This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Engineer, Planning and Project Development Division, Technical Support Branch. The selectee will be responsible for performing a broad variety of duties with respect to the development of cost estimates for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures coming under the jurisdiction of the AOC.
Summary
This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Engineer, Planning and Project Development Division, Technical Support Branch. The selectee will be responsible for performing a broad variety of duties with respect to the development of cost estimates for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures coming under the jurisdiction of the AOC.
See Requirements section of this announcement for information on who may apply.
Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity.
This is a developmental position in which the incumbent performs progressively more complex duties and responsibilities on a gradual basis leading to the full performance level of GS-13.
The individual selected for this position will perform the following duties:
Cost Estimating
The incumbent serves as a recognized technical authority on construction cost estimates and proposals supporting AOC appropriation requests presented to Congress and agency clients. The incumbent prepares and oversees the development of studies, design estimates, and construction cost estimates for all types of AOC projects, including new construction, restorations, and alterations.
The incumbent develops estimates using conceptual information, schematic drawings, detailed plans, previous projects, and field surveys, incorporating historic preservation requirements unique to the Capitol Complex.
As Senior Cost Estimator, the incumbent provides advanced technical directions to Cost Estimators, as necessary. The incumbent may serve as a COR for estimating‑related contracts and develops and updates AOC estimating templates used to produce official cost estimates.
The incumbent coordinates cost estimates developed by other AOC organizations and program offices, ensuring that internally and externally developed estimates meet AOC quality standards, technical requirements, and performance targets. The incumbent prepares, presents, and communicates cost-estimating information to Division and agency stakeholders and leadership, as necessary.
The incumbent participates in risk-based cost analyses, including sensitivity analyses, quantitative risk assessments, cost‑loaded schedules, IGCE reconciliations, and follow‑on cost reports. The incumbent determines and incorporates contingency values derived from risk assessment results.
The incumbent serves as the agency authority for determining construction costs for construction and renovation appropriation requests presented to Congress.
The incumbent maintains and enhances AOC’s cost estimating database and cost‑knowledge systems. The incumbent monitors labor conditions, market fluctuations, escalation indices, specialty material costs, and industry trends and develops and refines costing models used to evaluate estimates and actual cost outcomes.
The incumbent produces the Line Item Construction Project (LICP) budget IGE’s and associated 1391’s submitted to Congress.
The incumbent collaborates with individuals both internal and external to the agency, including but not limited to: building superintendent staff, architects, engineers, project managers, and construction managers to evaluate cost feasibility, materials availability, and construction approaches. The incumbent provides strategic cost advice to align project costs with available funding.
The incumbent develops scopes and task orders for consultant cost estimating services and reviews and analyzes consultant estimates for accuracy. The incumbent participates in formal bid evaluations and evaluates modification pricing for alignment with budgets and prior cost projections.
The incumbent is responsible for ensuring compliance with all AOC and OSHA safety standards and takes corrective action when unsafe conditions are identified. The incumbent performs other related duties as assigned.
Team Leader/Program Management Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Chief Cost Estimator, the incumbent leads technical training and mentoring for cost estimating staff in AOC‑specific standards, methods, and tools. The incumbent monitors and reports on the status of work, ensuring that priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality expectations established by the Cost Estimating leadership are met.
The incumbent communicates work accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvements to the supervisor. The incumbent monitors and evaluates progress toward deadlines and ensure that team members are aware of and participate in planning for goals and objectives.
The incumbent identifies and recommends enhancements to agency estimating processes, tools, cost models, and value‑added services supporting AOC programs and clients.
Project Proposal Development
The incumbent develops proposals for the agencies internal construction and maintenance organizations using conceptual information, schematic drawings, detailed plans, previous projects, and field surveys, incorporating historic preservation requirements unique to the Capitol Complex.
The incumbent collaborates with building superintendent staff, architects, engineers, project managers, construction superintendents, construction managers and external sources to evaluate cost feasibility, materials availability, and construction approaches. The incumbent provides strategic cost advice to align project costs with available funding.
Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.
You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below:
A citizen of the United States;
A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B);
A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible;
A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or
A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.
Qualifications
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards
Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
For the GS-11:
You must meet the following education and/or specialized experience requirements to be qualified for this position:
Candidates for the GS-11 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-09) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following:
Assisting in the development of cost estimates for construction projects. Reviewing cost estimates for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with budget and cost projections.
--OR--
Undergraduate and Graduate Education in architecture, engineering, building construction, or other fields related to the position.
--OR--
Combination of specialized experience and education.
For the GS-12:
Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-11) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following:
Developing cost estimates for new construction and/or interior and exterior alterations, restorations, historic preservation, additions and repairs to existing structures. Reviewing and revising cost estimates for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Performing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator, Cost-OS or equivalent cost estimating software. Working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections.
For the GS-13:
Candidates for the GS-13 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-12) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following:
Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with estimate development, through design stages from schematics through working drawings, for proposed new construction, restorations, repairs and alteration projects. Providing oversight and leading in the development of cost estimates for construction projects and ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Developing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator/RIB, Cost-OS, or equivalent cost estimating software. Providing advisory services and working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections. Serving as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or equivalent for support contracts.
Education
GS-11: Education may be substituted for specialized experience as indicated above. If using education to qualify, candidates must provide transcripts if selected.
GS-12: No education substitute.
GS-13: No education substitute.
Additional information
Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with theSelective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.
DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.
The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.
The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm
The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Moving expenses are not authorized.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.
All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.
Note: Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity.
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.
A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.
The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.
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.
Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.
Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:
Knowledge of cost estimating methods and techniques
Oral Communication
Written Communication
Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration.
Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).
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.
A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.
The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.
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 Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.
To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.
Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.
Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.
For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.
If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).
Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.
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.
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.
NEED HELP? If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.
If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States
Next steps
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.
To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.
Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.
Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.
For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.
If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).
Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.
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.
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.
NEED HELP? If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.
If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States
Next steps
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
