Operations Research Analyst Job

Vacancy No. MDA-25-12653195-DH Department Missile Defense Agency
Salary $127,073.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/24/2024 Close Date 1/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Redstone Arsenal, ALDahlgren, VA


Summary

This position is part of the Department of Defense (DoD), Missile Defense Agency. The incumbent will be responsible for serving as Cost Analyst in the Directorate of Cost Estimating and Analysis providing a full range of cost estimating and analysis services for MDA.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

Duties

Salary Ranges are the following unless statutory/regulatory rates prevail.
For the Redstone Arsenal, AL Location: $127,073 to $191,900 (includes 21.48% locality).
For the Dahlgren, VA Location: $139,395 to $191,900 (includes 33.26% locality)

The position(s) covered by this vacancy announcement is in the Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project (AcqDemo). For more information please see: AcqDemo

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Acq Demo Business and Technical Management to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

As a Operations Research Analyst at the NH-1515-4 broadband level some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Participating as a member of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) or program office to generate cost-related products in support of acquisition milestones, contract actions, budgets, trades and other key program decision points to execute the organization's mission.
  • Supporting cost trade analyses (e.g. what-if drills, business case analysis, cost benefit analysis, economic analysis, cost as an independent variable, architecture trades, design to cost, and analysis of alternatives).
  • Performing analysis to help leadership make informative decisions concerning cost, budget, and schedule over the life cycle of acquisition programs.
  • Providing cost estimating and analysis products and instructions in support of Request for Proposal (RFP) actions through post-contract award activities. Participating in source selections/proposal evaluations to evaluate risk, reasonableness, and realism.
  • Developing standardized, product-oriented Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Cost Element Structures (CES), data collection plans, Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), Data Item Descriptions (DIDs), and cost reporting award fee criteria.
  • Assisting in the development and review of Cost Analysis Requirements Descriptions (CARDs).
  • Collecting, reviewing, analyzing, documenting, and storing cost data and related program, schedule, and technical data in organization's database and library, including Contract Performance Reports and Cost & Software Data Reports.
  • Developing, applying, and documenting appropriate cost estimating and analysis methodologies, utilizing techniques such as linear and non-linear regression to determine cost estimating relationships (CERs).
  • Developing, updating, and maintaining cost models capable of providing timely, credible, accurate, comprehensive, and documented program life cycle cost estimates.
  • Generating alternative methodologies and cross-checks to validate primary cost estimate.
  • Conducting sensitivity, risk, and uncertainty analysis.
  • Documenting cost estimates including the requirements, steps, data sources, assumptions, methodologies, risk and uncertainty analysis, sensitivity analysis, and outputs to allow for full understanding and replication of the cost estimate.
  • Preparing, reviewing, and presenting cost estimates, cost analysis, cost studies, excursions, recommendations, and briefings to Missile Defense Agency (MDA) leadership and stakeholders.
  • Developing, updating, and maintaining a Joint Cost Model with the Lead Service(s) to support the MDA transition of systems.
  • Conducting quality assurance reviews of cost estimates to ensure they are credible, accurate, comprehensive, and documented.
  • Generating the cost estimates presented in resource baselines for the Baseline Execution Reviews and Missile Defense Accountability Report (MDAR).
  • Supporting Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs) and reconcile Earned Value Management (EVM) Estimates at Completion (EAC) with IGCEs.
  • Supporting and/or responding to external requests for information related to MDA cost estimates through oral and written communication with supporting data products.
  • Advising staff, peers, and leadership on matters related to cost estimating and analysis.
  • Developing and/or interpreting policy guidance and procedures relating to cost estimating and analysis.
  • Presenting findings of studies and representing the organization on cost-related matters.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Occasional Travel
  • Work Schedule: Full-time
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Maxi Flex
  • Recruitment Incentives: Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees based on agency policy and availability
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
  • Must obtain/maintain Non-critical Sensitive/Secret security clearance
  • This is a drug testing designated position.
  • This is an acquisition position coded Advanced in Business, Cost Estimating. Incumbent must obtain mandatory Back-to-Basics (BtB) certification within 48 months of entry into position.
  • Must acquire 80 Continuous Learning Points every 24 months.
  • This position may be eligible for part-time or situational telework at the discretion of management.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the NH-04 broadband level, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03/GS13 grade level in the Federal service as listed below:

Applicants are required to meet 3 of the 5 statements.
  • Developing credible, accurate, comprehensive, and documented Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), Program Office Estimates (POEs), and/or Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs).
  • Collecting, normalizing, and analyzing data.
  • Developing and applying appropriate cost estimating and analysis methodologies, utilizing techniques such as linear
    and non-linear regression to determine cost estimating relationships (CERs).
  • Developing, updating, and maintaining cost models capable of providing timely, reliable cost estimates.
  • Preparing, presenting, and documenting cost estimates, cost analysis, cost studies, excursions, recommendations,
    and/or briefings to customers and stakeholders.

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.

In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1515, series as listed below:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/

NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Foreign Education


Please limit your resume to five pages. If more than five pages are submitted, only the first five pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. NOTE: The limit does not apply to cover letters, eligibility documents such as Standard Form (SF) 50, Military Spouse, DD Form 214, transcripts, etc.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

Additional information

This position may be eligible for part-time or situational telework at the discretion of management.

Other Notes

ACQUISITION POSITION: This position requires Acquisition Workforce Level Advanced in Business - Cost Estimating Certification prior to hiring is not essential but must be accomplished within 24 months after entry into this position.


RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT: This position DOES NOT meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov))

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position.

Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements.

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc).

Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED
1. Your resume:

  • Your resume may be submitted in any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e.," HRS per week and month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
  • For additional information see: What to include in your resume.

Please limit your resume to five pages. If more than five pages are submitted, only the first five pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. NOTE: The limit does not apply to cover letters, eligibility documents such as Standard Form (SF) 50, Military Spouse, DD Form 214, transcripts, etc.


2. Transcripts
  • This position has a degree or education requirement so you are required to submit a copy of your transcript. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the lists of classes and credits earned.


3. Veteran's Documents
  • If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents:
  • DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.

Please limit your resume to five pages. If more than five pages are submitted, only the first five pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. NOTE: The limit does not apply to cover letters, eligibility documents such as Standard Form (SF) 50, Military Spouse, DD Form 214, transcripts, etc.

Military Spouse Preference(Non Comp) Submit (1) Marriage certificate and (2) a copy of your spouse's active Military Orders and (3) DD-214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (if Applicable) and (4) DD1300 - Report of Casualty (If applicable).

Future military retirees and/or Future military separatees: must include a copy of their terminal leave request, if applicable, AND a copy of retirement DD214 [if available]. If DD214 not available, submit a certification document* or a copy of your retirement letter.
*A written document from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certificate is signed. The certification must be on letterhead signed by the adjutant, personnel officer, unit commander or higher headquarters and include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge, character of service, and, if applicable, the date your terminal leave begins. This document is sometimes called a Statement of Service.

PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/FourthEstateRequiredSupportingDocumentation%2011-16-2020.pdf?ver=Lgkkn1HW9a8is7V2lyCS2Q%3d%3d

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.

You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.

You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12653195.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy And gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

- OPM Equal Employment

- Office of Equal Opportunity

Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a Case-by-Case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace or the way things are customarily done that provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations:

- When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job.
- When an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job or to gain access to the workplace, And
- When an employee with a disability needs an accommodation to enjoy equal access to benefits and privileges of employment (e.g., details, trainings, office-sponsored events).

- Disability Employment - Reasonable Accommodations

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Agency contact information

MDA Servicing Team
Phone
6146920299
Fax
6146931696
Email
DHRC-DMDAHR@DLA.MIL
Address
Missile Defense Agency
Bldg 5222 Martin Rd
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

REGARDING INTERVIEWS: Interviews may be required for this position. Accommodations may be made to conduct telephonic interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants.

NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.


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


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