This position is being offered through OPM's Direct Hire Authority.
See more about Direct Hire under Conditions of Employment below.
This position is located in the centralized acquisition function for the Social Security Administration. The incumbent serves as an acquisition expert and program manager on acquisition assignments in support of Agency goals and initiatives.
See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more information about this position.
Summary
This position is being offered through OPM's Direct Hire Authority.
See more about Direct Hire under Conditions of Employment below.
This position is located in the centralized acquisition function for the Social Security Administration. The incumbent serves as an acquisition expert and program manager on acquisition assignments in support of Agency goals and initiatives.
See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more information about this position.
This is a Direct Hire announcement open to All US Citizens. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ, Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS.
Plans, negotiates, leads and/or administers complex procurements of goods, systems or services with specialized, state-of-the-art, critical or scarce requirements.
Procurements are characterized by lack of previous cost data, a variety of cost and fixed-price contracts, multi-year contracts, use of subcontractors, frequent changes in terms, conditions or funding arrangements and similar difficulties.
Collects and analyzes sensitive management data supporting government-wide acquisition initiatives pertaining to the implementation of major agency programs that may affect the workforce.
Reviews, advises on, develops and recommends operating agency-wide acquisition processes and systems, procedures and policies; or equivalent assignment.
This announcement serves as public notice. Applications will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
Vacancies may be filled up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. You may not receive notification of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
STEM position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens.
Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees selected under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service.
Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.
U.S. Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for other important information.
You must submit a resume (2 page maximum) that shows your name and contact information and includes full TO and FROM dates (month/day/year) for each position you describe. Include your grade if your position is federal.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To meet Minimum Qualifications for this GS-14 Technical Advisor position you must demonstrate:
(1) the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the federal 1102 series including
(2) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience
(1) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR)
A. Successful completion of all mandatory training* prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher-level contracting positions, including at least 4-years' experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience (described below) and must have provided you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position. (*SSA does not currently have mandatory training requirements for progression to GS-13 or higher contracting positions.)
AND
B. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study resulting in 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
C. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. This also applies to positions at the same grade in the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met. However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver.
D. Waiver: When filling a specific vacant position, the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision-making capabilities, job performance and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this paragraph, the senior procurement executive must document for the record the basis of the waiver. If an individual is placed in a position in an agency on the basis of a waiver, the agency may later reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency without additional waiver action.
See EDUCATION for information on transcripts.
(2) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-13 OR (if your position and/or experience is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-13 or above.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of (1) performing cradle-to-grave contract functions involving highly specialized procurements of significant importance to the agency, including acquisition planning, negotiation strategies and contract administration AND (2) developing or interpreting procurement guidelines, policies, regulations and legislation.
**If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it. If your experience was gained in the federal government, you must upload an SF-50 documenting your grade at the time experience was gained.**
Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (IOR and Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be demonstrated by all applicants (see QUALIFICATIONS).
To satisfy the IOR, submit a copy of your full transcript(s), even if you already hold a federal 1102 series position.
APPLICATIONS WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED TRANSCRIPTS WILL CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION.
DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE or you may not receive credit for your degree or completed courses.
Submit a copy of your full transcript showing your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and your degree (or completion of *creditable courses). If you attended more than one college or university, submit transcripts for all schools attended.
Transcripts that do not show that a Degree was conferred cannot be considered to have resulted in a Degree. Check your transcript to be sure this information is shown.
** Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable curriculum you are advised to highlight qualifying courses on your transcript to ensure that consideration is given.**
Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted for application purposes. CHECK YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO CONFIRM IT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. You must upload your transcripts as part of your application. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail.
Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.
Additional information
STEM position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this Direct Hire Authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current federal employees will be given a new appointment to the civil service, if selected. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov .
If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.
OTHER NOTES:
See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on qualifying for position.
See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ, Woodlawn, Maryland.
This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule; Alternate Work Schedules (AWS) may be authorized.
Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS.
Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.
You may be required to file an OGE form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, in accordance with 5 CFR section 2634, subpart i.
Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).
This is a moderate-risk public trust position. You may be required to complete SF-85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions to have the appropriate investigation conducted.
Position is assigned to:
SSA-HQ / Woodlawn, Maryland
Office of the Commissioner
Strategic Sourcing
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 resume must describe, in your own words, duties you perform that demonstrate the Specialized Experience required for this position, as well as the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience.
-- Knowledge of federal contracting laws, regulations, principles, policies and procedures
-- Ability to communicate orally
-- Ability to communicate in writing
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe your experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe specific duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
If your resume doesn't clearly describe the duties you perform that demonstrate the required Specialized Experience, you will lose consideration for this position.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed, even if you hold (or held) a position in this series. Information copied or restated from the announcement will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
The experience you claim is subject to verification by the selecting official.
SEE QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME AND TRANSCRIPT MUST DEMONSTRATE.
Applicants who demonstrate the IOR and Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following *Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.
PRIORITY SELECTION:
Well-Qualified CTAP / ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide).
Veterans' Preference is not considered under Direct Hire.
See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
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.
Review this information carefully to ensure you submit appropriate documents and avoid being disqualified from consideration for this position.
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
(1) RESUME (maximum 2 pages): a resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to this vacancy announcement as part of your application. You can create and upload your own resume or build a resume using the USAJobs Resume Builder, but in either case, specific information is required to demonstrate your eligibility and qualifications for this position.
The RESUME you upload must clearly show:
-- your name and contact information
-- relevant education
-- employer name and position held
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe specific duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed.
Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate your grade-relevant experience from duties performed at lower grades. Career-ladders described as a single position (even if dates are shown for each grade level) may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
(2) TRANSCRIPT: see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on what you must demonstrate. **Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable curriculum you are advised to highlight qualifying courses on your transcript to ensure that consideration is given.**
(3) SF-50: recommended for all current or former federal employees
(4) CTAP / ICTAP (if claimed): only applies to competitive service employees who have been RIF'd from a federal agency (or notified they will be RIF'd). The duty station from which you were RIF'd must be in the local commuting area (i.e., 30-mile radius) of the duty station to which you are applying.
To demonstrate eligibility, CTAP / ICTAP-applicants must provide:
-- a copy of the separation SF-50* (Notice of Personnel Action) AND
-- a copy of the RIF Notice**
*If the RIF has not yet occurred, submit a current SF-50 to document your grade, tenure, type of service and duty location.
**If the RIF Notice doesn't provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of that document to demonstrate that your final rating was at least 'fully successful.'
BEFORE YOU START YOUR APPLICATION, BE SURE YOUR RESUME DEMONSTRATES THE REQUIRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE.
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process
(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) July 24, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume*
(3) uploaded transcript(s)
(4) uploaded SF-50(s), if applicable
(5) ICTAP documents, if applicable
*To meet qualification requirements, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the Specialized Experience requirements.
SEE QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1299 7704" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Commissioner's Office
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and that all your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are screened by HR, eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring office for consideration.
Vacancies may be filled up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. You may not receive notification of your referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 6 months.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Review this information carefully to ensure you submit appropriate documents and avoid being disqualified from consideration for this position.
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
(1) RESUME (maximum 2 pages): a resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to this vacancy announcement as part of your application. You can create and upload your own resume or build a resume using the USAJobs Resume Builder, but in either case, specific information is required to demonstrate your eligibility and qualifications for this position.
The RESUME you upload must clearly show:
-- your name and contact information
-- relevant education
-- employer name and position held
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe specific duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed.
Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate your grade-relevant experience from duties performed at lower grades. Career-ladders described as a single position (even if dates are shown for each grade level) may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
(2) TRANSCRIPT: see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on what you must demonstrate. **Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable curriculum you are advised to highlight qualifying courses on your transcript to ensure that consideration is given.**
(3) SF-50: recommended for all current or former federal employees
(4) CTAP / ICTAP (if claimed): only applies to competitive service employees who have been RIF'd from a federal agency (or notified they will be RIF'd). The duty station from which you were RIF'd must be in the local commuting area (i.e., 30-mile radius) of the duty station to which you are applying.
To demonstrate eligibility, CTAP / ICTAP-applicants must provide:
-- a copy of the separation SF-50* (Notice of Personnel Action) AND
-- a copy of the RIF Notice**
*If the RIF has not yet occurred, submit a current SF-50 to document your grade, tenure, type of service and duty location.
**If the RIF Notice doesn't provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of that document to demonstrate that your final rating was at least 'fully successful.'
BEFORE YOU START YOUR APPLICATION, BE SURE YOUR RESUME DEMONSTRATES THE REQUIRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE.
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process
(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) July 24, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume*
(3) uploaded transcript(s)
(4) uploaded SF-50(s), if applicable
(5) ICTAP documents, if applicable
*To meet qualification requirements, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the Specialized Experience requirements.
SEE QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1299 7704" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Commissioner's Office
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and that all your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are screened by HR, eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring office for consideration.
Vacancies may be filled up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. You may not receive notification of your referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 6 months.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
