The ARPA-H is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Acquisitions and Contracting Office (ACO). This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See "Duties" section for a list of the major responsibilities.
As part of the SES, you will be among a group of highly skilled executives, contributing to one of the most important missions in the Federal government: to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.
Summary
The ARPA-H is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Acquisitions and Contracting Office (ACO). This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See "Duties" section for a list of the major responsibilities.
As part of the SES, you will be among a group of highly skilled executives, contributing to one of the most important missions in the Federal government: to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.
Applications will be accepted from all qualified applicants. Current SES employees, individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must apply to be considered for this position.
The Director, Acquisitions and Contracting Office provides executive leadership and oversight to ARPA-H in the areas of acquisitions, contracting, and procurement.
Through subordinate supervisors or team leaders, is accountable for the development, formulation, issuance, implementation, and evaluation of acquisition and grants policies and procedures.
Provides executive leadership for the continuous study, analysis, evaluation and improvement of agency-wide acquisition and grants activities.
This includes directing the development, issuance and evaluation of ARPA-H administrative and operating instructions pertaining to acquisition and grants and responsibility for the continuous surveillance, review, and evaluation of the agency's
delegated acquisition authorities, systems, and processes to assure compliance with DHHS policies, legal and regulatory requirements, and sound business management practices.
Has unlimited delegated contracting officer authority for ARPA-H and is considered ARPA-H's foremost technical expert and authority on all matters within the purview of the Acquisitions and Contracting Office's functional areas of responsibility.
Serves as ARPA-H's central point of contact with other Government agencies in acquisition and grants matters.
Serves as the Agency's principal decision-maker on all bid protests and contract claims against the Government and consults with the DHHS and/or the NIH as required.
Position is subject to a background investigation.
This position requires completion of a public financial disclosure report.
Qualifications
This vacancy requires that the selectee submit a narrative response to the Executive Core Qualifications.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
The ARPA-H seeks candidates who have a commitment to managerial excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to help build and lead within a dynamic and diverse organization. All competitive candidates for SES positions with the Federal Government must demonstrate leadership experience indicative of senior executive level management capability. Applicants must meet the requirements for the GS-1102 series as defined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Standards Manual for General Schedule Positions which is available at: OPM Qualifications Standards GS-1102 Website and demonstrate in your five (5) page resume that you possess the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) listed below. It is recommended that your resume emphasize levels of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, and program accomplishments and results.
You must have completed 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; Guidance on Business Related Coursework for the GS-1102 Contracting Series
OR
Occupied a GS-1102-14 position since at least January 1, 2000.
In addition: You must have completed all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to the GS-13 or higher level contracting positions, including at least 4 years of 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.
If selected, and if you are not currently employed by HHS in the 1102 series at the GS-14 level or above, you will be provided a reasonable timeframe to complete the mandatory training.
Additional Qualifications: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at the least the GS-14 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: providing technical leadership to contracting and procurement staff; reviewing and making recommendations on agency-wide acquisition policy and procedures; conducting oversight on and solving complex acquisition problems; developing and enforcing practices and procedures that ensure the organization is in compliance with applicable acquisition management laws, rules, and regulations; and representing the organization at high level conferences and meetings.
Candidates must possess experience at the senior level (GS-14/15 level or equivalent) in the following job-specific Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs). The PTQs measure technical expertise required by this position and must be addressed individually in narrative form in your submission.
PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs) (Mandatory):
Your responses to the below PTQs must be incorporated into your five (5) page resume. It is recommended that the corresponding PTQs are annotated in parenthesis. Separate PTQ narratives will not be accepted or considered.
Extensive experience in and comprehensive knowledge of Federal contracting and acquisition laws, policies, regulations, principles, and procedures of a Federal entity or the organizational equivalent within industry.
Demonstrated experience in directing and leading procurement operations and providing strategic enterprise leadership; including formulating objectives and priorities, enhancing organizational effectiveness and efficiency, utilizing other transaction authority to acquire services and supplies, and implementing plans to meet the acquisition requirements of a Federal entity or the organizational equivalent within industry.
Highly skilled at negotiating and communicating high-level decisions to senior staff, executive level appointees within a Federal entity or the organizational equivalent within industry, and other high-level Executive officials.
Senior-level experience which demonstrates a commitment to building and managing strong working relationships that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Political, Schedule C, Non-career SES Appointee*: In the last five years, based on the closing date of this announcement, have you been or are you currently an employee in the Executive Branch serving on a political, Schedule C, or Non-career SES appointment? If yes, and you are selected through this vacancy announcement, you may be required to obtain approval by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to beginning employment. (If you have this experience, please include within your 5-page resume)
*A political appointee is an appointment made by the President without confirmation by the Senate (5 CFR 213.3102(c)) OR an Assistant position to a top-level Federal official if filled by a person designated by the President as a White House Fellow (5 CFR 213.3102(z)). A Non-career SES appointee is approved by the White House and serves at the pleasure of the appointing official without time limitations. A Schedule C appointee occupies a position excepted from the competitive service by the President, or by the Director, OPM, because of the confidential or policy-determining nature of the position duties.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) (Mandatory for Selectee):
If selected, you MUST submit a narrative statement in response to each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) listed below.
It is STRONGLY recommended that you visit the following Office of Personnel Management (OPM) webpage for more information regarding the Fundamental Competencies and how to write your ECQs. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/#url=Overview
Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from the selectee prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.
Additional information
The ARPA-H is located in the Washington, DC Metro Area.
Travel and Transportation expenses may be authorized in accordance with applicable Federal Travel Regulations governing the relocation of current Federal employees and new appointees.
A one-year probationary period must be served by the individual selected if not currently or previously in the career Senior Executive Service.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the DHHS within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at DHHS. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the vacancy of interest and not rely on this possibility as a means of securing employment.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure: The NIH inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at the NIH Ethics website. We encourage you to review this information.
This position requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.
Financial Suitability: It is the policy of the government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience will 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 an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Equality is held as one of the most important values here at NIH. Selection for this, and any other position, will be based solely on merit. NIH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.
If you are a hearing impaired individual seeking assistance with the application process, you may contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in this announcement by phoning a relay operator at 711. For additional information see Maryland Relay.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly: NIH Reasonable Accommodations Website. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Selective Service: As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
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.
We use a multi-step process to evaluate and refer applicants:
Minimum requirements: Your application must show that you meet all requirements, including the education and/or experience required for this position. You may be found 'not qualified' if you do not possess the minimum competencies required for the position. If your application is incomplete, we may rate you as ineligible.
Rating: A panel of Senior Executives will review your application and evaluate your qualification for this position based on the information in your application. Your application will be rated, based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. Interviews will be at the discretion of the panel and/or selection official.
Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to a selection official for consideration and possible interview.
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.
Your application, regardless of the format, must describe your job-related qualifications pertinent to this position. The announcement number must be entered on the first page of your application. Please submit:
Five (5) page resume that contains your full name and contact information. Your resume should not exceed the five (5) page limit. When submitting your resume, please ensure that your address has been redacted and that you provide a reachable phone number and email address. Please label your resume and supporting documentation with your Last Name/First Name. Document type (resume/narrative).
In addition to your five (5) page resume, please include a one (1) page narrative statement indicating how you have promoted equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and describe your mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women, persons with disabilities, and persons from racial/ethnic or other underrepresented groups.
Separate PTQ narratives will not be accepted or considered. The corresponding PTQs are recommended to be annotated in parenthesis within your five (5) page resume.
Do not include your date of birth or Social Security Number on the application materials.
Current civil service employees must submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your position, title, series, grade, current salary, and eligibility.
If you are a current or former SES employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your position, title, series, grade, and eligibility.
If you are a current or former SES, you must submit a copy of your SF-50 showing your completion of the SES probationary period.
If you are an SES Candidate Development Program Candidate and your ECQs have been approved by OPM, please provide certificate/documentation indicating OPM approval.
You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from the selectee prior to receiving an official offer.
NOTES: Please do not submit unsolicited material such as publications, personal endorsements, performance appraisals, award certificates, proof of Veterans' Preference, etc., as these items will not be included in the rating process and will be discarded. (Veterans' Preference does not apply to positions in the Senior Executive Service.) All application materials are subject to the provisions of the DHHS Privacy Act and become the property of the Department of Health and Human Services. Any additional information needed will be requested prior to appointment.
FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
This announcement is located on the ARPA-H website under "Careers" and also on the NIH Home Page under "Executive Careers."Additional information regarding ARPA-H may be found at the ARPA-H website
NOTE: Failure to comply with the required application procedures may result in non-consideration of your application.
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.
Applicants must submit application materials ELECTRONICALLY by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre@od.nih.gov
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Dr
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
You will receive an email informing you of the receipt of your application. See "How You Will Be Evaluated" for a complete list of the next steps.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your application, regardless of the format, must describe your job-related qualifications pertinent to this position. The announcement number must be entered on the first page of your application. Please submit:
Five (5) page resume that contains your full name and contact information. Your resume should not exceed the five (5) page limit. When submitting your resume, please ensure that your address has been redacted and that you provide a reachable phone number and email address. Please label your resume and supporting documentation with your Last Name/First Name. Document type (resume/narrative).
In addition to your five (5) page resume, please include a one (1) page narrative statement indicating how you have promoted equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and describe your mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women, persons with disabilities, and persons from racial/ethnic or other underrepresented groups.
Separate PTQ narratives will not be accepted or considered. The corresponding PTQs are recommended to be annotated in parenthesis within your five (5) page resume.
Do not include your date of birth or Social Security Number on the application materials.
Current civil service employees must submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your position, title, series, grade, current salary, and eligibility.
If you are a current or former SES employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your position, title, series, grade, and eligibility.
If you are a current or former SES, you must submit a copy of your SF-50 showing your completion of the SES probationary period.
If you are an SES Candidate Development Program Candidate and your ECQs have been approved by OPM, please provide certificate/documentation indicating OPM approval.
You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from the selectee prior to receiving an official offer.
NOTES: Please do not submit unsolicited material such as publications, personal endorsements, performance appraisals, award certificates, proof of Veterans' Preference, etc., as these items will not be included in the rating process and will be discarded. (Veterans' Preference does not apply to positions in the Senior Executive Service.) All application materials are subject to the provisions of the DHHS Privacy Act and become the property of the Department of Health and Human Services. Any additional information needed will be requested prior to appointment.
FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
This announcement is located on the ARPA-H website under "Careers" and also on the NIH Home Page under "Executive Careers."Additional information regarding ARPA-H may be found at the ARPA-H website
NOTE: Failure to comply with the required application procedures may result in non-consideration of your application.
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.
Applicants must submit application materials ELECTRONICALLY by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre@od.nih.gov
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Dr
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
You will receive an email informing you of the receipt of your application. See "How You Will Be Evaluated" for a complete list of the next steps.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
