Closing Date: 27th May, 2024

Description:

Summary:
About the Position: This position is located at Office of The Staff Judge Advocate, Admin/CIV Law Branch, Fort Stewart, GA

If you are currently serving in a permanent, competitive service appointment in the Federal service, and are selected for this position, the appointment will remove you from the competitive service while you occupy this position.

Duties:
  • The incumbent exercises an in-depth knowledge of the field of government contracting to advise contracting and resource management personnel and the personnel of the requirements generating activities during all stages of the acquisition process.
  • Reviews solicitations, amendments to solicitations, proposed contract awards, and modifications to contracts, which are estimated to be up to $50 million or in any amount as requested by the contracting office.
  • Reviews reports of survey where contractor(s) is recommended for pecuniary liability.
  • Drafts and furnishes legal advice with recommendations regarding procurement policy as needed.
  • Advises on the adequacy and propriety of actions concerning assigned contractual disputes that have resulted in appeals to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) or the Court of Federal Claims.
  • Represents the office and attends meetings and conferences where contract and fiscal policies, procedures, and program matters are discussed and decided.
  • Serves as technical consultant to the procurement fraud advisor for all incidents of procurement fraud and irregularities involving installation acquisitions. Assists the CID and Criminal Law with investigations into procurement fraud case.
  • Provides legal advice and counseling on all aspects of the complex acquisition process and the expenditure of government funds. Serves as the expert on fiscal law, advising on appropriation matters.
  • Employee is the legal point of contact for issues related to the Government Purchase Card. Provides expert legal advice regarding complex contracting and fiscal law issues regarding use of the Government Purchase Card to members of the Command.
  • Provides advice to on a wide range of general administrative and civil law matters by interpreting statutes, regulations, directives and policies to ensure the command actions are in compliance with applicable authorities.
  • Serves as alternate Ethics Counselor for both Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • A two-year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • This position may require the incumbent to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7-R.
  • This position requires the incumbent to maintain active bar membership, in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Qualifications:
Who May Apply: US Citizens
Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position. KSA's:
  • Skill in identifying and researching highly technical and complex legal issues.
  • Skill in providing legal, technical, and policy guidance.
  • Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs.

Qualification Requirements: The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration:

Education Requirements: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) AND in good standing with the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions within the Department of Army must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant's graduation. As indicated below, a law school transcript must be submitted with your application materials.

Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be a member in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As noted below, proof of such membership and good standing must be submitted with your application materials.

Experience: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-14 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess 3 years of professional legal experience , acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Graduation from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or an advanced law degree such as an LLM may substitute for one year of the required professional legal experience.

Time in Grade: The Qualifying Authorities (QA's) will make a determination as to the applicability of time in grade based on the requirements of the position. If you are currently employed as an attorney by the Federal government you must have completed one year at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade level as the position being filled.

Notice of Veteran's Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of the Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions.

Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference", and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with the list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/sf/.

Education:
Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. Department of Education websites at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications and http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.