As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service, or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or nongovernmental organizations.
Eligibility will be based upon a resume clearly showing that the applicant has the technical qualifications, 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. Additionally, 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.
The recruitment application process for this position is RESUME and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) ONLY.
Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position and it cannot exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 0.5" margin and no smaller than 10-point font.
If you submit a resume that exceeds the 2-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.
A. Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ):
MTQs are essential for successful performance in the position. Do NOT submit separate MTQ statements.
- Expert knowledge of all aspects of government contracting and the Acquisition Life Cycle for both pre and post award actions (including but not limited to requirements development, budgeting, solicitation, contract award, procurement analysis, contract cost/pricing, contractor business systems, property management, contractor payment, financial analysis and contract closure) and the corresponding government contracting Information Technology (IT) systems and how they work across the department to ensure proper contract execution..
- Demonstrated ability to determine organizational needs and formulate plans, policies, and objectives to achieve goals, such as maintaining and providing dedicated expertise in CAS, major program support, delivery of supplies and services, contractor management and modernization of overarching DoD IT systems.
Failure to meet any one of the technical qualifications requirements automatically disqualifies an applicant.
B. ExecutiveCoreQualifications(ECQs):
The ECQs describe the leadership skills needed to succeed in the Senior Executive Service. The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and potential and measure whether an individual has the broad executive skills needed in a variety of SES positions.
Applicants must submit separate narrative statements to address each of the five ECQs below (maximum length of each statement: 1-2 pages). Each statement must fully describe how their experience demonstrates the specific ECQ. Include two relevant specific examples of actual experience, education, and accomplishments that directly demonstrate competencies for each ECQ. Examples should be clear and concise and emphasize the level of responsibilities and scope and complexity of programs managed.
(Exception to ECQ Requirement: Current Career SES members, former Career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates who have been certified by OPM do NOT need to submit narrative ECQ statements.)
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. (Leadership Competencies: Creativity and Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision)
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. (Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building)
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. (Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility)
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. (Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management)
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. (Leadership Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating)
FUNDAMENTAL COMPETENCIES: These competencies are the foundation for success in each of the ECQs: Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Written Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Continual Learning, and Public Service Motivation.
DoD Joint Enterprise-Wide Experience Statement:
In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. This individual must have the ability to apply a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities is required. Executives
C. Critical Acquisition Position (CAP) Requirements:
- Must have 10 years of acquisition experience in an Acquisition Workforce position-- at least 4 years of which was performed while assigned as a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP).
- Must be a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps upon entry into the position.
- Must possess Professional certification in Contracting.
- Must possess a Bachelor's degree.
The best-qualified candidates will be distinguished from other applicants by an evaluation panel of senior level subject matter experts and executives referencing the resume and executive core qualifications.