This position is in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM). The mission of OBIM is to provide identity services to the DHS and its mission partners that advance informed decision making by accurate, timely, and high assurance biometric identity information/analysis. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the subject matter expert in cost estimating and analysis discipline for OBIM. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

As a Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-14, your typical work assignments may include: Responsible for cost estimation of OBIM programs; prepares detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses and estimates of annual funding needs for one or more future budget years; and works with senior and line managers to develop qualitative information to support budget requests and to gather information for cost estimates. Completes resource planning, prepares spending plans, and provides resource allocations to branches. Acts as the independent cost analyst and provides oversight on estimates and analyses developed by OBIM Branches. Works towards the improvement of the cost analysis/estimating function and the role it plays in the acquisition process; and contributes to improving cost estimating/analysis for major systems. Responsible for preparing instructions to offerors, providing expert guidance in the formulation of contract and program work breakdown structures, prepares cost criteria for evaluation, performs trade off analyses to support the selection of criteria weights, performs cost analyses of all proposals; and presents their evaluation to the source selection committee. This announcement will be open for 10 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first. 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.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.
• You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• You may be required to serve a one year probationary period.
• Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
• Must obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement that must be met to be considered: Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. Evaluation of Education: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts as part of your application package, failure to submit will result in not being considered for the position. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE To qualify, you must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in Federal Service or equivalent public or private sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Responsible for cost estimation of program office; prepares detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses and estimates of annual funding needs for one or more future budget years. Performs cost sensitivity and cost benefit analyses, independent government cost estimates and estimates for inherently governmental functions. Knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, policies and precedents relating to budget formulation and execution, particularly Government Accountability Office (GAO) cost estimating guidelines and Federal Acquisition Regulations and Contracting Procedures on program costs. Ability to develop analytical and cost estimating models through the use of mathematical, statistical and operational research techniques. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All 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. Essential Personnel Position - This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR, Part 752, as applicable).

Education

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: Maria Merlina
• Email: [email protected]