GENERAL DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State’s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous and secure world. The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) keeps Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores. INL’s Management Assistance and Post Support (MAPS) division is responsible for supporting the post-award contract management function. The division’s customers include INL Program Managers, Contracting Officers (CO), and Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR). MAPS professionals serve as information brokers between contract management stakeholders in acquisition, resource management, and corporate communities. MAPS closely teams with stakeholders to monitor contractor performance, ensure that cost, service quality, and delivery schedules are in compliance with terms and conditions of the contract, and to ensure the application of sound financial management and administrative control. POSITION DESCRIPTION Provide a Construction Management Support Specialist (CMS) who shall be ready to serve as a team member with responsibility for providing technical support to the various INL Program Offices in the development, planning, and coordination of various construction projects, which support the INL mission worldwide. Each team member is responsible for managing the full post-award life cycle of assigned contracts to optimize INL’s accountability on these highly visible projects. The CMS on occasion may deploy overseas to assist INL Program Offices with the development of design/program requirements for Rule of Law initiatives related to all types of construction and renovation projects. The CMS in conjunction with the specific embassy Program Officer will coordinate with various foreign government personnel to develop the design requirements for construction projects in support of the INL program office objectives. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist the Program Office (PO) in the preparation of program objectives as they relate to construction projects, construction specifications, cost and material estimates, project schedules, and reports.
* Provide program and construction-related financial guidance (e.g., materials and labor cost estimates) to Program Managers and other INL employees in program countries.
* Provide advice and assistance to other staff members, as appropriate, and senior managers on program management and construction contracting problems or issues.
* Review and provide analysis and recommendations concerning the development of construction performance requirements and participate in Technical Design Reviews for Host Country law enforcement agencies.
* Work closely with Program Managers, INL Directors, Division Chiefs, and other senior staff to develop a construction management program in support of program objectives at various embassies and consulates.
* Assist in the analysis and evaluation of, on a quantitative or qualitative basis, cost proposals for construction projects and related services.
* Assist the PO in the development of work requirements for construction contracts on Design Build and Design-Bid-Build projects in support of Rule of Law initiatives in foreign countries.
* Serve as a subject matter expert on Design Build and Design-Bid-Build construction projects and related matters. All final decisions will be made by a USG FTE employee.
* Conduct field inspections for various construction projects, evaluate compliance with International Building Codes, verify compliance with OSHA and EPA, and compliance with requirements noted in contract documents (construction documents).
* Advise on distribution of work among positions and organizations and the appropriate staffing levels and skills mix needed.
* Provide guidance and advise on construction of police precincts and correctional facilities.
* Evaluate and advise on the organization, methods, and procedures for providing administrative support systems such as records, communications, directives, forms, files, and documentation, as it relates to construction management.
* Assist in the review of invoices and/or help draft justifications for program increases or changes in the budget submissions, particularly those requiring contract actions.
* Research and investigate new or improved construction methodologies and technologies to meet unique program objectives.
* Assist in the review of construction submittals, change order requests, value-engineering proposals and recommend actions on behalf of the PO.
* Liaise with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or other Federal Agencies on construction projects.
* Serve as advisor to the INL Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on general construction matters.
* Audit the processes and procedures for the inspection and testing of construction materials.
* Observe and assist with inspection of construction work to ensure technical and physical security integrity.
* Assist with monitoring and inspecting construction projects when delegated.
* Assist in developing engineering specifications and drawings.
* Review field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, and buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
* Assist the PO in other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.
* Review and document performance issues in relation to original contract award amount and completion time, ensuring appropriate approvals; review progress reports, updates, plans and schedules.
* Review, monitor, and report, the status of multiple contractor projects to various POs to ensure the results achieve the Bureau’s goals.
* Review job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
* Monitor the contractor’s requisition of supplies and materials to complete construction projects.
* Assist the PO in the preparation and submission of budget estimates and progress and cost-tracking reports for each construction project.
* Review quality control assurance program implemented by Contractor(s).
* Review and approve submittals such as mobilization and demobilization plans, area use plans, and security plans.
* Participate in Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) as a non-voting member and assist in the review of cost proposals.
* Assist the PO in developing and reviewing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and associated design documents for solicitations.
* Review responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) from interested vendors.
* Assist the office of Acquisition Management (AQM) in coordinating site visits for interested vendors and stakeholders. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * U.S. Citizen;
* A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
* Four to six years’ experience in relevant field;
* Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations in regard to area of specific need;
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite;
* Demonstrated experience facilitating organizational change.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor’s Degree in a construction-related discipline.
* Four (04) years’ professional work experience, to include:
* At least two (02) years monitoring projects of a scale, scope and complexity commensurate with INL’s multi-million-dollar projects;
* At least one (01) year equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service.
* At least four (04) years’ experience in senior project management roles that involve strategic planning, project management using critical path methodology, resource management, quality control processes, and budgeting, or
* At least two (02) years of program/contract management oversight OCONUS, in a high threat, austere environment, or
* Significant experience in modular design and construction, general design and construction or permanent infrastructure design/build projects, or
* Significant experience in construction cost estimating.
* Experience on Design Build construction projects.
* Training or experience in contract administration principles, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other State Department policies, regulations, and procedures.
* Demonstrated understanding of DOS Acquisition Regulations (DOSAR).
* Experience with vertical construction projects outside the United States.
* Demonstrated working knowledge of related engineering fields other than applicant's field of specialty.
* Superior administrative and management skills, to include:
* Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
* Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
* Excellent oral and written English communication skills, including negotiation and interpersonal skills.
HOURS/LOCATION Hours for the position will be the core hours of the Department of State: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day. The physical work location is the office at State Annex 1 (SA-01), Columbia Plaza, 2401 E St. NW, Washington, DC. TELEWORK This position has been designated as 60% telework (for residents within a 50-mile radius of Washington, D.C.) and will require on-site presence at least three (3) days per week. This designation does not guarantee telework privileges for the contrac