Interdisciplinary, GS-08XX-12, Direct Hire Authority (DHA) (33648)

• Serves as a Senior Cost Engineer/Professional providing specialized expertise in the development of estimated construction costs and construction methods for a variety of complex military projects including administrative buildings, tactical equipment maintenance facilities, warehouses, hospitals, building renovations, complex foundations, airfields, pavements, water and sewer, storm drainage systems, and mechanical infrastructure, Assignments include designs and analyses of significant scope and complexity requiring expert and diversified knowledge of cost engineering, technical engineering, and construction methods, principles, and practices. Clearly communicates and explains complex cost engineering principles, project objectives, technical requirements, and potential design or construction problems or issues that will impact the constructibility or cost of District projects. Duties and responsibilities of the position often involve specific, difficult problems which can only be derived on the basis of thorough knowledge and experience. Creates modification estimates by coordinating with the design team and construction representatives to clearly quantify the solution and impact on the schedule. Recommends courses of action to Project Delivery Teams (PDTs) and District Leadership to control project cost.
• Develops construction cost estimates and other cost engineering work products for a variety of large, complex military projects in the planning, design, and construction phases, including the evaluation of complex, controversial contractual disputes and claims. Ensures that all work products provide sound recommendations and results that balance technical expertise, quality, and mission execution requirements and are prepared according to current USACE policy, procedures, and regulations. Interprets, evaluates, and utilizes complex technical data and analyses in order to make sound cost engineering decisions. Interprets technical standards, procedures, policies, regulations, and criteria using a comprehensive knowledge of cost engineering principles and theories and uses these interpretations to ensure that technical decisions and assumptions are sound and balanced. Evaluates complex technical issues and provides recommendations on the resolution of these issues that are consistent with current practices in the profession and that balance technical expertise with mission execution. As a cost expert, he defends Government Estimates against protests; determines whether low bids which exceed the Government Estimates by more than a specified percentage should be awarded; assists in settlements of change orders, supplemental agreements, and terminations; and analyzes and makes decisions on contractors' alleged mistakes in the bid. Authorities exercised include cost commitments made during contract negotiations which may require the cost engineer to serve as an expert witness in formal contractual/legal proceedings.
• Responsible for the day to day leadership and management of assigned projects. Manages all aspects of assigned projects by applying sound technical and business principles. Recommends work plans to accomplish assigned projects and tasks and implements approved work plans in accordance with established processes and priorities. On major and large-scope projects, will perform as prime estimator and coordinate input from other disciplines/estimators and defend and justify the Government Estimates at any stage of preparation. Monitors, evaluates, and reports on work progress, resource needs, potential project impacts, and quality of products to ensure that quality work is completed on-schedule and within budget. Conducts all business professionally and in accordance with the established business processes. Identifies, recommends, and assists in developing processes, procedures, and/or tools that help increase the productivity and efficiency of the organization. Prepares estimates utilizing MII software, and maintains critical databases.
• Maintains a strong working knowledge of current construction technologies and industry trends and shares this information within the District and throughout the Community of Practice. Effectively utilizes automated cost engineering tools to evaluate construction costs based on estimates of labor, equipment, and materials as well as contractor productivity and construction cost risk assessments. Serves as a member of project delivery teams to identify and evaluate the cost impact of project features and recommends engineering design or construction material changes that optimize the design. Analyzes and evaluates contractor proposals, using the Government estimate as a basis, and recommends appropriate action to the Contracting Officer. Reviews work performed by others and provides guidance, as necessary, to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with current policy. Provides guidance to contract Architect-Engineer (A-E) firms regarding the preparation of cost estimates. Monitors and evaluates contract A-E firms for format, pricing, economy, and for compliance with funding restraints. Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships within the District and with other professionals (other Corps Districts, A-E firms, etc.) to ensure that assigned projects are fully coordinated and overall District execution goals are met. Fosters personal professional development, shares technical experience, and supports the profession as a whole by participating in local, regional, and/or national Communities of Practice.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Minimum Education Requirement:

Engineering: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering. The program must: lead to a degree in a school with at least one program accredited by ABET. Degree must be documented on a transcript.

Architecture: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that includes a major field of study or specific course requirements.

Specialized Experience:

GS-12 : One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in Federal service which includes developing detailed construction cost estimates and Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) using database-driven estimating software; performing quantity takeoffs and constructibility reviews; conducting cost/price analyses on contract modifications, proposals, or claims; and evaluating Architect-Engineer (A-E) cost deliverables for technical accuracy and budget compliance.

This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in federal service (GS-11).

Other Requirements:

• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• A supervisory probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 20% of the time.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possession to operate vehicles.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
• Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• This position is eligible for situational telework.
• Must obtain a Certified Cost Consultant/Engineer, or Equal from other recognized industry programs. Certification within 24 months.