Operations Research Analyst (SDSD) - CAPE -- Department of Defense

Washington, DC 20301

About the Job

**NOTE: PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THAT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING DISQUALIFIED.

Operations Research Analyst (Strategic Defensive and Science/Technology Division)

JOA#: GS 2024-1515-84

Overview

Department: Department of Defense

Agency: Office of the Secretary of Defense

Hiring Organization: Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation

Salary Range: $117,962 to $191,900 Per Year

Open Period: 1 May 2024 to 22 May 2024

Pay Scale & Grade: GS 13/14/15

Series: 1515 Operations Research

Appointment Type: Permanent - Schedule B Excepted Service. A current Federal Career or Career-Conditional employee selected must voluntarily relinquish his or her competitive status prior to appointment to this position.

Work Schedule: Full Time

This job is open to All US Citizens

Clarification from the agency: This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Location: Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Telework Eligibility: As determined by agency policy.

Remote: This is not a remote position

Summary:

This position is in the Office of the Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE). The Director, CAPE is the principal staff advisor and assistant to the Secretary of Defense for planning, analysis, and evaluation of the Defense Program, including formulating the force planning, fiscal, and policy guidance upon which DoD force and program projections are based; analyzing and evaluating planned and proposed military forces, weapons systems and major programs; preparing independent cost analyses of major DoD programs and weapon system acquisitions; evaluating U.S. and foreign force capabilities; developing and evaluating alternative forces and programs; and identifying the key issues and developing information and analyses for use by the Secretary of Defense in decision-making.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an analyst in the Strategic, Defensive, and Science and Technology Division (SDSD). The SDSD division supports DoD leadership’s decision-making by providing analytic insights on the Department’s ability to achieve its priority objectives. SDSD focuses on the nuclear enterprise; missile defense; homeland defense; as well as science & technology, innovation, and the defense industrial base. This division explores a range of potential futures and key variables to ensure DoD’s limited resources support feasible and affordable future concepts and plans.

Responsibilities May Include:

Leading a Program Review team to consider changes to Defense Components' Program Objective Memoranda to ensure compliance with DoD guidance or to better align programs with the defense strategy.
Conducting studies and assessing the efforts within the division portfolios—missile defense (both regional and homeland defense), science & technology/innovation/defense industrial base, nuclear enterprise, or homeland defense—including the technological and acquisition risk associated with developing and fielding capabilities.
Applying a variety of analytical approaches to solve mission focused policy, methodological, and/or administrative problems in a fast-paced environment.
Generating and presenting the findings of analytical products to senior leaders and nontechnical audiences, clearly and concisely.
Ensuring the techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified. Executes analysis per approved/valid/appropriate methodologies.
Conducting analysis in a programming or statistical software suite such as R, Python, Excel, AI/ML techniques, MATLAB, ArcGIS (specific requirements may vary).
Performing independently and within a team setting.
For consideration as a GS 13, 14 or 15, expected to be a subject matter expert advising senior leaders on methodological or analytical issues.

Travel Required: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status: No

Promotion Potential: 15

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
Required to participate in the direct deposit program.
Position is subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays*
This position may require travel away from your normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.” Employee is required to attend annual ethics training.
Recruitment incentives may or may not be authorized.
Per National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of fiscal year (FY) 2017. Section 1111 modifies 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) 3326; Veterans who are retiring within 180 days of the appointment effective date may require a 180-day waiver package.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

A degree in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Click here on the following link to view education and/or experience requirements for this position.
Click here to view occupational requirements for this position.
Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Your resume and application materials should reflect the depth and breadth of your competencies for the position.
Do not submit a separate written statement addressing the KSAs below.
Your experience must be relevant and within the past 5 years as your qualifications will be evaluated based on level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
Quantitative Analytics: Mastery of mathematical reasoning that involves designing, developing, and applying operations research, mathematical, statistical, and/or other scientific research methods. Demonstrated experience in using quantitative analytics to solve complex problems with innovative solutions sufficient to receive recognition as an authority in a particular subject. Includes ability to develop new methodologies and/or theories where current approaches are obsolete or do not support evolving directions and strategies.
Enterprise Programs: Knowledge of DoD nuclear enterprise, science and technology, communications, homeland defense, missile defense programs, or hypersonics, including their contribution to successful accomplishment of critical DoD mission sets. Ability to create and innovate new concepts, analysis and alternatives to improve the SDSD portfolios. Experience in DoD laboratories is desired.
U.S. Defense Policies and Programs. Thorough knowledge of U.S. defense policies and programs, allied military capabilities, and projected threats to U.S. interests. Ability to review DoD planning documents (National Defense Strategy, Defense Planning Guidance, etc.), evaluate impact on manpower, defense-wide, or medical programs, and prepare comments and fact-based recommendations for changes or improvements.
Building Coalitions: Ability to work with and collaborate with individuals across a broad spectrum of internal and external organizational representatives. Demonstrate ability to independently work across organizations, successfully navigate a complex bureaucracy, to share and obtain information, and to influence outcomes. Must have the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
Communication: Ability to translate complex concepts, findings, and limitations into concise, plain language through varied types of written communication to include emails, memos, PowerPoint briefs, white papers, and full reports. Oral communications may include formal presentations or briefings in front of large groups of senior officials and could occur with little to no forewarning and may require communicating on matters with opposing views. Must be able to explain, advocate, and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and to negotiate

Specialized Experience:

To qualify for the GS-11 you must have successfully completed 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service.
- Examples of creditable specialized experience includes independently performing recurring assignments of limited difficulty and complexity in support of projects assigned to higher graded analysts.
- General operations research assignments for portions of a project or study consisting of a series of interrelated task or problems.
To qualify for the GS-12 you MUST have at least a year demonstrating accomplishment of the duties and competencies described below.
- One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week.
- Specialized experience includes, under guidance of senior analysts, applying a range of analytical, mathematical, and/or statistical theories, principles, and practices to plan, coordinate, and execute segments of complex studies to support quantitative analytics.
- Having general awareness of U.S. Defense Policies and Programs and having the ability to communicate effectively and build coalitions.

Ph.D. or equivalent Doctoral Degree
To qualify for the GS-13 you MUST have at least a year demonstrating accomplishment of the duties and competencies described below.
- One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week.
- Specialized experience includes extracting and organizing raw program data under general direction from a supervisor or senior analyst, conducting basic mathematical analysis of program information, and assisting in the collection, developmental and implementation of program related information. U.S. Defense Policies and Programs.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-13 level.

To qualify for the GS-14 you MUST have at least a year demonstrating accomplishment of the duties and competencies described below.
One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week.
Specialized experience includes a broad range of operations research analysis assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative use of quantitative analytic techniques, advanced approaches, and/or new technologies.
Utilizes scientific inquiry, independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate, interpret, and analyze program and/or cost data.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 level.

To qualify for the GS-15 you MUST have at least a year demonstrating accomplishment of the duties and competencies described below.
One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week.
Specialized experience includes: Leading teams in a teaming environment, performing complex statistical analyses; evaluating large and complex military programs using quantitative analytic techniques; performing complex analyses in the absence of defined goals and outcomes, providing expert consultation and technical expertise to agency senior leaders on studies and analysis, and effectively communicating with senior officials, internal and external colleagues, scientific organizations, and industry stakeholders.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-15 level.

Part-time or Unpaid/volunteer work experience:

Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background Checks and Security Clearance

You will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance. For more information regarding security clearances click here.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your completed application no later than 11:59pm U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline.
Submit a completed application package from the job link on the CAPE Website https://www.cape.osd.mil/.

Required Documents: The following documents are required and must be provided with your application for this announcement:

1. Resume:

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR, SPECIFIC AND DETAILED. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
You must include months, years and hours per week worked to receive credit for your work and/or volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy. Do not include any Personally Identifiable Information (i.e., Social Security Number, Birthdate)

2. Assessment Questionnaire - You must select an answer to each question.

https://www.cape.osd.mil/files/OperationsResearchAnalystGS1515GeneralQuestionnaire.pdf

3. Writing Sample:

Demonstrate your analytical ability and writing skills in (one) 1 page, addressing the following: Describe (one) 1 aspect of the current National Defense Strategy that you believe needs to be changed in the next revision. Provide a rational argument defending your position and a recommendation for improvement.

4. Transcripts:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications requirements. Therefore, provide only proof of attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Copies of a diploma alone are not sufficient.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements.
- You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program.
- It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

5. Veterans Preference Documentation:

Veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable).
Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

6. Current or former federal civilian employees only- Notification of Personnel Action (SF 50)

Your latest SF-50 (if applicable) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied (e.g., Excepted or Competitive Service).
Remove all Personally Identifiable Information (Social Security Number and Birthdate).
If you receive an updated SF-50 after initially applying, please provide the updated document to CAPE to be added to your application.

NOTE: Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. Failure to provide all the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How You Will Be Evaluated

The qualifications for this position will be evaluated by Subject Matter Experts prior to a referral. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application will be evaluated under a multi-hurdle assessment approach, culminating in a ranking and referral.

Resume Review (First Hurdle):

Subject matter experts will review your resume to determine qualifications based on the required competencies identified above.
If your resume does not support the responses in your application, or if you fail to submit the required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated ‘ineligible’, ‘not qualified’, or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

Qualifying Structured Interviews (Second Hurdle):

If the subject matter experts determine that your resume reflects the required competencies, you will have a panel interview (virtual or phone) to further assess whether your experience meets the required competencies.
This panel interview may include in-depth questions, or exercise/case study to measure your depth of knowledge in relation to the required competencies.
This panel will require you to provide a briefing on the writing sample (e.g., research/analysis paper, journal article, thesis, etc.) that you have provided in your application.
Your answers will be verified against information provided in your application and/or by reference checks.

Ranking and Preference:

Qualified candidates will be assigned a score between 70 and 100 not including points that may be assigned for veterans’ preference.
Any applicable Veteran’s Preference will be applied to applicants who move forward after the qualifying Interviews.

Selection Process:

Hiring Managers will receive a certificate listing of qualified candidates who are eligible for selection.
If you are not selected for this position, you may be considered for similar positions for up to 6 months (from the certificate date).
This certificate may also be shared with other CAPE Hiring Managers.
If you are selected for an interview, you may be asked to give a presentation and/or analyze a case study.
You may also be asked to participate in several rounds of interviews.

Additional information

Priority Placement Program

Washington Headquarters Services utilizes the Priority Placement Program (PPP) for all positions in its service.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

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 to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.6.

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 to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.7.

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 to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Schedule B

This is a Schedule B Excepted Service Public Notice, under this recruitment procedure application(s) will be accepted, and selections are made for vacancies as they occur.

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.

Employed Annuitants (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. Click here for more information.

Selective Service:

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

E-Verify

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.

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.

Agency contact information:

Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation

Email: osd.pentagon.cape.mbx.esd-support@mail.mil
Address: 1800 Defense Pentagon, Room 3E231, Washington, DC 20301-1800

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 extremely rewarding. Learn more about federal 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.

Fair & Transparent

The federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment based on 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. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

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 process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants 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 to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.

Legal and Regulatory Guidance

Source : CAPE -- Department of Defense