- Position Title
- Contract Specialist
- Agency
- Customs and Border Protection
- Announcement Number
- OA-SMP-12176896-ALK Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, November 21, 2023 to Tuesday, December 12, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
The following set of questions focus on how you are eligible to apply for this announcement. Eligibilities are known as the specific hiring authorities that allow you to be considered for this announcement. Applicants will only be considered for eligibilities for which they claim during the online application and provide documentation displaying their eligibility for the hiring authority. Please see the required documents section of this announcement for documentation information. For more information regarding what hiring authorities you may be eligible for, please see the following link https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/
Note, the Promotion Potential question applies to current or former Federal employees only. If you are not a current or former Federal employee, select No. Selecting No or answering this question incorrectly will not remove you from consideration. However, if you only claim the promotion potential eligibility, you will not receive further consideration for this position.
Note, the Promotion Potential question applies to current or former Federal employees only. If you are not a current or former Federal employee, select No. Selecting No or answering this question incorrectly will not remove you from consideration. However, if you only claim the promotion potential eligibility, you will not receive further consideration for this position.
1.
The following question applies to a current permanent federal employee in the competitive service. If you are not a current permanent federal employee in the competitive service, select No.
Are you a current federal civilian employee with the Federal government in a permanent competitive service position?
To verify your eligibility as indicated above, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action(s), Standard Form(s) 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form(s) reflecting your current permanent position in the competitive service
- Tenure (Box 24): Career or career-conditional (1 or 2)
- Position Occupied (Box 34): Competitive service (1)
NOTE: If you are a current federal employee in an expected service position or other than permanent competitive service position then you are not eligible under this current federal employee eligibility. If you have prior permanent competitive service with the federal government, you may be eligible as a reinstatement applicant if the announcement is open to former federal employees.
2.
The following question applies to former permanent federal employees in the competitive service, or federal employees who are currently in an excepted service position or other than permanent competitive service position but who previously held a permanent competitive service position. Details and Temporary Promotions are not considered permanent positions.
Are you a current or former federal civilian employee with the Federal government that meets one of the following criteria?
- Is currently employed with the Federal government in an excepted service position, or other than permanent competitive service position; who was previously employed with the Federal government with career status in a competitive service appointment; OR
- Is currently employed with the Federal government in an excepted service position, or other than permanent competitive service position, who was previously employed with the Federal government with career-conditional status in a competitive service appointment and has had no more than a total of 3 years of separation from their previous career conditional appointment or are Veterans' Preference eligible.
- Was previously employed with the Federal government with career status in a competitive service appointment, OR
- Was previously employed with the Federal government with a career-conditional status in a competitive service appointment and has had no more than a total of 3 years of separation from their previous career conditional appointment or are Veterans' Preference eligible.
To verify your eligibility as indicated above, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action(s), Standard Form(s) 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form(s) reflecting your former permanent position in the competitive service:
- Tenure (Box 24): Career or career-conditional (1 or 2)
- Position Occupied (Box 34): Competitive service (1)
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center and OPM Hiring Information.
3.
Are you one of the following below?
This question applies to current or former Federal employees. If you are not a current or former Federal employee, select No. Applicants who do not answer this question correctly are not removed from consideration. However, if you claim only the promotion potential eligibility, you will not receive further consideration for this position.
Promotion potential (also referred to as full performance level - FPL) means the highest level/grade that can be achieved in the career ladder progression of the position that is held on a permanent basis. Details and Temporary Promotions are not considered permanent positions. The examples provided below and are not all inclusive but are provided for informational purposes only.
Examples:
- You currently hold a GS-09 position with promotion potential to the GS-12. The progression is GS-09, GS-11, and GS-12. You hold a position with the promotion potential of a GS-12.
- Your current position is a GS-12. You are temporarily promoted to a GS-13 position. The temporary promotion is not a permanent position, and your promotion potential is your current position of GS-12.
- Your current position is a GS-12. You previously held a GS-13 position on a permanent basis. GS-13 would be considered the highest promotion potential you have held.
- You formerly held a GS-13 position on a permanent basis with promotion potential to the GS-13 and have been separated less than 52 weeks. GS-13 would be considered the highest promotion potential you have held.
- You were a former Federal employee and have been separated for over 52 weeks, you may be considered for a promotion potential above what you previously held without competition if it is determined you meet the specialized or general experience.
- Tenure (Box 24): Career or career-conditional (1 or 2); AND
- Position Occupied (Box 34): Competitive service (1); OR
- Position Occupied (Box 34): Excepted service (2); when in another merit system which OPM has an interchange; AND
- Promotion Potential equivalent to or higher than the grade level being announced; AND if applicable,
If you are a former Federal employee, and have been separated from Federal service for over 52 weeks, it is recommended that you submit your most recent career or career-conditional position rating of record (performance appraisal) along with your SF-50 that reflects:
- Rate of record (performance appraisal) of at least fully successful (or equivalent)
Are you one of the following below?
- A current or former Federal employee who has held a permanent position in the Federal competitive service (or in a merit system with which OPM has an interchange agreement) with the promotion potential or equivalent of the position noted in the announcement, OR
- A former Federal employee who has been separated more than 52 weeks who has previously held a permanent position in the Federal competitive service (or in a merit system with which OPM has an interchange agreement) as noted in the announcement? (Applicants who were previously employed with the Federal government and did not previously hold the promotion potential of the position announced may be referred for selection without competition under our agency promotion procedures if it has been longer than 52-weeks since previous Federal employment, provide your rating of record (performance appraisal) of at least fully successful (or equivalent) and you are considered qualified).
4.
Are you a current federal employee who has received notice that you will be displaced from the Department of Homeland Security? If yes, confirm:
- You occupy a position located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND
- You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND
- You are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND
- Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
- Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice, AND
- Copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
5.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency? If yes, confirm:
- You occupy (or have been separated from) a position located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND
- You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND
- Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent
- Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice, AND
- Copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
6.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit:
- have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR
- are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit:
- Copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member Copy 4 indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; AND
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability award letter dated 1991 or later, or supporting documentation as listed in the SF-15.
- For information on how to request your veterans documentation please contact the Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services at 1-800-827-1000 or online via https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/
7.
(1) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is currently on Active Duty?
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs? In order to be considered under this appointment authority you must not currently be serving or have served under this authority.
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status? In order to be considered under this appointment authority you must not currently be serving or have served under this authority.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit official supporting documentation (i.e. copy of the Active Duty orders or statement of service)
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit all supporting documents identified on the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15 (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.). For information on how to request veterans documentation please contact the Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services at 1-800-827-1000 or online via https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans Resources.
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs? In order to be considered under this appointment authority you must not currently be serving or have served under this authority.
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status? In order to be considered under this appointment authority you must not currently be serving or have served under this authority.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit official supporting documentation (i.e. copy of the Active Duty orders or statement of service)
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit all supporting documents identified on the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15 (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.). For information on how to request veterans documentation please contact the Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services at 1-800-827-1000 or online via https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans Resources.
8.
Are you a current or former (involuntarily separated without cause within the preceding year) federal employee eligible for a status appointment under a current Interchange Agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) employees of the Department of Defense
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
- Corporation for National and Community Service
9.
Are you eligible for non-competitive consideration under Miscellaneous Authorities?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit:
- Postal Career Service Employees
- Postal Rate Commission Employees
- Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employees
- Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employees
- Peace Corps Service or Vista Member: To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.
-
- Were you a Peace Corps Volunteer or Vista Member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?
- Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, enrollment as a student at an accredited institution of higher learning or another activity? If you are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
- Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
- Certain Former Overseas Employee: Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you: complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area; AND receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; AND return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?-To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and performance appraisal. For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees resources.
- Certain Present and Former Foreign Service Officers: Have you completed at least 1 year of continuous service immediately before separation from one or more nontemporary Foreign Service appointments; AND, your separation from a Foreign Service career-type appointment occurred in the last 3 years (individuals entitled to veterans' preference do not need to meet this 3-year requirement)? OR Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or more nontemporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service? -To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 reflecting your nontemporary status. If you are outside of the 3-year requirement but are entitled to veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.
- Other Miscellaneous Authorities not included above
To verify your eligibility, you must submit:
- The specific authority for which you are claiming; AND
- Documentation supporting your eligibility for your claim, such as a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 reflecting your status. AND
- Any specific documentation noted above in the hiring authority
10.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment?
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities Resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your eligibility for a Schedule A appointment.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities Resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your eligibility for a Schedule A appointment.
11.
Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service. For information on how to request your veterans documentation please contact the Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services at 1-800-827-1000 or online via https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/
- served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
- are entitled to veterans' preference?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service. For information on how to request your veterans documentation please contact the Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services at 1-800-827-1000 or online via https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/
12.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans Resources.
To verify eligibility, you must submit:
- recently separated (within the past 3 years); or
- are a disabled veteran; or
- received a campaign badge for serving on active duty in the Armed Forces during a war, or in a campaign or expedition; or
- received an Armed Forces Service Medal or Global War on Terrorism Service Medal while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans Resources.
To verify eligibility, you must submit:
- Copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member Copy 4 indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; AND
- If claiming disability preference, you must also provide a Veterans Affairs (VA) disability award letter dated 1991 or later, or supporting documentation as listed in the SF-15.
- For information on how to request your veterans documentation please contact the Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services at 1-800-827-1000 or online via https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask/
13.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
14.
Reasonable Accommodations for taking the online assessments are provided on a case-by-case basis only to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Do you have a disability (physical or mental) that you believe will interfere with completing the online assessments and require a Reasonable Accommodation?
Preferences
1.
Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
Which of the following statements best describes your education as it pertains to the basic requirement for this position?
3.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position for any individual who holds or within the previous 52 weeks held a General Schedule (GS) position under nontemporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-7 grade level?
If you are a current federal employee or former federal employee within the past 52 weeks, submit one or more SF-50s that support your selected response below showing you meet or are exempt from time-in-grade requirements.
If you are a current federal employee or former federal employee within the past 52 weeks, submit one or more SF-50s that support your selected response below showing you meet or are exempt from time-in-grade requirements.
4.
Which of the following best describes your experience and/or education to qualify for the GS-09 grade level?
5.
Are you a current political Schedule A or Schedule C Executive Branch employee or a former political Schedule A or Schedule C Executive Branch employee who held the position within the last five years applying to a competitive or non-political excepted service position under Title 5 of the United States Code or are you a current non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) Executive Branch employee or a former non-career SES Executive Branch employee who held the position within the last five years applying to a competitive or non-political excepted service position under Title 5 of the United States Code?
To verify, please submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) or other relevant documentation reflecting your status as a Political Appointee.
To verify, please submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) or other relevant documentation reflecting your status as a Political Appointee.
6.
There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years, before completing an application for CBP employment.
If you do not meet the residency requirement as stated above and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
Exceptions may be granted to applicants if they can provide complete state-side coverage information required to make a suitability determination. Examples of state-side coverage information include: the state-side address of the company headquarters where the applicant's personnel file is located, the state-side address of the Professor in charge of the applicant's "Study Abroad" program, and/or the state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with the applicant while overseas. If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception.
Do you meet the residency requirement?
If you do not meet the residency requirement as stated above and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency wavier by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
- A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
- Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
- Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Exceptions may be granted to applicants if they can provide complete state-side coverage information required to make a suitability determination. Examples of state-side coverage information include: the state-side address of the company headquarters where the applicant's personnel file is located, the state-side address of the Professor in charge of the applicant's "Study Abroad" program, and/or the state-side addresses of anyone who worked or studied with the applicant while overseas. If selected for a position, you must provide documentation to support a request for an exception.
Do you meet the residency requirement?
7.
Are you receiving a retirement annuity from OPM based on retiring from the Federal government? If you select yes and you are selected for this position, your salary will be off-set by the amount of your retirement annuity.
To verify, please submit a copy of your retirement SF-50 with your application package.
To verify, please submit a copy of your retirement SF-50 with your application package.
8.
If you are a CBP employee, please enter your CBP email address in this format without any extra spaces or characters: john.a.smith@cbp.dhs.gov. If you are not a CBP employee, enter N/A.
9.
If you are a CBP Employee, please enter your Hash ID without any additional spaces, punctuation, or letters. Example: CIC1K4L. If you are not a CBP employee, enter NA.
10.
I have read and understand the following statement: You will be considered for the highest grade level for which you qualify for. Eligibility will be verified based on your resume and transcripts. You must have gained the work experience by the closing date of this announcement. Full-time work experience is 35 or more hours worked per week and must be clearly stated on your resume. Qualifications based on work experience will be determined by what is listed on your resume. Work experience refers to both paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work.
Your resume must include the following:
Do you agree to provide a resume that contains the necessary requirements listed in the instructions above?
Your resume must include the following:
- Be in English
- Include full legal name
- Address
- Phone number
- Complete work history (which includes job titles)
- Detailed description of your duties (including tasks performed)
- The dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY)
- Hours worked per week for any position you worked that was not full time (less than 35 hours per week)
- Series
- Grade level(s)
- Salary
Do you agree to provide a resume that contains the necessary requirements listed in the instructions above?
11.
In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires a USA Hire online assessment, which measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. If you are required to take the USA Hire assessment, you will be emailed a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. The USA Hire online assessment must be completed within 48 hours, following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). See the How to Apply and Next Steps within the Job Opportunity Announcement for additional details.
Do you acknowledge that you may be required to take an additional online USA Hire assessment, via an email link sent to you after completion of this application, and that failure to complete any portion of the assessment will remove your application from consideration?
Do you acknowledge that you may be required to take an additional online USA Hire assessment, via an email link sent to you after completion of this application, and that failure to complete any portion of the assessment will remove your application from consideration?
Assessment 1
The following questions will be used to rate applicants who meet the minimum eligibility and qualification requirements.
1.
Which of the following best describes your experience advising program officials of the procurement objectives to be used and assisting in the preparation of statements of work?
2.
Which of the following best describes your experience assisting program offices with procurement planning (for major programs) for any large-scale subsystems, components, equipment and services to be acquired by contract?
3.
Which of the following best describes your experience developing procurement objectives for a program in terms of competition and price range and constructing the contractual vehicle including use of pricing arrangements, subcontracting policy, set-aside policies and similar considerations?
4.
I have developed position papers relating to various phases of procurement.
5.
Which of the following best describes your experience executing pre-award acquisitions to procure complex and/or diversified commodities, services, and/or construction?
6.
I have awarded or recommended for award in accordance with delegated authority for competitive bidding or negotiated contracts.
7.
I have experience interpreting contract agreements for Agency officials and contractors
8.
Which of the following best describes your experience maintaining an awareness of government-wide procurement policy sufficient to anticipate changes in the legal and regulatory bases of the procurement management function?
9.
I have direct experience preparing trade-off analyses in best value acquisitions and have been responsible for documentation of the competitive range.
10.
Which of the following best describes your experience preparing and maintaining current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts and related schedules?
11.
Which of the following best describes your experience being responsible for timely placement of task/delivery orders under various indefinite delivery contracts?
12.
I have reviewed requests for the procurement of complex equipment, services, and/or construction.
13.
Which of the following best describes your experience terminating contracts for the convenience of the Government or default by the contractor in accordance with agency procedures?