NASA

Attorney-Adviser

Greenbelt, Maryland, United States

$118-181k

Full Time

an hour ago

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Job description

Duties

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
Applies law and provides legal advice on complex legal problems relating to all aspects of Federal procurement matters, including FAR-based contracts, leases and concessionaire agreements.
Serves as a legal advisor to NASA contracting officials, advising on a variety of legal and policy issues affecting NASA contracts, including interpretation of contract provisions, compliance with terms and conditions, modifications, etc.
Independently identifies potential legal issues, thoroughly researches applicable law, and provide clients with legal recommendations to best protect the Agency’s interests.
Defends the Agency in administrative fora like the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the Government Accountability Office and assists the Department of Justice with procurement-related litigation in Federal courts.
Researches legal issues, evaluates law and facts to develop potential litigative strategies, prepares pleadings, motions, interrogatories, fact finding, and other related documents.
Advises on compliance with fiscal laws and agency policy governing the use of appropriated and non-appropriated funds.
Engages with other attorneys and clients to advise on the proper use of appropriated funds, to include AntiDeficiency Act violations, the interpretation of authorizations, appropriations, continuing resolutions and lapses in appropriations.
Advises on travel issues, and the proper use of non-appropriated fund instrumentalities, use of Official Representation Funds, tax matters, and other fiscal, budgetary and accounting matters.
Fosters a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Position subject to pre-employment background investigation; position sensitivity and risk may be higher/lower depending on grade level selected.
You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements for all grade levels:
You must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a full course of study at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; be an active member in good standing of the bar of any state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and have been admitted to practice law before a state or federal court.

To qualify at the GS-13 level: you must meet the basic requirement for all grade levels (as outlined above).
In addition, one of the following requirements must be satisfied:

One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level:

Providing expert legal advice on procurement/contract administration issues ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations;
Interpreting and applying Government procurement law and regulations;
Providing legal counsel on contract administration, including serving as a primary advisor related to challenges or disputes over bids, claims or contracts.

OR

A graduate law degree (e.g., Master of Laws/LL.M.) and 1 year of professional legal experience equivalent to the experience described above.

To qualify for at the GS-14 level: you must meet the basic requirement for all grade levels (as outlined above).
In addition, one of the following requirements must be satisfied:

One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:

Advising senior agency level officials or equivalent by providing expert legal advice on procurement/contract administration matters where a Federal Agency is a party to the agreement;
Interpreting and applying Government procurement law and regulations;
Advising on contract administration issues, which may include serving as primary advisor to Source Evaluation Boards, drafting of contract provisions, advising and drafting in support of source selection and contract award, and/or lead litigation role for bid protests or claims litigation.

OR

A graduate law degree (e.g., Master of Laws/LL.M.) and 1 year of professional legal experience equivalent to the experience described above.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

Education

U.S. degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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 a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA.

Benefits
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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.

You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

You will be assessed on the following competencies:

Compliance
Contract Formulation
Contracts Law
Legal Application Practice
Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
Teamwork
Technical Competence

NASA considers paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

NASA will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: Agency-FCCJ@NASA.gov.