Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (Cost & Economics) Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. MRL2025-30150 Department Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Salary $161,128.00 to $207,500.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/21/2025 Close Date 11/3/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.

The purpose of this position is to serve as an Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary to the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Cost and Economics), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller.

Duties

Participates with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Cost and Economics) in directing and supervising Department of the Air Force worldwide cost, economic, and business case analysis activities, independent cost estimating, and oversight of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) financial management (e.g., financial oversight of non-appropriated fund activities). Provides policy direction and guidance on the conduct of life cycle cost, economic, and business case analyses associated with the acquisition and operations of weapons, intelligence, and information systems, including matters associated with planning, programming, budgeting, financial and management analysis, and accounting. Develops, coordinates, and maintains processes, systems, and organizations to accomplish the cost, economic, and business case analysis requirements of a broad customer base, including Congress, Office of Management and Budget, Government Accountability Office (GAO), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), and various other government agencies. Acts for the SECAF in establishing and advocating the Department of the Air Force cost, economic, and/or business case analysis position to senior leadership in OSD and the other Military Departments. Assists the Deputy Assistant Secretary in managing the activities of the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA), a field-operating agency of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Leads Department of the Air Force cost, economic and business case analysis activities supporting both the United States Air Force and United States Space Force, ensuring they fully conform with Public Law, OSD, SECAF, Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF), and Chief of Space Operations (CSO) direction. Collaborates with other functional elements of the Air Force, Space Force, Joint Chiefs of Staff, OSD, and others to obtain understanding and acceptance of Department of the Air Force cost, economic and business case analysis policies and requirements. Serves as a senior-level liaison to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), GAO, Offices of the Under Secretary of Defense for Comptroller (UOSDC) and Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD(AT&L)), Office of the Director, Cost Analysis Program Evaluation (CAPE), Headquarters Air Force, Headquarters Space Force, Program Executive Officers (PEOs), System Program Offices (SPOs), Air Force Major Commands and Space Force Field Commands and their product and logistics centers, the Departments of the Army and Navy, and various other government and industry organizations.

Provides the analytical support required by the SECAF and senior Department of the Air Force management to help reduce costs and ensure effective and efficient utilization of scarce Air Force and Space Force resources. Places particular emphasis on developing planning, programming, and budgeting cost models in support of the Department of the Air Force planning, programming, and budgeting process, the Quadrennial Defense Review, and the Department of the Air Force Corporate Structure.

Conducts continuous study to improve Department-wide cost analysis capabilities. Advances the state-of-the-art in acquisition and sustainment cost analysis by directing AFCAA efforts to design, develop, and validate cost analysis databases, methods, and tools for Air Force, Space Force, and government-wide use. Directs teams that analyze problems related to the development or utilization of cost estimating databases, methods, or tools.

Seeks ways to leverage cost, economic, and business case analysis support to Department of the Air Force leadership. Assists in implementing cost policy and guidance for depot competitions. Sets standards for workforce performance and career development commensurate with strategic objectives for Department of the Air Force total force development. Inspires, motivates, and guides Air Force and Space Force financial managers toward accomplishment of goals. Promotes quality through effective application of the performance management system and Equal Employment Opportunity program. Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Facilitates the development and promulgation of policies and programs to implement and achieve the Department of the Air Force strategic vision. Consults with appropriate DoD and Department of the Air Force officials, establishes short and mid-term objectives to achieve SECAF, CSAF, and CSO objectives, the President's administration goals, and congressional intent. Develops quantitative and qualitative means of assessing policy compliance and program effectiveness. Continually monitors implementation of assigned mission and proposes changes in policies and programs to better achieve Department of the Air Force goals and objectives.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Mobility is a condition of employment and appointment for SES members will be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligations Agreement
  • Selected candidate must file a Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978
  • Position has been designated Special-Sensitive and the selectee must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
  • Drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use IAW Exec. Order 12564, dated 14 Sep 86. Position requires that the incumbent sign a Drug Testing letter and pass urinalysis testing prior to appointment.
  • Position requires travel under conditions specified in the DoD Joint Travel Regulations. Incumbent is expected to travel on short notice to attend high-level meetings.
  • Position may require incumbent to be available for other than normal duty hours to include weekends to support exercises and crisis planning.
  • An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
  • Attendance to the Air Force's Senior Leader Orientation Course (SLOC) is generally required within 12 months of appointment, subject to course availability.
  • Position may be subject to the post-government employment restrictions of Sections 207(a) and (f) of Title 18, United States Code.
  • Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.

Qualifications

Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations.

In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages, streamlining the process to align with private industry practices. Candidates identified for potential selection will be assessed against the ECQs by undergoing a structured interview assessment with OPM's Qualifications Review Board (QRB). This interview, based on the new Executive Core Qualifications, will replace the previous narrative essay requirement at this subsequent stage of the hiring process.

Qualification Requirements: Your 2-page resume must demonstrate the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) listed below. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments relative to the technical qualifications. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. At this time, only a resume (capped at 2 pages) is required. A panel may assess whether you possess the required MTQs through resume review, assessments, and/or interview in a later stage of the hiring process.

A. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Certification Requirements:
This is a Financial Management Level (Level 3) Certified position IAW NDAA 2012 and DoDI 1300.26. The incumbent of the position shall comply with the requirements of this certification program. Executives occupying FM designated positions must complete the required certification no later than two years from notification of the requirement.

Business-FM Advanced (CAP):
1. This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specifically waived by the appropriate component official (i.e., the Director of Acquisition Career Management for the Component, the Service Acquisition Executive, or the Service Secretary), the following are statutorily mandated requirements (Reference 10 U.S.C. 1731 and 1737):
a. Ten (10) years acquisition experience in an AWF position, at least 4 years of which was performed while assigned to a CAP.
b. Selectee must execute, as a condition of employment, a written agreement to remain in federal service in this position for at least three years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.
c. Selectee must meet Advanced level certification requirements in Business - Financial Management or must be able to meet Advanced certification within 4 years (48 months) of assignment.
d. Selectee must have 6 years in acquisition financial management leadership billet (within acquisition major program office, PEO, or Service/Component/HQ/equivalent level).
e. Selectee must meet 80 hours of continuous learning requirements within the designated timeframe (80 hours of continuing learning (CL) every 2 years (with a goal of engaging in 40 hours annually)).

B. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management and must demonstrate the TQs in the resume or you will be found ineligible.

1. Reflect superior technical qualifications as evidenced by the following factors:
(a) Demonstrated knowledge and professional experience in economic analyses and business practices.

(b) Demonstrated knowledge and professional experience in activities associated with Independent Cost Estimates and the Defense Acquisition Board Process.

(c) Demonstrated knowledge and professional experience in activities associated with DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Executing System (PPBES).

2. Demonstrate ability to lead a large complex organization involving top-level management leadership in the following
  1. Responding to relevant customer requirements (operational, user, and DAF policymaker)
  2. Partnering with industry and academia
In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. The individual must possess a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities. Executives should demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives.

Education

Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in operations research, computer science, data science, analytics, engineering, mathematics, economics, one of the physical or social sciences, or a closely related scientific discipline is required. An advanced degree (masters or PhD) in one of these disciplines is highly desired.

Additional information

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated against the qualifications requirements. Candidates will be evaluated for this position by a screening panel composed of senior executives and/or general officers selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel will reach consensus on the applications demonstrating a high degree of the executive core qualifications and technical competencies to select for interviews. Post interview, the panel will make a recommendation of those Best Qualified candidates to refer to the selecting official, in priority order. Final selection is contingent on approval by the Under Secretary of the Air Force.

Required Documents

To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format and length requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.

The Qualifications Documents must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12 font, with 1-inch margins. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number on any of the Qualifications Documents. DO NOT COMBINE DOCUMENTS.

A. (Mandatory) Resume in the preferred format (Limit 2 Pages Total). Upload in PDF format.PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

B. (Mandatory) Most recent Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, noting your current position, grade level, and salary.

C. Most recent completed Performance Appraisal.

D. College transcript(s) (copy is acceptable) which demonstrates the acceptable combinations of education and experience as noted by OPM.

E. (Optional): Ethnicity and Race Identification, SF-181 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov

F. (Optional): Self-Identification of Disability, SF-256 -- Form available at: https://www.opm.gov

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please follow the below instructions to submit applications. Any applications received that do not include all of the required documents or do not meet format requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/03/2025.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

PREFERRED RESUME FORMAT: (Limit 2 pages/Times New Roman 12-font) (Do Not Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder) - Please submit a typewritten resume (upload as a PDF), including the following information:

Job Information: Announcement number (MRL2025-30150) and title of the position to which you are applying.

Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), day and evening phone numbers (with area code) and complete e-mail address where you would like to receive correspondence regarding your application. **PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER**

Education: Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Work Experience: Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying: (Do not send job descriptions).
- Starting and ending dates (month and year)
- Job title (for government position, include civilian series and grade or military rank)
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number, please indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
- Salary (current)

HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RESUME:
- Reflect on the ECQs and think about how your past experiences and education relate to each ECQ.
- Read the vacancy announcement carefully.
- Adhere to the 2-page limitation (in PDF format and 12 point font)
- Quantify your accomplishments.

* Applicants should focus on recency of experience - Recruitment Panels, Executive Resources Boards, and Hiring Officials may consider experience over 10 years outdated.

References: Do not provide references on resumes.

This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify this office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

SAF/MRL CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Mr. Charles Andrews at charles.andrews.14@us.af.mil or 703-693-0324.

Agency contact information

Charles Andrews
Address
AF Senior Executive Management
1040 Air Force Pentagon Room 4D
Washington, DC 20330
US

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration.

If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.