Summary
This vacancy is for a It Specialist (Applications Software) position in the Department of Commerce located at the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland. The Census Bureau is accessible from the Metro Rail Green Line - Suitland Station.
This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Internal to an agency
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency
Current Department of Commerce employees (includes any Bureau under Commerce) on a permanent competitive appointment; Current Department of Commerce employee (includes any Bureau under Commerce) on a term, temporary or excepted service appointment with reinstatement eligibility; and Surplus and displaced Commerce employee (CTAP).
Duties

• Analyze/perform work necessary to plan, design, develop, acquire, document, test, implement, integrate, maintain, or modify systems to solve problems or accomplishing work processes by using computers.
• Coordinate development of IT standards, guidelines, or policy.
• Formulate projects or studies such as those to substantially alter major systems.
• Plan, organize, and direct team study work and to negotiate effectively with management to accept and implement recommendations.

Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• U.S. Citizen
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• Registered for Selective Service if applicable. (www.sss.gov)
• Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by closing date.
• This is a NON-BARGAINING unit position.
• This is a Temporary Appointment, initial appointment is not to exceed (NTE) 3 years. This appointment may be extended an additional year at management's discretion.

Qualifications
This position may be filled as a competitive temporary promotion opportunity not to exceed (NTE) 3 years by a current career or career-conditional Department of Commerce employee. This temporary promotion may be extended, terminated earlier, or made permanent at management's discretion. At the conclusion of the temporary promotion, the employee will return to their position of record.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-13, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: performing applications system design, program development, and computer equipment analysis; Utilizing legacy system code in order to continue updating existing applications; Planning advanced systems projects to resolve critical problems in existing systems; Coordinating the development of IT standards, guidelines, and/or policies; Performing supervisory duties; Leading and mentoring a team of developers; Working with customers to establish requirements and communicating these to a development team; Advising leadership on new developments and advanced technology; and utilizing modern program language and interactive applications to ensure software projects meet standard requirements.
In addition to the above specialized experience, your resume must demonstrate one year of Information Technology (IT) related experience in the federal service or private or public sector demonstrating the following four competencies, as defined:

1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
Experience refers to 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.
Additional information
The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment.

• CTAP
• ICTAP

The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Office via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.

• Benefits
  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.
Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job opportunity announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions). Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. You will be evaluated against your responses to the online questionnaire and the use of a Structured Resume Review. Your resume will be evaluated to measure your responses to the online assessment questions. We will compare your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions. Your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. If you rated yourself higher on the questionnaire than what is supported by your resume, your overall qualifications assessment score may be lowered.
During the Structured Resume Review, a Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process.
Upon completion of the Structured Resume Review, candidates identified as "best qualified" will be referred to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3).
The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:

• IT Policies, Regulations and Procedures
• Oral Communication
• Software Development
• Technical Awareness

We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.
Do NOT include the following types of information in your application:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Date of Birth (DOB)
• Photos of yourself ( if included on your resume you will not be considered for this position )
• Personal information: such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.

You may view the https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12338997 for this vacancy.

• Benefits
  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.
• Required Documents
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  A complete application consists of the following:
  
  • Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
  • SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility, with the exception of current Census Bureau employees.
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
  • (If applicable) Education Documentation: If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. This also includes Census Bureau employees. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information.
  You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
  Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
  CTAP Eligibles CTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
  CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
  
  1. A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice);
  2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
  3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
  4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.
  NOTE: You will not be considered if you fail to provide all required documents.
  
  • Resume
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 05/06/2024.
  To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  USAJOBS Help Center | How to see your application and job status
  To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
  Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, if you are unable to apply online, please contact: Kyva Carroll, kyva.carroll@census.gov
  Agency contact information
  Kyva Carroll
  Phone
  301-763-9744
  Email
  kyva.carroll@census.gov
  Address
  Application Development and Software Division
  4600 Silver Hill Road
  Washington, DC 20233
  US
  Next steps
  You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov, and clicking on "Applications."The status will be visible next to the corresponding positions. The four points of notification are:
  
  1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;
  2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
  3. Referred or Not Referred; and
  4. Selected or Not Selected.
  By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
  You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
• Fair and Transparent
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents
A complete application consists of the following:

• Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
• SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility, with the exception of current Census Bureau employees.
• Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
• (If applicable) Education Documentation: If this position requires proof of higher education, or you are substituting education for experience, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. This also includes Census Bureau employees. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Please refer to http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for more information.

You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
CTAP Eligibles CTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

1. A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice);
2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.

NOTE: You will not be considered if you fail to provide all required documents.

• Resume

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 05/06/2024.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

USAJOBS Help Center | How to see your application and job status
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, if you are unable to apply online, please contact: Kyva Carroll, kyva.carroll@census.gov
Agency contact information
Kyva Carroll
Phone
301-763-9744
Email
kyva.carroll@census.gov
Address
Application Development and Software Division
4600 Silver Hill Road
Washington, DC 20233
US
Next steps
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov, and clicking on "Applications."The status will be visible next to the corresponding positions. The four points of notification are:

1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;
2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
3. Referred or Not Referred; and
4. Selected or Not Selected.

By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request