Senior Cost Estimator

Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Engineer. This role serves as a Senior Cost Estimator, supporting the Cost Estimating Group and/or the Construction Execution Branch developing cost estimates/proposals for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures in the Capitol Complex.

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Duties

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This position is temporary in nature and is not to exceed 24 months. This is strictly a temporary appointment where there is no permanent need or permanent funding available for the work involved. This position is subject to the project needs of the Agency. Therefore, the appointment could be terminated at any time due to shortage of work or shortage of funds without any advance notice. If project work continues however, it could be extended beyond the 24-month time frame at the sole discretion of the Agency. As a non-permanent employee, you may also be separated for failure to meet management's expectations, with no advance notice.

The individual selected for this position provides consultation to AOC and contract architects and engineers on the cost implications of proposed design alternatives and serves as an authoritative source for the cost estimating group.

Major Duties:

- Prepares and oversees the production of studies, designs and construction cost estimates for proposed new construction, restorations and alteration projects.

- Develops cost estimates for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol,

- Serves as COTR for the "Estimating Services" contracts.

- Analyzes and reviews cost estimates submitted by the Project Management Division, the Design Services Division, the Construction Division and architectural and engineering firms for new work; Identifies and analyzes problems arising in project constructability and works with project managers to resolve under-estimates based on required adjustments.

- Participates in and provides the appropriate cost estimate to use in producing the Sensitive Analysis & Quantitative Risk Assessment interview process; Provides the costs to ensure that GAO recommendations are followed to produce the Cost Loaded Schedule, Sensitive Analysis & Quantitative Risk Assessment, IGCE (2nd Check Estimate), Reconciliation and Follow-on Cost Report. Incorporates Construction Contingency into estimates for construction projects from the results of the Sensitive Analysis and Quantitative Risk Assessment.

- Provides the template and the format structure required for the 2nd check estimating firm to produce the 2nd check estimate; Conducts review and approval to ensure that it is in compliance with the GAO recommended requirements.

- Determines construction costs for construction and renovation appropriation requests presented to Congress.

- Maintains the AOC automated cost estimating database.

- Produces the Line Item Construction Project (LICP) budget that is submitted to Congress.

- Develops costing models for use in reviewing cost data; Oversees the process of benchmarking estimated- to-actual project costs and incorporates revisions into costing models.

- Collaborates with and assist building superintendents and supervising engineers in the development of cost estimates.

- Provides guidance on the availability of proposed materials and the feasibility of construction and installation methods; Provides feedback on the relation of costs to budget allocations.

- Develops contracts and task orders for solicitation of consultant-prepared construction cost estimates.

- Trains, arranges for or provides training in methods and techniques of cost estimating for the cost estimating group.

- Monitors and reports on the status of work, checking on progress and reviewing completed work to ensure the supervisor's instructions on work priorities, methods, deadlines and quality have been met.

- Reports to the supervisor periodically on work accomplishments, problems, and progress in mastering tasks.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must be able to pass a drug test.
• Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.
• You must meet the definition of specialized experience.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards

Candidates for the GS-13 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-12) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following:

• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with estimate development, through design stages from schematics through working drawings, for proposed new construction, restorations, repairs and alteration projects.
• Providing oversight and leading in the development of cost estimates for construction projects and ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards.
• Developing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator/RIB, Cost-OS, or equivalent cost estimating software.
• Providing advisory services and working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections.
• Serving as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or equivalent for support contracts.

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education in architecture, engineering, building construction, or other fields related to the position.

-OR

2. Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or experience that furnished: (1) Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with estimate development, through design stages from schematics through working drawings, for proposed new construction, restorations, repairs and alteration projects. (2) Providing oversight and leading in the development of cost estimates for construction projects and ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. (3) Developing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator/RIB, Cost-OS, or equivalent cost estimating software. (4) Providing advisory services and working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections. (5) Serving as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or equivalent for support contracts.

Transcripts are required upon selection.

Additional information

Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System . If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

DRUG TESTING : The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC's suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.

The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit

The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Moving expenses are not authorized.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.

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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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.

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.

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.