Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary Contracting

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The Associate DAS (Contracting) serves the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (SAF/AQ) with primary responsibility for the development and implementation of contracting policies and procedures, for the supervision and evaluation of field application and for the proper exercise of delegated contracting authority by Air Force Commands.

**Qualifications:**
Eligibility will be based upon a clear showing the applicant has training, education, and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry-out the duties of the position. Candidates must exemplify the corporate perspective, leadership vision, broad experience and character needed in the SES corps not only to satisfy the immediate vacancy, but future vacancies which will occur in a variety of organizations, functions and locations. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. In accordance with new OPM requirements to streamline Senior Executive Service (SES) hiring, applicants are no longer required to submit lengthy narrative essays, including those for Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs), when applying. Instead, the initial application will be resume-only, capped at two pages. This change streamlines the application process and more closely aligns with private industry practices. Applicants identified for potential selection will have their ECQs assessed by undergoing a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume (not to exceed 2 pages). Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1. Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement and DoW implementing directives across all phases of traditional government contract procedures and other transactions. TQ2. Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level leadership and supervision over large, complex acquisition or procurement organizations, including directing senior executives, managers, and professional staff responsible for high-dollar, high-risk acquisition programs. TQ3. Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, implement, and oversee acquisition policies, governance frameworks, and management control systems that ensure compliance, integrity, and effective stewardship of public funds. TQ4. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent executive judgment and make final decisions on complex, sensitive, and high-impact acquisition matters. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): All new appointees to the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the five mandatory ECQs: This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). A 3-year tenure agreement is required for the position. The incumbent must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements cited below, unless a waiver is granted by the AF Senior Acquisition Executive (SAE). a. Selectee must have 10 years of acquisition experience, at least 4 years of which was performed while assigned to a CAP. b. Selectee must execute, as condition of employment, a written agreement to remain in federal service in this position for at least three years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment. c. Selectee must meet Advanced certification requirements in Contracting d. Selectee must have 12 months full time experience applying a representative sample of the Contracting Common Competencies. e. Selectee must maintain professional currency by engaging in at least 80 hours of continuous learning every 2 years (with a goal of engaging in 40 hours annually) commencing from the time the member enters the acquisition workforce (AWF) position throughout employee's continuous tenure in the AWF. ECQ 1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: 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: 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: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4. Leading People: 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: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors Please note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.