GS-12:
The primary purpose of this position: This is a developmental position. All training must be completed and regulatory requirements met prior to promotion.
GS-13:
The primary purpose of this position is: This is a developmental position. All training must be completed and regulatory requirements met prior to promotion. Restructured GS-0905-13 target 14.
Summary
GS-12:
The primary purpose of this position: This is a developmental position. All training must be completed and regulatory requirements met prior to promotion.
GS-13:
The primary purpose of this position is: This is a developmental position. All training must be completed and regulatory requirements met prior to promotion. Restructured GS-0905-13 target 14.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide complete legal services that will facilitate the United States Air Force's successful execution of its acquisitions. As the world's leader in military flight operations, the Air Force frequently procures complex aviation systems and services that support and are vital to its mission to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace.
DUTIES: GS-12:
With some supervision, the incumbent conducts legal research on difficult legal or factual questions in connection to bid protests and contract dispute litigation pending before the United States Government Accountability Office ("GAO"), the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals ("ASBCA") or the federal courts.
With some supervision, the incumbent prepares written legal products, pleadings and litigation documents for the assigned senior counsel's review and use (e.g., the Agency Report required by GAO Bid Protest Regulation 4 C.F.R. Section 21.3(d), the Rule 4 file required by the ASBCA, and other, non-litigation related legal documents).
Whenever litigation is undertaken, the incumbent will be given responsibility for some phase of the written or oral proceeding. Examples include drafting the agency's written memoranda of law or conducting the examination and cross-examination, under the guidance of the assigned senior trial counsel.
GS-13:
The incumbent is assigned work from the Supervisory Attorney, a Principal Senior Trial Attorney, and/or the AFLOA/JAQ Director of the Commercial Litigation Directorate.
Maintains Highest Level of Federal Acquisition Subject Matter Expertise. The incumbent maintains federal acquisition subject matter expertise by independently reviewing and researching changes in federal procurement statute, regulation, executive branch policy and case precedent.
Prepares Authoritative Written Products. Incumbent prepares required memoranda of fact and law and other critical litigation pleadings (e.g., the Agency Report required by GAO Bid Protest Regulation 4 C.F.R. Section 21.3 or the Rule 4 File required by the ASBCA Rule 4 File) and other, non-litigation-related legal documents, with minimum supervision.
GS-14:
The incumbent is assigned by the designated Supervisory Attorney, Principal Senior Trial Attorney or, on occasion, by the Director of the AFLOA/JAQ Commercial Litigation Directorate to serve as the primary attorney charged with the preparation and presentation of the United States Department of the Air Force's position in multiple federal procurement litigations (e.g., bid protests, contract disputes, etc.) before administrative tribunals and/or federal courts (e.g., the Government Accountability Office ("GAO"); the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals ("ASBCA"); or the United States Court of Federal Claims).
Maintains Highest Level of Federal Acquisition Matter Expertise & Provides Reliable Legal Advice. Independently, executes legal analysis relevant to the Air Force's procurement mission. Maintains federal acquisition subject matter expertise by independently keeping apprised and researching changes in federal procurement statute, regulation, executive branch policy and case precedent.
If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
Attorney appointments are subject to serve a one-year probationary period.
Candidates are not required to have active duty service or veterans’ preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Incumbent must be currently licensed, active and in good standing as an attorney in a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Incumbent is required to submit an initial and annual OGE 450 (Financial Disclosure) in accordance with the Joint Ethics Regulation
Overtime may be required
Temporary duty travel may be required
Must be able to obtain and maintain secret clearance
Incumbent must be active and in good standing with his or her bar
Position will be developmental to the target grade of GS-14. Upon completion of appropriate training and time in grade requirement, incumbent may be noncompetitively promoted to the next grade.
Qualifications
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
GS-12: Specialized experience: I have a first professional law degree (LLB or JD) AND I have two (2) years professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level, OR I have a second professional law degree (LL.M.), plus one year of professional legal experience at the GS-11 level. Professional legal experience must include Research and respond to difficult legal questions and methods of research, analyzing, interpreting, and applying Federal and State laws, regulations, policy directives, contracts, and other legal instruments; Examine, interpret, and advise on cases, instruments, directives, and makes recommended improvements or reversal of any adverse trends with attention to high risk/problem prone areas of adjudication; Provide legal advice on high-level inquiries, proposed legislation, policies, and regulations where a legal or legal related issues is involved; Develop solutions to problems involving highly intricate legal, factual, and political questions, and provides correct, practical legal advice and services in a timely manner.
GS-13: Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirement, you must have professional legal experience in excess of two (2) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities.
GS-14: Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
GS-12:
1. Graduation from an accredited law school (J.D.) and active membership in good standing in the bar of a State or the District of Columbia.
2. Proficiency in legal research methods, including familiarity with on-line legal databases and other agency resources.
3. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate authoritative oral legal advice concerning the various stages of contracting, acquisition and procurement management.
4. Skill in interpreting the law and applying it to specific situations and the exercise of legal judgment.
5. Ability to render authoritative written and legal opinions and products involving extremely complex and difficult legal problems arising from the formation and management of contracts.
6. Highly skilled in reviewing all legal documents (e.g., agency contractual instruments, pleadings, discovery, and other non-litigation related legal documents) for legal sufficiency and protection of the government's interests.
GS-13:
1. Graduation from an accredited law school (J.D.) and active membership in good standing in the bar of a State or the District of Columbia.
2. In excess of three (3) plus years of experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. An LL.M. in federal procurement can be substituted for one (1) year of relevant experience.
3. Ability to provide authoritative legal advice concerning the various stages of contracting, involving complex and difficult legal problems arising from the formation and management of government contracts.
4. Skill and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with both professionals and nonprofessionals.
5. Skill in interpreting the law and applying it to legally complex and factually complex situation and the exercise of legal judgment.
6. Ability to tactfully advise senior leadership, counsel and other agency officials on sensitive legal issues. Proficiency in legal research and familiarity with legal databases and other resources used to perform government contracting legal research.
GS-14:
1. Graduation from an accredited law school (J.D.) and active membership in good standing in the bar of a State or the District of Columbia. Ability to render authoritative written and legal opinions and products involving extremely complex and difficult legal problems arising from the formation and management of contracts.
2. At least four (4) years of federal acquisition related experience. The second professional degree (LL.M.) in government procurement can be substituted for one year of federal acquisition related experience. Highly skilled in reviewing all legal documents (e.g. agency contractual instruments, pleadings, discovery, and other non-litigation related legal documents) for legal sufficiency and protection of the government's interests.
3. Knowledge of procedural rules governing litigation at the United States Government Accountability Office, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and the United States Court of Federal Claims.
4. Knowledge of applicable federal procurement statutes, regulations (including the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Department of Defense regulations, and Air Force regulations) , case law, and Executive Orders and agency policy guidance applicable to government contracting, privatization, ethics, and acquisition.
5. Proficiency in legal research methods, including familiarity with on-line legal databases and other agency resources. Skill in interpreting the law and applying it to specific situations and exercise of legal judgment.
6. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate authoritative oral legal advice concerning the various stages of contracting, acquisition and procurement management.
At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional Conditions of Employment:
This is a developmental position that leads to the full performance level. The incumbent will receive on-the-job training designed to provide the opportunity to perform the duties at the full performance level. The incumbent may be noncompetitively promoted to the next performance level upon (1) satisfactorily completing the training requirements (2) satisfactorily performing at the next performance level (3) meeting all OPM legal and regulatory requirements for promotion and (4) recommendation for promotion by the supervisor.
Education
Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.
Additional information
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.
Applications who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
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.
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
Online Application: Questionnaire
Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
License: At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
Branch of Armed Forces
Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
Expected character of service/discharge (honorable/general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander
NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE:
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation to their submissions.
Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim Veterans Preference must submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service, and a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.)
NOTE: Applicants for attorney appointments do not require veterans' preference in order to be eligible for consideration.
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.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
5. Optional Documents: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
AF Legal Operations Agency - Pentagon
1720 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
Online Application: Questionnaire
Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
License: At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
Branch of Armed Forces
Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
Expected character of service/discharge (honorable/general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander
NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE:
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation to their submissions.
Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim Veterans Preference must submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service, and a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.)
NOTE: Applicants for attorney appointments do not require veterans' preference in order to be eligible for consideration.
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.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
5. Optional Documents: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
AF Legal Operations Agency - Pentagon
1720 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
