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Director Acquisition

Duties

The Director Acquisition will ensure that NIST partners are provided with the necessary support and services to enable mission success in all areas of acquisition, interagency agreements, and other transactions. Specifically, this includes:

  • Serving as the Bureau Procurement Official (BPO) while leading an extensive acquisition organization to achieve mission goals.
  • Serving as the senior advisor to the Director for Acquisition and Agreements Program Management (DAAPM), NIST Director, Associate Directors, other executives and NIST senior management; providing advice and assistance on the full range of laws, regulations and policies governing acquisition.
  • Representing NIST on Departmental and inter-agency groups and councils to examine government-wide acquisition policy issues and recommend changes or initiatives.
  • Coordinating strategic planning activities, in partnership with clients to support and effectively address mission objectives.
  • Directing subordinate managers in the oversight and operations of multiple divisions in providing acquisition support to enable mission success.
  • Providing executive leadership and accountability for service delivery to client organizations on all acquisition activities.
  • Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies in the delivery of organization services.
  • Utilizing data-based metrics to evaluate organization performance against agency targets and goals.
  • Strengthening organizational effectiveness through the research, development and implementation of strategies and initiatives that integrate complementary functions including policy, technology, and oversight; and application of innovative techniques to achieve a high degree of customer service; improve processes and procedures that reduce administrative burden and strengthen stewardship.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Background and/or security investigation required.
  • Public Financial Disclosure (SF-278) filing within 30 days is required.
  • Incumbent may be subject to geographic mobility
  • Designated or random drug testing may be required.
  • Bargaining Unit: No.

Qualifications

Eligibility for this position will be based upon a clear showing that the applicant has had experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out the duties and assignments of the position.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess all of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) listed below.

Applicants must meet the basic education requirement to be eligible for consideration for this position.

Basic Requirements for GS-13 and Above:

Applicants must meet requirements A and B, unless covered by an exception (see C) or a waiver (see D):

A. Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level contracting positions, including at least 4-years experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position; and

B. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.

C. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. This also applies to positions at the same grade in the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met. However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements in order to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver under Paragraph D.

D. Waiver: When filling a specific vacant position, the senior procurement executive of the selecting agency, at his or her discretion, may waive any or all of the requirements of Paragraphs A and B above if the senior procurement executive certifies that the applicant possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated analytical and decision making capabilities, job performance, and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this Paragraph D, the senior procurement executive must document for the record the basis of the waiver. If an individual is placed in a position in an agency on the basis of a waiver, the agency may later reassign that individual to another position at the same grade within that agency without additional waiver action.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. (Competencies: creativity and innovation, external awareness, flexibility, resilience, strategic thinking, vision)

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. (Competencies: conflict management, leveraging diversity, developing others, team building)

ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. (Competencies: accountability, customer service, decisiveness, entrepreneurship, problem solving, technical credibility)

ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. (Competencies: financial management, human capital management, technology management)

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. (Competencies: partnering, political savvy, influencing/negotiating)

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs):
PTQ 1 - Demonstrated in-depth experience serving as a senior procurement official for a complex procurement organization and working with federal policies, procedures, and addressing emergent challenges related to acquisition and other transaction and interagency agreement regulations over the entire acquisition lifecycle within all rules and regulations, as well as all related audit processes and procedures.

PTQ 2 - Demonstrated experience communicating (orally and in writing) and resolving complex policy-level and technical issues with diverse audiences including corporate and research leads, government executives and/or Congress.

PTQ 3 - Demonstrated experience effectively managing and providing strategic leadership of a substantial procurement organization including planning, project management, budget formulation (personnel and program), and procurement application systems; serving both internal and external customers.

Applicants are required to submit a narrative statement for each ECQ and each PTQ listed. If you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and had your ECQs certified by OPM, then you only need to address each PTQ, and you do not need to submit an ECQ narrative.

The above qualifications would typically be acquired through education, senior level experience, and training which reflect progressive development and achievement in leading and managing a comprehensive program in a complex organization. An individual's total experience must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position. Applicants must meet all of the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

For detailed guidance on ECQs, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf

Education

This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment. Applicants who do not meet the basic education requirement will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when required will result in lost consideration.

Additional information

  • Mobility: Individuals selected for Senior Executive Service positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines.
  • Relocation expenses: Payment of relocation expenses may be authorized in accordance with agency policy.
  • Financial Disclosure: This position is covered under the Ethics in Government Act, which requires comprehensive financial disclosures from employees. The appointee will be required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) within 30 days of their appointment, annually thereafter and upon termination of Federal Government employment.
  • Qualifications approval and probationary period: Persons newly selected for career appointments within the Senior Executive Service must have their executive core qualifications approved by an Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Review Board and will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
  • Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to positions in the Senior Executive Service.
NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as:
  • Telework
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Family-friendly leave
  • Child and elder-care resources
  • On-site childcare center
  • Lactation spaces
  • Wellness programs
  • Fitness center
  • Employee assistance programs

To learn more about NIST, visit NIST's channel on YouTube.


  • Benefits

    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.

    Review our benefits

    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.

Applicants are required to submit a narrative statement for each Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) and each Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) listed. If you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and had your ECQs certified by OPM, then you only need to address each PTQ, and you do not need to submit an ECQ narrative.

All other applicants are required to respond to all ECQs and PTQs, addressing each ECQ and PTQ separately. Please give a complete and detailed answer for each qualification. Please keep in mind each ECQ and PTQ are unique qualifications. Therefore, duplicate responses are not sufficient in determining if you meet that specific qualification. Do not enter "Refer to Resume" to explain your answer. Applications directing the reader to search within the application or to "See Resume" are considered incomplete and WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Failure to submit a narrative statement or address any of the ECQs and/or PTQs is also considered incomplete and WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. As a result, you will be rated as "INCOMPLETE".

All applicants will be evaluated by an Executive Resources Board (ERB) rating panel of senior managers to determine the degree to which they possess the executive core and professional/technical qualifications, and best qualified candidates may undergo an interview and a reference check. The ERB rating panel will make recommendations on best qualified candidates to the appointing authority. Applicants will be evaluated on the quality and extent of their total accomplishments, experience, the ECQs, and the PTQs.

  • Benefits

    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.

    Review our benefits

    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.

  • Required Documents

    As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

    In addition to your online application, the following documents must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 07/21/2023:

    1. Resume (uploaded as attachment or USAJOBS resume created with USAJOBS Resume Builder).

    2. ECQs and PTQs - ECQs and PTQ narrative statements must be submitted via uploaded attachment during the application process. Responses to ECQs must not exceed 10 pages and responses to PTQs must not exceed 6 pages. Current and former SES and SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Graduates need not submit ECQs.

    3. SF-50 - For current Senior Executives or individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility: You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your career appointment status in the SES. For current Federal employees: You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your current tenure, position title, series and grade level. Award SF-50s will not be considered.

    4. Certification - For SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Graduates: You must submit your SESCDP OPM-Certification documentation.

    5. Transcripts - This position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts to provide proof that you meet the education requirement listed in the announcement.

    Applicants who fail to submit requested documents WILL NOT receive consideration for this position and your application will receive an "incomplete" rating. If you are unable to upload documents or you do not have access to the internet, please contact Didi Hanlein at desiree.hanlein@nist.gov.

    Do not submit any additional information that is not required: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.

  • How to Apply

    Click 'Apply' and we'll walk you through a four-step process on how to attach a resume and any required documents. While working an application, you may review, edit, delete and update information. We'll automatically save progress made as you go, so any changes won't be lost.

    Application Tips

    Need Help?

    - If experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): please contact the Agency Contact listed on this announcement between normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET). If receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will provide you with a technical support number for further assistance.

    • If having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the NIST.

    Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 07/21/2023. Applicants applying on-line for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 07/21/2023. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.

    It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS. As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. See "Required Documents" section for what is considered a complete application package.

    The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Didi Hanlein, the servicing Human Resources Specialist, by e-mail at desiree.hanlein@nist.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users may contact us via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.

    Agency contact information

    Didi Hanlein

    Phone

    240-449-6356

    Email

    desiree.hanlein@nist.gov

    Address

    Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management
    100 Bureau Drive
    Building 101/Room A0702
    Mail Stop 1600
    Gaithersburg, MD 20899
    US

    Next steps

    The Office of Executive Resources will provide notification of applicant status at the four points of the hiring process, as applicable, in a timely fashion. The four points of notification are: Application Received; Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Not Met; Panel Rating of Best Qualified (Application referred to the Selecting Official) or Panel Rating of Qualified/Not Qualified (Application not referred to Selecting Official); and Selected or Not Selected.

    Applicants can check the status of their application at any time after the announcement closes by accessing the USAJOBS website.

  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request

Required Documents

In addition to your online application, the following documents must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 07/21/2023:

1. Resume (uploaded as attachment or USAJOBS resume created with USAJOBS Resume Builder).

2. ECQs and PTQs - ECQs and PTQ narrative statements must be submitted via uploaded attachment during the application process. Responses to ECQs must not exceed 10 pages and responses to PTQs must not exceed 6 pages. Current and former SES and SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Graduates need not submit ECQs.

3. SF-50 - For current Senior Executives or individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility: You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your career appointment status in the SES. For current Federal employees: You are encouraged to submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that documents your current tenure, position title, series and grade level. Award SF-50s will not be considered.

4. Certification - For SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) Graduates: You must submit your SESCDP OPM-Certification documentation.

5. Transcripts - This position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts to provide proof that you meet the education requirement listed in the announcement.

Applicants who fail to submit requested documents WILL NOT receive consideration for this position and your application will receive an "incomplete" rating. If you are unable to upload documents or you do not have access to the internet, please contact Didi Hanlein at desiree.hanlein@nist.gov.

Do not submit any additional information that is not required: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.


Help

This job is open to

  • Senior executives

    Those who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

  • The public

    U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

What time is it? The scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) can tell you with the utmost of accuracy. Created by Congress in 1901 as the US government's first physical science research laboratory, NIST is still set...

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