Director of Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

The application process used to recruit for this position is resume only. Do not submit separate Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) in lieu of resume. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications related to this position within your resume. Resume should not exceed two (2) pages, with the font size no smaller than 10 points.

Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. Failure to meet the basic qualification requirement and address all Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) within your resume will result in your application being disqualified.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five (5) ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4: Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.

ECQ 5: Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP}, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB}} of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs) There are two (2) TQs: TQ 1: Small Business Program Leadership Demonstrated experience leading and managing a small business utilization or federal acquisition program, including developing and implementing policies, strategies, and initiatives to increase small business participation in procurement opportunities, establishing measurable performance goals, and coordinating with senior leadership and internal and external stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives.

TQ 2: Federal Acquisition Policy and Strategy Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and related federal small business contracting requirements to develop or improve acquisition strategies, promote competition and small business participation, assess procurement performance, and advise senior leaders on compliance and program improvement.

The Director, OSDBU, serves as a chief advisor and principal consultant to the Deputy Secretary on all matters concerning minority, small and disadvantaged, women-owned and disabled veteran businesses in ED programs. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: Initiates, develops and defines policies, procedures, goals, regulations and guidance for administering and implementing ED-wide OSDBU activities.

Negotiates EDs annual small business socioeconomic goals with acquisition personnel and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Coordinates OSDBU activities with ED's two procurement offices: Office of Acquisition and Grants Administration in the Office of Finance and Operations (OFO) and the Federal Student Aid Acquisitions group within Federal Student Aid.

Reviews, analyzes and evaluates broad, varied and complex legislation and ED-wide administrative programs which relate to functions and activities of small, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses; ascertains problem areas; evaluates proposed actions; and identifies areas where greater participation may be achieved; sets goals and objectives and assesses the impact of changes resulting from programmatic activity in ED.

Serves on government-wide boards and task forces that set and revise Federal policy on small and disadvantaged business utilization, assists small businesses in payment issues with the Agency and, where mandated by law, payment.

Identifies proposed solicitations that involve contract requirements and works with ED officials to develop and propose procurement strategies to increase the likelihood of participation of small businesses as prime contractors, or to facilitate small business participation as subcontractors and suppliers.

Monitors the effectiveness of Department of Education contracts, procurements, and contractors in accomplishing the objectives of the Department of Education's Small and Disadvantaged Business Subcontracting Program. Maintains liaison with other Federal agencies in reviewing the subcontracting programs to individual contractors. Recommends appropriate action to correct deficiencies.

Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies in the delivery of organization services, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Utilizes data-based metrics to evaluate organization performance against agency targets and goals.