Attorney-Adviser (Contract)

Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position: Skill in identifying contracting and acquisition legal issues Skill in acquisition hearings practice. Skill in oral and written advocacy. Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs.

NOTICE OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Defense Health Agency considers veteran's preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veteran's preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty) to their submissions.

Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at http://www.opm.gov/).

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: If currently employed as an attorney by the Federal Government must have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade as the position being filled. Time-in grade may be waived for current federal employees at management's discretion.

The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education: An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).

Bar Membership: Applicant must currently be a member in good standing of the Bar of a state, territory or commonwealth of the United States (e.g., American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), or the District of Columbia. Document should be dated within three months of the date the application is submitted.

If the document has been ordered, but not arrived, you may provide a screenshot of your certificate (clearly showing a time/date within the last 90 days) which validates your active status. Experience Required for the NH-04: Applicant must have three (3) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the Bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Serve as Associate General Counsel in DHA Office of General Counsel,Provide legal advisory in the area of contract law, including contract financing, formation, administration, litigation and close-out,Review complex contractual documents and provisions for legal sufficiency and compliance with laws, regulations and policies,Examine and coordinate acquisition plans, justifications, final decisions, correspondence, and other documents,Provide final legal reviews on solicitations, contracts and modifications,Serve as lead attorney in charge of preparation and presentation of contract cases,Prepare legal briefs and other materials in representing the DHA on contract claims and matters,Participates in negotiations involving contractual disputes and complex legal questions,Render written and oral opinions to staff and procurement officials on extremely complex and difficult issues of fact and law regarding the legality and enforceability of contracts,Participates in formal and informal training on contracting/acquisition matters,Provide legal advice and review on the planning, negotiation, award, administration and close-out of other transactions supporting medical research, prototype development and follow-on production.,Legal advisor for assistance agreement portfolio, including grants and cooperative agreements, providing counsel on program authorities, funding opportunities, award selection, negotiation, administration and closeout.,Render written and oral opinions on fiscal law matters for medical research and development, including the availability of appropriations as to purpose, time, amount, funding obligations and expenditures, and compliance with the Antideficiency Act.