This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Technology Programs Law Division (TPLD). The primary purpose of this position is to provide legal advice for Government contracts, inter-agency acquisitions, and grants/cooperative agreements entered into by DHS's Science and Technology Directorate ("S&T") in the areas of research, development, test, and evaluation ("RDT&E"). Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

As an Attorney-Advisor (General), GS-0905-14/15, your typical work assignments may include: Provide legal advice to contracting officers, program managers, and senior officials concerning the laws applicable to all phases of the research and development, non-personal services, and other contracting processes, including acquisition planning, solicitation and award, contract administration, and the resolution of bid protests/disputes. Provide legal advice in the development and negotiation of innovative and R&D centric solicitation and award instruments (e.g., Other Transaction Agreements, contracts under S&T's Small Business Innovation Research Program, and Partnership Intermediary Agreements). Provide legal advice to grants officers, program managers, and senior officials concerning the laws applicable to all phases of the research and development grants/cooperative agreements process, including solicitation and award, administration, and the resolution of disputes. Provide legal advice for the full range of issues arising in the fields of research and development contracting, acquisition, grants, procurement, and prize competitions, including intellectual property (in coordination with the requisite intellectual property attorney), technical data, claims, bid protests/disputes, fiscal law, information security, protection of governmental rights and property, and other related areas which arise in furtherance of and in connection with the mission of S&T. Provide well-researched and sound oral and written legal advice on novel legal issues relating to emerging technologies in support of homeland security innovation, including but not limited to providing a legal framework within which Science and Technology (S&T) and the Department shape policy related to emerging technologies, including an ability to identify second and third order effects of technologies. Work collaboratively and coordinate within the OGC enterprise, including component counsel offices, as well as with counsel from sister federal agencies, as appropriate; and perform other duties as assigned. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
• You must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: GS-14 or GS-15: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); AND Specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. Specialized Experience: The skills and experience listed immediately below are of particular importance to the position, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas, where applicable, as part of their application. You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal government. You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal government. Specialized experience is experience providing legal advice and support on matters related to research and development contracting and complex procurement issues in the federal government or private sector. At least three years of experience as a practicing attorney is desired. In addition to the required legal experience, prior experience as a Contracting Officer or other procurement professional may be seen as an asset. NOTE: Additionally, this position serves as a legal advisor on a broad range of legal practice areas arising from DHS research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs that focus on technologies in the early phases of development or application. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Applicants must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. You must submit a copy of both your law school and college transcript with your application. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.

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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Contacts

• Address Department of Homeland Security Headquarters OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170 6595 Springfield Center Drive Springfield, VA 20598-0170 US
• Name: Lori Pollacci
• Phone: 202-573-0592
• Email: [email protected]