Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens. Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Subject position(s) will be filled through the Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF): https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/intelligence-and-cybersecurity-diversity-fellowship-program

Start your Information Technology career here with us at the Office of Cyberspace Forces! We are among the best places to work in the Coast Guard and U.S. Government.

The Office of Cyberspace Forces maintain the Coast Guard Enterprise Mission Platform, including the networks and information systems that are part of the DoD Information Network (DoDIN Operations) and any Coast Guard networks and information that store or process Coast Guard data.  We develop optimum cyber force structure and conduct defensive and offensive Cyber Operations.  We evaluate, analyze, and identify Authorities, Capabilities, Competencies, Capacities, and Partnerships (ACCCP) necessary to meet Cyberspace mission requirements and develop and manage new service-wide policy with respect to cyberspace operations, maintenance, readiness, geographic distribution, mission specific training, human factors determinations, analysis, research and development, investigations of policy violations, surveys, and service-wide cultural adaptation to evolving cyber threats and changing policy.

Being a CG civilian makes you a valuable member of the CG team. Typical work assignments include: 

• Communicate the value of information technology (IT) security throughout all levels of the organization stakeholders
• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish the enterprise continuity of operations program, strategy, and mission assurance
• Evaluate cost/benefit, economic, and risk analysis in decision-making process
• Identify organizational policy stakeholders
• Review existing and proposed policies with stakeholders
• Develop and implement standardized position descriptions based on established cyber work roles
• Review/Assess cyber workforce effectiveness to adjust skill and/or qualification standards

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Unofficial transcripts are required at the time of application.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

There are several parts of the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application: Resume Responses to on-line core questions; Responses to on-line self-assessment; Supporting documents if requested.

High self assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume and/or supporting documents may impact you or eliminate you from consideration.

To apply, applicants must: 

1. Be a U.S. Citizen.
2. Be currently enrolled as a freshman, sophomore, or junior at an institution of higher learning, with a particular focus on Minority Serving Institutions – specifically, Historically Black College or University.   
3. Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and remain in good academic standing (3.2 GPA or higher) throughout the duration of the fellowship program.
4. Have a declared major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Information Technology (IT), cybersecurity, or intelligence-related field.  
5. Be a sophomore, junior, or senior by the start of appointment, and maintain enrollment on a full-time basis.

More information on the ICDF Program can be found at:

Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

Candidates also:

1. Must remain in good academic standing as defined by the school, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; 
2. Must have declared a major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Information Technology (IT), cybersecurity, or intelligence-related field; 
3. Must maintain enrollment on a full-time basis and remain in good academic standing throughout the duration of the fellowship program, if selected; 
4. Meet the DHS developed qualifications standards prior to appointment and any physical, suitability, security requirements and if applicable medical clearance; and 
5. If selected, must commit to twelve (12) consecutive weeks of full-time summer employment from the date of onboarding.

Qualifications

The Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Program is a Congressionally-mandated program designed to help DHS recruit, retain, and reward the best and brightest. The program provides qualified students opportunities to work alongside highly skilled intelligence and cybersecurity professionals at DHS, gain hands-on technical experience, interact with experts and peers at professional development events, and expand their professional network. This program is funded by the DHS Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer.

Basic Eligibility:

In order to be eligible as an intern under the Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program (ICDF), you must be considered a socially disadvantaged student, currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI). A qualifying educational institution is defined as a college and/or university and educational institutions or curricula accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Candidates also:

• Must remain in good academic standing as defined by the school, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
• Must have declared a major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Information Technology (IT), cybersecurity, or intelligence-related field;
• Must maintain enrollment on a full-time basis and remain in good academic standing throughout the duration of the fellowship program, if selected;
• Meet the DHS developed qualifications standards prior to appointment and any physical, suitability, security requirements and if applicable medical clearance; and
• If selected, must commit to twelve (12) consecutive weeks of full-time summer employment from the date of onboarding.

Qualifications:

To qualify for the GS-3 level: 

Applicants must possess 6 months of general experience OR 1 year of successfully completed education above high school.

To qualify for the GS-4 level: 

Applicants must possess 1 year of general experience OR 2 full years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Program Completion and Placement Process:

Those who successfully complete the program, and who are eligible, may enter the placement process for employment within DHS in an excepted service or competitive service position. Permanent placement is not guaranteed, but the expectation is that projected growth within DHS in intelligence and cybersecurity will provide a variety of employment opportunities.

To be eligible for the placement process, participants must have completed the following:
• Obtained a bachelor’s degree in a STEM, IT, cybersecurity, or intelligence field;
• GPA of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
• Completed 480 hours of work at the Department;
• Participated in designated technical and core training;
• Collaborated with subject matter expert mentors in intelligence and cybersecurity; and
• Completed a challenge project (as designated by the agency).

Veterans' preference does not apply to selection for positions in the ICDF Program per Pub. Law No. 116-260. 

Program Benefits:

• First-hand, practical experience in intelligence or cybersecurity disciplines;
• Individual Development Plans (IDP) providing a roadmap for professional development;
• Participation in high priority challenging projects;
• Formal and informal training in core and technical competencies;
• Access to mentors who will provide advice and support; and
• May be eligible for tuition assistance.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your résumé and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using the on-line assessment to place you in one of three categories.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:

1. Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
2. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Your resume and responses to the self-assessment questions are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. Therefore, you must support your responses to the self-assessment questions by providing examples of past and present experience in your resume.