Attorney-Advisor (General)

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), General Law Division (GLD). The primary purpose of this position is to support the Department by providing legal advice and counsel on acquisitions and procurement to DHS procurement and program officials and represent DHS in bid protests and claims appeals at various fora. 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: Advising clients verbally and in writing on legal issues related to acquisition and procurement during all stages of the procurement process and providing training to clients on various procurement topics. Advising on acquisition planning, exceptions to competition, solicitation language, evaluation of offerors, preparing of contract award decisions, debriefings, award documents, and contract administration matters. Assisting clients during internal and external reviews and audits and assisting in the determination of what information is releasable. Coordinating with program offices and other OGC disciplines on acquisitions, litigation, and other legal matters and providing legal advice to management and program officials to ensure actions are taken in accordance with governing laws, regulations, and policies, and provide advice to avoid the development of litigation and other legal challenges. Serving as lead attorney in agency-level protests, Government Accountability Office (GAO) bid protests, and contract appeals filed before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) and assisting Department of Justice (DOJ) on claims or protests at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC) or the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: GS-14 and 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 federal acquisition and procurement matters including advising contracting personnel, program offices, and senior agency leadership on procurement planning, contract formation, contract administration, bid protests, claims, disputes, and related litigation. This experience may include advising on complex, high-dollar, mission-critical, or time-sensitive acquisitions, including cyber-security, information technology (IT), professional services, operational support, or other mission-support acquisitions. 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.