Summary
This position is located in the Office of Personnel Security and Suitability (PSS), Security Infrastructure Directorate, Diplomatic Security Service, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State (DOS). PSS is responsible for determining the eligibility of DOS personnel for access to classified National Security Information (NSI), sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information, access to intelligence information, and suitability for Federal employment.
Duties
Serves as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for investigative contracts, overseeing contractor compliance and payment authorization.
Develops background investigation contracts, including cost estimates, statements of work, and evaluations.
Manages personnel security/suitability investigations program, overseeing Background Investigation Coordinators (BICs) and contractors to ensure quality and timely case completion.
Analyzes investigative workload, sets program standards, and ensures field investigations comply with DOS and Federal Investigative Standards.
Advises senior management on personnel security policy, adjudication, and workforce reliability issues.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
How you will be evaluated
The evaluation process consists of the ApplyGov Competency Based Assessments and a crediting plan for which applicants will be assigned a score between 70 and 100. A resume review will be conducted for minimum qualification requirements, as described in the “Qualifications” section of this announcement, of the top qualified candidates based on combined total score. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. Responses to questions that are not fully supported by your resume may result in a rating adjustment. You will be assessed on the following job-related competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Non-Supervisory: Oral Communication, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail and Self-Management. Set aside at least 2 hours to take the external assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. There are timed sections that must be completed within the allotted timeframe. Your score from the external assessment (i.e. Non-supervisory) will remain on file for 180 days, allowing you to apply for multiple DOS-announced positions without needing to retake the assessments. Top applicants may be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. The assessment is used to measure the degree in which your background matches the competencies and KSAs required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies: Knowledge of Federal contracting and COR duties, including acquisition planning and performance evaluation. Skill in overseeing investigative programs for compliance with security and reciprocity standards. Knowledge of legislation, statutes, regulations, administrative laws, policies relating to Federal appropriations Knowledge of National Security and suitability policies and Federal Investigative Standards. Ability to administer / manage a wide range of security programs. Skill in building and maintaining relationships with senior officials across DOS and Federal agencies. Applicants found to be among the top qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. Qualified non-competitive candidates must be deemed best qualified based on the applicant assessment in order to be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application may result in your removal from consideration. You may preview questions for this vacancy.