
College Transcripts. Note: This position has a positive education requirement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit transcripts or a list of applicable courses with their application package. This also applies to status applicants who are applying to a position in a different occupational series than they are currently or were previously appointed. Applicants who do not submit their transcripts (or list of applicable course work) will be evaluated based on the information provided in their application package (and/or resume) along with their responses to a self-certification question asking if they meet the basic qualifications listed in the vacancy announcement. Those deemed tentatively qualified will be referred for consideration. If selected, applicants will be required to provide an official transcript prior to entry on duty. If the official transcript does not support the educational requirements of the position, the applicant will be considered ineligible for the position.
Documents not listed above including writing samples, recommendation letters, narrative ECQ and PTQ statements, and proof of veteran status will not be considered and will not be forwarded to the rating panel or selecting official.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, answer the online vacancy questions, and submit all required documents.
The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Nicole McFadden, the servicing Human Resources Specialist, either by e-mail at nmcfadden@doc.gov or by telephone at 202-809-7468. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users may contact us via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.
Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying on-line for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application. If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please call 1-877-662-7730 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST (excluding Federal holidays) for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement.
As the Applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. A complete application package consists of the following:
1. Resume and responses to the online job questions submitted via this website. Your resume should include the following information:
a. Your full name, mailing address (including zip code), and day and evening telephone numbers.
b. Paid and Non-paid job-related work experience. For each job listed you are to provide:
(1) Job title
(2) Duties and accomplishments
(3) Employers' name and address
(4) Supervisor's name and phone number
(5) Starting and ending dates (month and year)
(6) Hours per week
(7) Salary
(8) If Federal; Title, Series, and grade/pay band.
c. Education. Provide name, city and state of all schools attended; i.e., colleges and universities, vocational, trade, business, technical. Provide dates of attendance, major, and type and year of any degrees received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
d. Other Job Related Qualifications Information: Provide training courses, special skills you possess, certificates and licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, etc., applicable to the position.
First Responder Network Authority
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
M/S 243
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
The Executive Resources Operations Staff will provide notification of applicant status through periodic emails at the four points of the hiring process, as applicable, in a timely fashion. The four points of notification are: Application Received; Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Not Met; Panel Rating of Best Qualified (Application referred to the Selecting Official) or Panel Rating of Qualified/Not Qualified (Application not referred to Selecting Official); and Selected or Not Selected.Applicants can check the status of their application at any time after the announcement closes by accessing USAJOBS website.Select "My USAJOBS" and enter your ID and password. Click the link titled "Applications" and select the link under "Application Status" next to the name of the announcement. Your status will be updated as changes occur. If you have any questions, you may contact the Human Resources Specialist at the telephone number listed in the announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
