Program Specialist

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/01/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the the GS-7. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. GS-09: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-7) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is in, or, related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes: Supports aspects of contracting (preparation, submission, award, and implementation) Knowledge of acquisition and supply/equipment procurement Assist in the use of the Strategic Equipment Planning Guide (SEPG) and Electronic Equipment Request (EER) portals Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques or requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations) for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration. Assist in planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production. ~OR~ Education: successfully completed a Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Combination: Combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. Only education in excess of a master’s or equivalent graduate education may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-09 level. GS-11: One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties as a Program Specialist – (Acquisition & Activation Program Specialist). Qualifying specialized experience includes: Experience in all aspects of contracting (preparation, submission, award, and implementation) Knowledge of acquisition and supply/equipment procurement Experience in the use of the Strategic Equipment Planning Guide (SEPG) and Electronic Equipment Request (EER) portals Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques or requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations) for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration. Planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production. Knowledge of the principles and methods for developing an integrated acquisition management plan that describes the business, technical, and support strategies, including the relationship between the acquisition phases, work efforts, and key program events (for example, decision points, contract awards, test activities). ~OR~ Education: successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M. if related that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Combination: Combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. Only education in excess of equivalent graduate education may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-11 level. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required. NOTE: One (1) full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Acquisition Strategy Administration and Management Contracting/Procurement Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Project Management 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; religions; 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary in nature. Occasional travel may be required to conduct inspections on deliverable equipment/supplies/materials and to manage the EIL per VA policy. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management’s website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
The Program Specialist will function as the Medical Specialties Service Line Advisor on contract related services, focusing on clinical needs in all aspects of equipment and product procurement and management.