Supervisory Attorney-Advisor (General)

Basic Requirements: 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. Specialized experience is experience providing legal advice and support on matters related to government procurement issues in the federal government. At least five years of experience as a practicing attorney is desired. At least two years of supervisory experience is desired, but not required. As the Assistant General Counsel for R&D Acquisition you will be responsible for providing legal advice for government contracts, inter-agency acquisitions, and grants entered into by DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate (“S&T”) in the areas of research, development, test, and evaluation. S&T’s contracts are issued in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) or DHS’s Other Transaction Agreement authority and relate to a broad portfolio of S&T programs. S&T also awards and administers several large management and operations contracts to operate Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) on behalf of DHS. As the Assistant General Counsel for R&D Acquisition you will also have supervisory and management responsibilities for currently three other government contracts attorneys supporting S&T. S&T is the primary research, development, test, and evaluation component of the Department. Led by a Senate-confirmed Under Secretary, S&T has an annual budget of roughly $800 Million. The work carried out in S&T, in partnership with the private sector, national laboratories, universities, international partners, and other government agencies, helps push the innovation envelope and drives development and use of high technology in support of the Department’s operational units. Areas of research and development contracting include innovative, new technologies to support DHS’s operational components. 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.
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Technology Programs Law Division (TPLD). The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Assistant General Counsel for R&D Acquisition. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.