This is a bargaining unit position with AFGE Local 228. This is not a drug testing designated position (TDP). This position is located in the Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations - Region III in Richmond, VA. The Business Development Specialist provides information on the 8(a) Business Development program, the eligibility requirements for participation in the 8(a) BD program and explains the application process.

Duties

* Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent provides guidance to small businesses to aid in development of small business principles and strategies to enhance their ability to compete successfully for both 8(a) and non-8(a) contracts. * Focus on small business concerns eligible to apply for the 8(a) program and other SBA contract certification and business development programs. * Research and coordinate training related materials to meet the needs of small businesses and SBA organizations/agencies. * Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent coordinates with the Office of Government Contracting Business Development as appropriate to meet compliance requirements. *Provide advice/counseling to assist firm in the development of realistic and attainable objectives for their business regarding federal contracting. *Provide advice, counsel and guidance in the areas of marketing to federal government and contract administration. * Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent provides written guidance to small businesses to aid in development of small business principles and strategies. Physical Demands: This position combines an office environment with outreach and training activities. Requires periods of travel using multi-modes of transportation including operation of either a government owned motor vehicle or a privately-owned motor vehicle (GOV/POV). The work requires some physical exertion such as lifting boxes of hand-outs, information packets, computers and other items that can weigh up to 40 pounds. Transports, sets-up and tears-down displays and/or other equipment at trade shows, training sessions, and other activities as needed. The position requires extensive travel throughout the District, including frequent early morning, evening and occasional weekends and overnight travel; may require travel outside the District. A valid state driver's license is required. Work Environment: Work is normally performed in an office setting and in a variety of rural and urban environments (office, hotels, warehouse, factories, farms, faith-based and community-based locations, construction sites, restaurants, garages, laboratories, etc.) and may incur exposure to moderate risk, discomfort and unpleasant surroundings. The work may require special safety precautions, e.g., visiting or working in industrial plants or test environments where hazards are present such as machines, moving equipment, chemicals, noise, vibrations, hazardous or extreme weather conditions, or comparable situations. May be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, hardhats, goggles, gloves or shields.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• You must successfully complete a background investigation.
• You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• You may be required to serve a one year supervisory probationary period.

Qualifications

GS-11: Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector that demonstrates the ability to work in ALL of the following: Reviewing, researching and referencing federal procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; AND Assisting and coordinating training, educating or developing businesses interested in working with the government or with prime contractors; AND Promoting an organization's programs and services through outreach and marketing. OR Education:: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Transcripts (official or unofficial) must be submitted in support of this response. If selected, official transcripts will be required. OR Combination: A combination of related graduate education and specialized experience as specified above. For example, an applicant who has 1.5 full years of Ph.D. level education (i.e. 50% of education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. Transcripts (official or unofficial) must be submitted in support of this response. If selected, official transcripts will be required. 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 OPM's Qualifications web site: General Business and Industry Series, 1101b Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on 10/12/2023.

Education

If you do not meet the specialized experience requirements, you may also qualify with education. You MUST submit transcripts (official or unofficial) with this application if you wish to qualify based on education.

GS-11: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Transcripts (official or unofficial) must be submitted in support of this response. If selected, official transcripts will be required.

OR

Combination: A combination of related graduate education and specialized experience as specified above. For example, an applicant who has 1.5 full years of Ph.D. level education (i.e. 50% of education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. Transcripts (official or unofficial) must be submitted in support of this response. If selected, official transcripts will be required.

APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Verify School accreditation. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. *** If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. *** For further information, click on: Foreign Education.

Contacts

• Address Office of Field Operations - Region III 1150 First Avenue Suite 1001 King of Prussia, PA 19406 US
• Name: Aquila Bernard
• Email: [email protected]