Quality Assurance Specialist Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. DHA-12957222-26-SNA Department Washington Headquarters Services
Salary $85,447.00 to $133,142.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/20/2026 Close Date 5/25/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

This position is located in the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), Facilities Services Directorate (FSD), Facilities Operations and Services Division (FOSD). The incumbent serves as the Quality Assurance Specialist. FOSD is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and renovation and repair of the Pentagon Reservation which includes the Pentagon, Mark Center, the Pentagon Heating and Refrigeration Plant, Modular Office Complex, and all Reservation grounds and parking areas.


This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

The Public

Duties

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice, under this recruitment, applications will be accepted for each location and/or installation identified in this Public Notice and selections are made for vacancies as they occur. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.

This Public Notice is to gather applications which may or may not result in a referral or selection.

This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce, in accordance with Section Direct Hire Auth 5 U.S.C. § 9905, 6/23/2023


Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

Incumbents typical work assignments may include the following:

  • Serves as a Quality Assurance Evaluator for the Base Operations Services Systems (BOSS) contract, overseeing the contractor's ability to deliver products and services in compliance with contract requirements, schedules, and costs.

  • Performs on-site source audits, in-depth evaluations, and quality investigations of the contractor's Quality Control (QC) program, initiating changes to correct operational problems and reporting unsatisfactory trends.

  • Conducts investigations and analyses to determine the root causes of problems or delays in contract schedules, develops recommendations for modifications, and coordinates meetings on quality assurance matters.

  • Participates in engineering design reviews, pre-procurement planning, and post-award reviews to provide expert advice and recommendations that ensure the adequacy and completeness of designs, materials, and quality control measures.

  • Ensures contractor conformance with requirements from regulatory agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection and OSHA, as well as compliance with FAR, DFAR, and WHS procedures.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
  • Required to participate in the direct deposit program
  • This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the civilian drug-testing program. Individuals will be required to submit to urinalysis for illegal drugs prior to appointment and are subjected to random drug testing.
  • Position has been designated as Non-Sensitive. Incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a favorable background investigation.
  • The incumbent must adhere to DoD Standards of Conduct.
  • The duties of this position require one to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • The employee assigned to this position is designated as a MISSION ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEE. Mission essential employees may be required to report for, or remain at, work in dismissal or closure situations due to adverse weather conditions.

Qualifications

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Such experience is typically in or directly related to the work of the position to be filled. In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.

Basic Requirements
Education:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position.
OR
Experience:
Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience that demonstrated a practical knowledge in monitoring, controlling, or maintaining the quality of products or services in quality assurance, procurement, inspection, production, or related areas. Examples include:

  • Reviewing production activities and capabilities in light of contract quality requirements.
  • Reviewing written quality or inspection procedures for adequacy, and evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of quality /inspection systems, including sampling plans.
  • Analyzing quality data to detect unsatisfactory trends or weaknesses in the quality /inspection system.
  • Verifying by test or inspection, using sampling inspection or intensive product inspection techniques, that products comply with requirements prior to acceptance.
  • Identifying inadequacies and requesting corrective action.
  • Computing data, summarizing results, and preparing reports or charts depicting pertinent relationships using statistical methods.
  • Investigating customer complaints and deficiency reports, and providing identification of causes to appropriate authorities.
  • Reading, interpreting, and applying technical data such as blueprints, engineering drawings, product specifications, or technical manuals.
  • Reviewing and evaluating supply systems operations and procedures through periodic audits and surveillance inspections.

You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal Service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties related to the position being filled. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) reviewing contractual procedures, processes and/or work instructions to identify inadequacies and recommending corrective action; and 2) reading and interpreting technical data such as blueprints, engineering drawings, product specifications, or technical manuals.
OR
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. If you are using education to substitute for the qualifying experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply.
OR
Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply.

You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) which has given me the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties related to the position being filled. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) conducting statistical/quality data analyses, testing and sampling to evaluate conformance to contractual quality requirements; 2) planning and conducting quality review investigations to assess deficiencies in contract performance; and 3) determining assignable causes of problems and/or delays in projects or contract schedules and making recommendations for corrective actions.

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements, qualified applicants must also possess the quality of experience as it relates to how closely or to what extent an applicant's background, recency of experience, education, and training are relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the announced position. Candidates must clearly demonstrate the possession of competencies necessary to successfully perform the work of the position at the appropriate level to be qualified for the position. Applicants must describe how their experience meets the competencies within the body of the resume. No separate statements addressing competencies are required.

Qualification requirements must be met at the closing date of this announcement.

Education

GS-11- Education can be substituted for experience: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. If you are using education to substitute for the qualifying experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply.

GS-12- Education cannot be substituted for experience.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

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 the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .

Additional information

Probationary Periods: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/

Reasonable Accommodation: Washington Headquarters Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please view the "Alternate Application" method listed in the "Other Information" section of this announcement. Your requests for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the following link for more information http://http://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/admin_inst/

Reemployed Annuitants: 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. /www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/140025/

Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

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.

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.

Note: Under this DHA, veteran's preference does not apply.

Your application (resumes and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed in this announcement. Qualified candidates should demonstrate the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics) in their resume:

  • Contracting Support
  • Quality Assurance
  • Technical Competence
  • Writing

DOD PPP candidates using Application-Based Procedures:
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-3) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference.
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-2) to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference.
  • Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD-3145-1) to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference.

Required Documents

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. 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.

  1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable, you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein and will receive no further consideration.
    • If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."
    • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  2. Other supporting documents:
    • Cover Letter, optional
    • Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214.
      • If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15.
    • Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
    • Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
    • DoD Priority Placement Program applicant supporting documentation - See the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement
    • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
    • Other Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable

ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
  1. You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.
  2. You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired).

ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans?

ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE?
Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
  • Position title;
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
  • Agency; and,
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

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 above.

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

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. Your resume cannot exceed two pages. See the Required Documents section above for more information.
  • You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process, and it is your responsibility to ensure that they do so successfully.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  • Read the Eligibility questions carefully. Your responses will affect your consideration for the position. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. You will only be considered under the options you have selected. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility questions, you will not be considered for this position.
  • To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12957222

Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services
Email
whs.job.application.assistance@mail.mil
Address
WHS Facilities Services Directorate
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements:

  • including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
  • HR will initiate the drug test no later than 2 business days after the Tentative Job Offer is accepted.The selectee must sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding."
  • A negative drug test result must be received by HR no later than 30 calendar days after the EOD. Failure to pass the test or provide results in time may lead to the job offer being withdrawn or removal from Federal service.
Washington Headquarters Services uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Applicant/Application/ListApplications?

Washington Headquarters Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Washington Headquarters Services

The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is a world-class service organization, with a dynamic workforce and unwavering commitment to service excellence. WHS is the essential services provider for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Department of Defense (DoD) agencies, and offices in the National Capital Region.

Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services
Email
whs.job.application.assistance@mail.mil
Address
WHS Facilities Services Directorate
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

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