Small Business Specialist Job in Atlanta, GA

Vacancy No. E-2025-0001 Department Office of Small Business Utilization
Salary $91,897.00 to $119,463.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/4/2024 Close Date 11/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Atlanta, GA


Summary

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is responsible for nationwide responsibility for GSA's small business programs and is the chief advocate for small businesses within GSA. Incumbent is responsible for providing advice on a variety of small business programs and initiatives.

Location of position: Martin Luther King, JR Federal Building, 77 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Georgia

We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)

Duties

As a Small Business Specialist, the incumbent plans, directs, and promotes small business and industry participation in the Federal Government’s procurement.

  • Assists the Acquisition Workforce to source socio-economic small businesses and small businesses that are responsible and capable to meet the government’s requirement.     
  • Actively participates in acquisition planning, forecasting, projections, and subcontracting.
  • Executes and provides assistance to the SBA PCR in executing duties and functions.
    relating to the Small Business Act, Section 15(k), and portions of Sections 8, 31, 36, 44, and other related acquisition and small business regulations as per Public Law 95-507.
  • Proactively provides subcontracting plan negotiation strategy when a requirement acquisition strategy is Other Than Small Business. 
  • Serves as advisor to GSA contracting officer's, prime contractors, and subcontractors to ensure compliance with subcontracting plans and procedures.
  • Utilize automated systems to extract data to assist contracting officers with small business program matters and to monitor small business achievements against contractors' subcontracting plans.
  • Fosters and possesses strong communication skills with all areas of OSDBU (Policy, Customer Care and Outreach, Regional Staff and Budget, etc.).
  • When attending meetings, provides details of positive and/or negative issues impacting OSDBU, the small business program and/or any small business opportunities.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work cohesively and speak in a well-organized, informative manner.
  • Provides training on how to do business with the Federal Government, how to market your small business to the Federal Government, how to use the Forecast of Opportunities tool.
  • Provides counseling, training, and assistance to industry and business concerns on a variety of matters which enhances the interest and participation in Government procurement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
  • Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
  • Register with the Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
  • Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.
  • Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
  • Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
  • Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
  • This position has job functions that must be executed within a specific geographic location. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee’s home) and must be a physical address (not a PO Box), located within approximately a 50 miles radius of the duty location. Position includes routine telework and remote work arrangements that are geographically specific to: Martin Luther King, JR Federal Building, 77 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Georgia. The duty station will be located within the geographic area described.

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

  • the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
  • number of hours per week you worked (if part time).    

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here. 

The GS-12 salary range starts at $91,897.00 per year.  If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.  

To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:  Specialized experience is experience in providing advice and assistance to the business community on the Federal procurement/contracting process and the development of marketing strategies and materials. Examples of such experience include: providing advice and guidance to the business community on procedures necessary to participate in Federal procurement and disposal programs and contracting activities; providing advice on introducing new products or services for Federal use; promoting the sales of goods and services of an organization; etc.

Education

There is no substitution for experience at the GS-12 level.

Additional information

If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage.

Bargaining Unit Status: This position is eligible for the bargaining unit.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
Travel expenses associated with interviews may be approved. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
  • Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
  • Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee
  • Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government

Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.

 GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:

  • Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
  • Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.

Our commitment is:

  • Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
  • Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and

Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.

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.

You will have access to many benefits including:

  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules and telework
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development

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 use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here’s how it will work:

You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1. Knowledge and skill required to interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws and agency procurement policies, regulations, and procedures which affect the operation of and services offered through an office.

2. Knowledge of contracting procedures and methods to identify contractual opportunities for small business. 

2a. Ability to clearly explain procedures, standard bid and contract language, subcontracting plans and procedures, the types of methods used.

3. Ability to deal effectively with, counsel, and advise individuals and representatives of business concerns and contractors seeking to do business with GSA or seeking to obtain information about applicable Government policies and procedures.

4. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to develop and promote public and community interest in the small business programs. 

4a. Ability to plan, arrange, and conduct conferences, workshops, and other small business outreach efforts, and measure results.

4b. Skill in public speaking, presentation, and communication skills required.

4c. Knowledge and skill necessary to research, evaluate, and format data analytics.

4d. Ability to interact with a variety of public information media to effectively explain and promote GSA business, contracting, and procurement process.

5. Ability to present at outreach events (events, webinars, etc.).

5a. Skill in organizational and ability to provide training to a variety of individuals.

Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges: 

  • Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100
  • Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94 (Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP)
  • Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84

We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn’t support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.

Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

  • Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

  • If you are claiming veterans' preference:

    1. Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
    2. If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1)completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
  • If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
  • If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
  • Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application.  For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application. 

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
  • Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  • Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance? 

  • Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - contact mgshelp@monster.com or 1-866-656-6831 Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays
  • Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline
You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. 
Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Toni Douglas
Phone
706-662-0769
TDD
1-800-877-8339
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
toni.douglas@gsa.gov
Address
GSA, Office of Small Business Utilization
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

  1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
  2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
  3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
  4. FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
  5. FINAL COMMUNICATION:  Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.

Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!


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


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