COST ANALYST

Summary

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The primary purpose of this position is to obtain experience and training under the Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program which leads to career development in the field of Financial Management.

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Duties

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- Prepares economic analysis of routine portions of operating systems, including conducting research of historical cost data of analogous weapon; use of a variety of cost factors for contracting studies, flying hours, reimbursable programs and/or other major missions assigned to the installation; analysis of current resources utilization and projection of future resource requirements for segments of the activity; and research and completion of routine and/or continuing cost studies. Reviews data for consistency, accuracy, validity, and relevance to the situation being studied. Evaluates objectivity in selection of alternatives to be costed and analyzed.

- Performs routine and/or continuing statistical and quantitative analysis of program trends, accomplishments, and deficiencies.

- Assists in the evaluation of cost estimates prepared by industry to support selection of the industry sources(s), as well as selection of the configuration and program plan to be committed to development and/or other management decision. Performs continuing assignments involving the review of contractor cost performance reports. Develops knowledge of contractor cost estimating and accounting systems, management aspects of system programs and their relation to procurement, budget and planning. Performs basic evaluation tasks using checklists, equations and factors. Describes and presents the results of the routine, recurring cost and economic analysis studies both in written form and in formal and informal briefings. Identifies and describes critical assumptions and decision points for decision-makers. Prepares and presents statistical and narrative reports and briefings.

- Performs routine and recurring assignments in the formulation, development, and, execution of budgets, financial plans, and multi-year programs required to properly fund and meet program resource requirements. Participates in the development of system planning objectives by evaluating cost/schedule tradeoffs, budget requirements, etc.; and develops appropriate financial plans in consonance with Program Management Plans.

- Prepares segments of action plans for meeting annual call, Program Objectives Memorandum (POM) development, Five-Year Defense Plans (FYDP), and other requirements.- Performs special assignments in keeping with the formal training plan. Includes administrative assignments to develop knowledge of the mission and organization of the financial community.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see
• A security clearance may be required
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses may or may not be authorized. PCS expenses if authorized will be paid IAW JTR and Air Force Regulations
• This position n is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Student Loan Repayment may be authorized
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Mobility - you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training.
• May be required to travel by military and/or civilian aircraft in the performance of official duties.
• You will be required to serve a one-year probationary period
• Must meet suitability for Federal employment
• Grade Point Average - 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0

Qualifications

Air Force Qualification Standards

To qualify for a GS-07: Completion of 1 full year of graduate level education, or bachelor's degree with Superior academic Achievement as provided in the "General Policies and Instructions" for Qualifications Standards Operating Manual, or 5 academic years of pre-professional study, or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5.

To qualify for a GS-09: Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B or J.D., if related.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of research inquiry and cost.

2. Understanding of management theories, principles, concepts, and practices.

3. Knowledge of cost, budget and program analysis.

4. Knowledge of statistical techniques, applied mathematics and economics.

5. Skill in using computer software and hardware to accomplish assignments.

6. Skill in written and oral communication and in working with others to accomplish objectives.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

PLEASE SUBMIT COPIES OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS TO INCLUDE TRANSFERRED HOURS - OFFICIAL COPIES ARE NOT REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION.

IF SELECTED, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE OFFICIAL COPIES OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS. ***NOTE*** Degree Audits are not accepted.

IF YOU QUALIFY BASED ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND YOU HAVE NOT GRADUATED PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THIS POSITION, YOU MAY BE OFFERED A POSITION CONTINGENT UPON YOUR FINAL GRADE POINT AVERAGE OR CLASS RANKING.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

For Direct Hire (DHA) Positions:

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice, under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified in this Public Notice and selections are made for vacancies as they occur. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.The PALACE Acquire Program offers you a permanent position upon completion of your formal training plan. As a Palace Acquire Intern you will experience both personal and professional growth while dealing effectively and ethically with change, complexity, and problem solving. The program offers a 3-year formal training plan with yearly salary increases. Promotions and salary increases are based upon your successful performance and supervisory approval. This is your opportunity to begin a successful civilian career with the United States Air Force.

You must have completed a 4 year course of study leading to a bachelor's from an accredited institution AND must have documented Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the undergraduate level in one of the following:

a) Class Standing - upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses in the college, university, or major subdivision;

b) Grade Point Average - 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum. If more than 10 percent of total undergraduate credit hours are non-graded, i.e. pass/fail, CLEP, CCAF, DANTES, military credit, etc, you cannot qualify based on GPA;

c) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (note: freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position). (If qualifying based on class standing or honor society membership, provide appropriate documentation).

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM - MAY BE OFFERED FOR ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES. (Must sign a 3 yr service agreement) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP ): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants ( Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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