Clarification from the agency

OPEN TO VA EMPLOYEES

The incumbent provides comprehensive administrative and programmatic support to the Supervisory Management and Program Analyst (GS-12) and Administrative Officer (GS-13) with responsibilities spanning equipment budgeting and procurement, contracting and procurement administration, and complex human resources management requiring coordination across providers, administrative staff, Contracting Officers, HR, specialists and vendors.

The duties of this position are the same at both grade levels. The distinction between grades lies in the degree of independence, complexity of assignments, and level of supervisory oversight required to perform them.

• Supports or independently manages the complete equipment lifecycle for Surgery Service, from needs assessment through disposal, depending on grade level.
• Develops or assists in developing equipment justification packages for capital and major non-capital purchases, including clinical need, patient impact, alternatives analysis, cost-benefit evaluation, and strategic alignment.
• Processes equipment procurements; at the GS-09 level, independently handles complex, high-value procurements exceeding $100,000.
• Manages or assists with the Surgery Service equipment budget including planning, allocation, execution, and monitoring. Tracks expenditures and identifies variances.
• Supports or serves as primary authority on the Surgery Service purchase card program. Reviews transactions for compliance, provides guidance to cardholders, and conducts compliance reviews.
• Maintains comprehensive equipment inventory across all locations, coordinating transfers, disposals, preventive maintenance schedules, and equipment evaluations.

• Supports or independently serves as Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) for Surgery Service contracts, maintaining required COTR certification per VA Directive 1663.
• Monitors contract performance against Statement of Work requirements; identifies performance deficiencies and works with contractors to implement corrective actions.
• Reviews and processes invoices for assigned contracts, verifying accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Assists with or independently develops Statements of Work (SOW) for new or renewed contracts, translating clinical and operational needs into enforceable contract requirements.
• Monitors contractor compliance with FAR, VAAR, VA directives, facility policies, labor standards, safety requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinates with VA Contracting Office on procurement actions, contract modifications, and technical matters.
• Develops or supports development of procurement strategies for recurring Surgery Service needs, including national contracts, GSA schedules, BPAs, and IDIQ contracts.

• Assists with or independently manages the Market Pay Review (MPR) process for Surgery Service positions, serving as subject matter expert on physician and advanced practitioner compensation, market pay analysis, and Title 38 pay authorities.
• Supports or independently manages recruitment and retention incentive programs, including Title 5 recruitment bonuses, relocation incentives, retention allowances, and Title 38 physician incentives.
• Prepares or assists with comprehensive justification packages for recruitment and retention incentives, ensuring compliance with 5 CFR Part 575, Title 38, and facility policies.
• Supports credentialing and privileging processes; maintains databases tracking physician credentials, certifications, licenses, and privileges.
• Advises or supports Surgery Service leadership on workforce planning, position management, and organizational design.
• Serves as Surgery Service liaison with Human Resources Management Service on classification, position management, and complex personnel actions.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Promotion potential: The Selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.


Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 07:30-16:00
Compressed/Flexible: Not Applicable
Telework: This is not a routine or virtual telework position. Ad-hoc telework may be authorized based on agency needs.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD11492A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/27/2026.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, April 13, 2026. You will be considered for the grade level(s) for which you apply and meet qualifications. Time-in-grade requirements apply to current Federal employees.

Time-in-Grade Requirement:
At the GS-07 Level:
Time-in-Grade: Must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05 level (or equivalent) in the Federal service.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service that demonstrates developing knowledge of administrative procedures, procurement processes, contracting requirements, or human resources principles. Experience must demonstrate ability to perform routine to moderately complex administrative assignments under supervision, including activities such as:

• Assisting with procurement or purchasing processes, including processing transactions and maintaining records
• Supporting contract monitoring or administration functions
• Assisting with human resources-related administrative tasks (e.g., tracking personnel actions, preparing documentation)
• Preparing administrative correspondence, reports, or justification materials
• Using automated systems for budget tracking, procurement, or records management

At the GS-07 level, this is a developmental position (PD# 534-11492-A). The incumbent works under closer supervision and is building toward full-performance capabilities. The GS-07 selectee may be non-competitively promoted to GS-09 upon meeting all qualifications and performance requirements.

At the GS-09 Level:
Time-in-Grade: Must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level (or equivalent) in the Federal service.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of administrative, procurement, contracting, and/or human resources management principles sufficient to independently perform complex assignments. Experience must demonstrate:

• Managing equipment procurement or contracting administration, including developing specifications, processing procurements, and monitoring compliance
• Serving as or supporting a COTR function, including monitoring contractor performance, reviewing invoices, and ensuring compliance with contract terms
• Independently preparing complex administrative documents, justification packages, or management analyses requiring interpretation of regulations
• Managing or supporting human resources compensation programs such as market pay reviews, recruitment or retention incentives, or other special pay programs
• Applying federal procurement regulations (FAR/VAAR), VA directives, or Title 5/Title 38 authorities to varied and complex administrative situations
• Working with VA administrative systems (e.g., IFCAP, IPPS, VistA, FMS, USA Staffing) or comparable procurement/HR systems

The GS-09 is the full performance level (PD# 534-11491-A). The incumbent works under general supervision with substantial independence, exercises sound judgment on complex matters, and serves as a technical resource for Surgery Service administrative functions.

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

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, 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 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 clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours per week spent in each role.

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

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.


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/.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing 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
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

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