Summary
This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Engineer, Planning and Project Development Division, Technical Support Branch. The selectee will be responsible for performing a broad variety of duties with respect to the development of cost estimates for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures coming under the jurisdiction of the AOC.
Duties
This is a developmental position in which the incumbent performs progressively more complex duties and responsibilities on a gradual basis leading to the full performance level of GS-13. The individual selected for this position will perform the following duties: Cost Estimating The incumbent serves as a recognized technical authority on construction cost estimates and proposals supporting AOC appropriation requests presented to Congress and agency clients. The incumbent prepares and oversees the development of studies, design estimates, and construction cost estimates for all types of AOC projects, including new construction, restorations, and alterations. The incumbent develops estimates using conceptual information, schematic drawings, detailed plans, previous projects, and field surveys, incorporating historic preservation requirements unique to the Capitol Complex. As Senior Cost Estimator, the incumbent provides advanced technical directions to Cost Estimators, as necessary. The incumbent may serve as a COR for estimating‐related contracts and develops and updates AOC estimating templates used to produce official cost estimates. The incumbent coordinates cost estimates developed by other AOC organizations and program offices, ensuring that internally and externally developed estimates meet AOC quality standards, technical requirements, and performance targets. The incumbent prepares, presents, and communicates cost-estimating information to Division and agency stakeholders and leadership, as necessary. The incumbent participates in risk-based cost analyses, including sensitivity analyses, quantitative risk assessments, cost‐loaded schedules, IGCE reconciliations, and follow‐on cost reports. The incumbent determines and incorporates contingency values derived from risk assessment results. The incumbent serves as the agency authority for determining construction costs for construction and renovation appropriation requests presented to Congress. The incumbent maintains and enhances AOC's cost estimating database and cost‐knowledge systems. The incumbent monitors labor conditions, market fluctuations, escalation indices, specialty material costs, and industry trends and develops and refines costing models used to evaluate estimates and actual cost outcomes. The incumbent produces the Line Item Construction Project (LICP) budget IGE's and associated 1391's submitted to Congress. The incumbent collaborates with individuals both internal and external to the agency, including but not limited to: building superintendent staff, architects, engineers, project managers, and construction managers to evaluate cost feasibility, materials availability, and construction approaches. The incumbent provides strategic cost advice to align project costs with available funding. The incumbent develops scopes and task orders for consultant cost estimating services and reviews and analyzes consultant estimates for accuracy. The incumbent participates in formal bid evaluations and evaluates modification pricing for alignment with budgets and prior cost projections. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring compliance with all AOC and OSHA safety standards and takes corrective action when unsafe conditions are identified. The incumbent performs other related duties as assigned. Team Leader/Program Management Responsibilities Under the direction of the Chief Cost Estimator, the incumbent leads technical training and mentoring for cost estimating staff in AOC‐specific standards, methods, and tools. The incumbent monitors and reports on the status of work, ensuring that priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality expectations established by the Cost Estimating leadership are met. The incumbent communicates work accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvements to the supervisor. The incumbent monitors and evaluates progress toward deadlines and ensure that team members are aware of and participate in planning for goals and objectives. The incumbent identifies and recommends enhancements to agency estimating processes, tools, cost models, and value‐added services supporting AOC programs and clients. Project Proposal Development The incumbent develops proposals for the agencies internal construction and maintenance organizations using conceptual information, schematic drawings, detailed plans, previous projects, and field surveys, incorporating historic preservation requirements unique to the Capitol Complex. The incumbent collaborates with building superintendent staff, architects, engineers, project managers, construction superintendents, construction managers and external sources to evaluate cost feasibility, materials availability, and construction approaches. The incumbent provides strategic cost advice to align project costs with available funding. Performs other related duties as assigned
Requirements
To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below: A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.
Education
GS-11: Education may be substituted for specialized experience as indicated above. If using education to qualify, candidates must provide transcripts if selected. GS-12: No education substitute. GS-13: No education substitute.
How you will be evaluated
Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions. Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies: Knowledge of cost estimating methods and techniques Oral Communication Written Communication Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration. Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application). You may preview questions for this vacancy.