This position is in the Senior Executive Service, a small elite group of top government leaders. SES members possess a diverse portfolio of experiences including strong skills to lead across organizations. As an executive, you will influence the direction of innovation and transformation of the federal government and lead the next generation of public servants.
Summary
This position is in the Senior Executive Service, a small elite group of top government leaders. SES members possess a diverse portfolio of experiences including strong skills to lead across organizations. As an executive, you will influence the direction of innovation and transformation of the federal government and lead the next generation of public servants.
Directs the review, analysis, and reasonableness of contractor indirect costs, a function that accounts for up to 60% of the Department’s major program costs, valued at hundreds of billions of dollars annually.
Develops and implements long-range strategic goals and establishing enterprise-wide policies, procedures, and metrics to improve the application of cost and pricing principles across the agency.
Provides executive leadership and career development to a professional workforce of over 850 personnel across 147 geographically dispersed locations.
Leads special financial reviews and high-visibility Overhead Should Cost Reviews (OHSCRs) that have historically resulted in billions of dollars in recommended cost avoidance for the DoD.
Directs the in-depth financial analysis of contractors to provide critical "High-Risk No-Award" recommendations, which form the basis for contract award decisions and protect government interests.
Provides strategic direction and oversight for the evaluation of major, complex proposals and subcontractor reviews, often addressing issues of national importance.
Establishes and directs review teams to assess the adequacy of contractor business systems (e.g., accounting, estimating, purchasing, EVMS) to ensure only warranted costs are reimbursed.
Acts as the primary technical cost advisor on DoD-wide policy issues (e.g., executive compensation, pension costs) and representing the agency's position to government and industry stakeholders.
Holds ultimate responsibility for evaluating contractor compliance with CAS and determining the acceptability or rejection of costs incurred on major weapon systems programs.
Maintains responsibility for commercial item determinations and pricing recommendations that are relied upon by Procuring Contracting Officers across all DoD buying activities.
Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, where reciprocity cannot be applied; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
Security Requirements: Must be able to obtain/maintain Special Sensitive, Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance
Designated and/or random drug testing is required
Mobility Agreement: All newly appointed Career SES members must sign the Reassignment Rights obligations Agreement.
Probationary Period: You will serve a one-year Senior Executive Service (SES) probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
Financial Disclosure: Senior Executives are required to comply with the provisions of the Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521, which requires the submission of a financial disclosure statement (OGE-278), upon assuming an SES position.
Senior Executives are required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment," (OF 306), prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background check.
Work Schedule: Full Time
Veterans preference is not applicable in the Senior Executive Service.
Overtime: None
Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or Holidays.
Reemployed Annuitant: Does not meet criteria. The DoD criteria for hiring Reemployed Annuitants can be found at: http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
The position is designated as a Critical Acquisition Position. Incumbent will be required to sign a written tenure agreement to remain, for a minimum of three years, in the Federal Service in the Critical Acquisition Position.
DAWIA (Back to Basics) Certification: CAP: Position is a DoD Critical Acquisition Position and requires DoD Acquisition Contracting, Professional certification within required timeframes.
CAP Req continued : Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years and sign a written agreement to remain in Federal service in the position for at least three years.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess specialized experience and have developed the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position.
As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability, and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service, or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or nongovernmental organizations. Candidates must demonstrate the following:
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) and TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs)There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). However, to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the ECQs and TQs within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will be disqualified.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):
1. Expert knowledge of government contract cost and pricing regulatory guidance and expertise in financial analysis, in-depth analysis of direct and indirect cost and forward pricing issues, proposal analysis, and financial capability assessments.
2. In-depth knowledge of contract administration and business forecasting with extensive experience defending, negotiating, recommending, influencing, or advocating significant and/or controversial issues or positions that determine the acceptability of important cost matters involving major DoW contractors.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
ECO 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECO 2 - Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECO 3 - Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECO 4 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECO 5 - Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
DoD Joint Enterprise-Wide Experience Statement: In addition to qualification requirements described above, the DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess the ability to apply a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives must demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. A separate narrative statement is not required. This information should be embedded within the application package.
Failure to meet any one of the technical qualifications requirements automatically disqualifies an applicant.
B. Critical Acquisition Position (CAP) Requirements:
Must have 10 years of acquisition experience in an Acquisition Workforce position-- at least 4 years of which was performed while assigned as a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP).
Must be a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps upon entry into the position.
Must possess a Contracting (C) / CON, Professional (Foundational) acquisition certification.
The best-qualified candidates will be distinguished from other applicants by an evaluation panel of senior level subject matter experts and executives referencing the technical and executive core qualifications.
Education
Candidates must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the Contracting Series, 1102.
In accordance with Section 1732 of Title 10, U.S.C, Defense Acquisition Corp Eligibility Criteria for 1102 positions require a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution and one of the following:
24 semester credit hours from among the following disciplines: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and organization and management.
24 semester credit hours in the person's career field and 12 semester credit hours in the disciplines listed above. Credit hours within the person's career field may also satisfy the requirement for part or all of the 12 credit hours in the disciplines listed above. The same hours may be used to meet both requirements.
24 semester credit hours in the person's career field and training equivalent (American Council on Education recommended credits) to 12 semester credit hours in the disciplines listed above.
This requirement does not apply* to a DoD civilian employee or Service member who:
Served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold on or before September 30, 2000.
Served in an 1102 position or as a Service member in a similar occupational specialty on or before September 30, 2000.
Is an enlisted member of the CCF. This exemption only applies to CCF members in their current or future CCF positions. The baccalaureate degree exemption does not apply to current CCF members seeking employment within DoD as an 1102.
*This exception does not apply to new hires into an 1102 position.
Additional information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
Background Investigation: This position is designated special sensitive as defined in DoD 5200.2-R and therefore requires that a personnel security investigation be adjudicated for security eligibility on a pre-appointment basis. This requirement may take 120 days or longer to process. The incumbent must complete a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and favorable adjudication by a determining authority and be eligible for a Top Secret clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
If selected for an interview, you may be required to provide your last three performance appraisals to the panel.
The executive assessments are designed by industrial-organizational psychologists, informed by federal agency leaders, and delivered on OPM's online assessment platform for easy access. The assessments can be used individually or in combination.
Situational Judgment Test (SJT): Applicants are faced with typical on-the-job scenarios and evaluate viable options for handling them. SJTs effectively tap both cognitive and non-cognitive competencies using a job construct-driven approach to create situations and response options. ECQs measured: Leading Change and Leading People
Work Styles Assessment: This assessment determines an applicant's work style through a mix of personality and biographical data measures. ECQs measured: Leading Change, Leading People, Driving Results, and Building Coalitions, as well as several fundamental competencies
Work Simulation: This series of situations, structured as an integrated narrative, engages applicants as realistic on-the-job scenarios unfold. The assessment presents information through emails; videos; and documents, including organizational charts and data; and measures competencies critical to the job based on the applicant's responses. ECQs measured: Driving Results, Achieving Organizational Success, and Building Coalitions.
Military spouses working remotely are exempt from in-person work under the conditions explained by OPM's February 12, 2025 memorandum and the March 20, 2025 Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Civic-Mindedness
Fiscal Responsibility
Managing Resources
Leveraging Technology
Technical Skill
Problem Solving
Agility and Resilience
Accountability
Developing Others
Executive Judgement
Operational Mindset
Innovation
Strategic Thinking
Customer Service
Influencing/Negotiating
Conflict Management
Team Building
Interpersonal Skills
Integrity/Honesty
Continual Learning
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941100
Your application will be evaluated to determine whether basic qualifications requirements are met, and on the extent to which it shows that you possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties based on the scope and quality of total accomplishments, experience, and education. Applications of basically qualified candidates will be evaluated by an executive rating and ranking panel. Highly qualified candidates may undergo an interview and a reference check. The Office of the Secretary of Defense Executive Resources Board will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority. The ECQ statements of the selectee must be certified by the OPM Quality Review Board, unless previously certified.
To be considered you MUST complete the USA Hire Assessment. You will be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Assessment after completing the first part of the application. This additional online assessment is required and must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
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 documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply. Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1.) A current resume(failure to submit will eliminate applicant from further consideration). Include in your resume the following information:
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. Must include the work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. If multiple resumes are submitted by an applicant, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed for qualifications and referred for selection consideration, if eligible. The resume must not be more than 5MB and should be saved and uploaded as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. Page margins should be 0.5 inches, and font styles must be legible. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text. We recommend using a font like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans.
Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
2.) SF-50
All current and former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your MOST RECENT SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.
3.) STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.DO NOT submit additional information (i.e. awards, pages in excess of the limit for the resume).
4.) Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program MUST provide a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility.
PLEASE REVIEW THE LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:Supporting Documents
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 4 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
PC0000 DEFENSE CONTRACT MGT - COST AND PRICING
3901 A Ave
Bldg 10500
Fort Lee, VA 23801
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated to ensure all required documents have been received. All applications that have all required documents will be forwarded to management for panel review and possible interview. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply. Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1.) A current resume(failure to submit will eliminate applicant from further consideration). Include in your resume the following information:
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. Must include the work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. If multiple resumes are submitted by an applicant, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed for qualifications and referred for selection consideration, if eligible. The resume must not be more than 5MB and should be saved and uploaded as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. Page margins should be 0.5 inches, and font styles must be legible. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text. We recommend using a font like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans.
Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
2.) SF-50
All current and former civilian Federal employees must submit a copy of your MOST RECENT SF50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your tenure, grade and step, salary, and type of position occupied (i.e., Excepted or Competitive); or similar Notification of Personnel Action documentation, i.e., Transcript of Service, Form 1150, etc.
3.) STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.DO NOT submit additional information (i.e. awards, pages in excess of the limit for the resume).
4.) Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program MUST provide a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility.
PLEASE REVIEW THE LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:Supporting Documents
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 4 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
PC0000 DEFENSE CONTRACT MGT - COST AND PRICING
3901 A Ave
Bldg 10500
Fort Lee, VA 23801
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated to ensure all required documents have been received. All applications that have all required documents will be forwarded to management for panel review and possible interview. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
