Summary This position is located in the Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations - Region IV in Jacksonville, FL. The Business Development Specialist serves as a member of the District Office Team in a defined capacity and is an important contributor to the District's overall success. Responsibilities Duties at the GS-9 Level: Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent provides guidance to small businesses to aid in development of small business principles and strategies to enhance their ability to compete successfully for both 8(a) and non-8(a) contracts. Focus on small business concerns eligible to apply for the 8(a) program and other SBA contract certification and business development programs. Researches and coordinates training related materials to meet the needs of small businesses and SBA organizations/agencies. Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent coordinates with the Office of Government Contracting Business Development as appropriate to meet compliance requirements. Provide advice/counseling to assist firm in the development of realistic and attainable objectives for their business regarding federal contracting. Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent provides written guidance to small businesses to aid in development of small business principles and strategies. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Specialized Experience to Qualify at the: GS-07: At least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector that demonstrates the ability to work in all of the following: participating in outreach events; serving as an initial point of contact for customers evaluate needs and refers to appropriate resources; providing administrative support to management. These qualifications must be clearly referenced in your resume. - OR - GS-9: At least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector that demonstrates the ability to work in all of the following: reviewing, researching and referencing federal procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; assisting and coordinating training, educating or developing businesses interested in working with the government or with prime contractors; promoting an organization's programs and services through outreach and marketing. These qualifications must be clearly referenced in your resume. 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 OPM's Qualifications web site: General Business and Industry Series,1101b Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. TIME-IN-GRADE: If you are a current career or career-conditional federal employee applying for promotion under Merit Promotion you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in positions at the next level lower than the position being filled. All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on 10/10/2024 of this vacancy announcement. Education If you do not meet the specialized experience requirements, you may also qualify with education. You MUST submit transcripts (official or unofficial) with this application if you wish to qualify based on education. GS-07: Successful completion of 1 year (18 semester hours/27 quarter hours) graduate-level education directly related to the position; OR Superior academic achievement based on one of the following: (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society member. For a detailed description of Superior Academic Achievement, please visit the Superior Academic Achievement website. Combination of Experience and Education: GS-07: Combination of education and experience as specified above. For example, an applicant who has 6 months (9 semester hours/14 quarter hours) of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GS-9: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Transcripts (official or unofficial must be submitted in support of this response. If selected, official transcripts will be required. OR Combination of Experience and Education: GS-9: A combination of related graduate education and specialized experience as specified above. For example, an applicant who has 1.5 full years of Ph.D. level education (i.e. 50% of education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. Transcripts (official or unofficial must be submitted in support of this response. If selected, official transcripts will be required. APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Verify School accreditation. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. *** If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. *** For further information, click on: Foreign Education. Additional Information Career and InterAgency Career Transition Assistance Programs: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) is a program that helps "surplus" or "displaced" federal employees improve their chances of finding a new job in their current agency (intra-agency, i.e. SBA employees only). Inter-Agency Career Transition Assistance (ICTAP) is a program that helps "surplus" or "displaced" federal employees improve their chances of finding a new job at another agency (inter-agency; i.e. not applying to their current or former agency). You are eligible for CTAP/ICTAP if: 1. You are a current federal employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee meaning you have received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF). 2. Your agency, or the agency to which you are applying, is accepting applications from within or outside of the permanent workforce. 3. The position to which you are applying MUST BE in the Local Commuting Area of the position of record from which you are being displaced. 4. You meet the qualifications and other requirements of the job for which you are applying. This includes being rated as well-qualified for the position (score of 85 or better based on your responses to the competencies and associated questions listed within the assessment). Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. For additional information visit www.sss.gov. Consistent with work requirements and current SBA Policy, and all applicable provisions of the collective bargaining agreement with AFGE the SBA offers employees opportunities to perform work at an alternative location (e.g. home). Telework may be available. For information on Telework visit: http://www.telework.gov/ Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement if additional vacancies occur within 180 days of the date the certificates were issued. OTHER EVALUATIONS: The Small Business Administration is committed to building a high-performing, 21st century workforce that possesses the following core attributes: cultural astuteness, technological proficiency, articulate, strong writing capabilities, superior conflict resolution skills, and exceptional presentation skills. Candidates should be prepared as they may be further evaluated on these attributes throughout the application and selection process.