Deputy Head of Contracting Activity

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of the Secretary (OS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR), Office of Acquisition (OA), Office of Mission Acquisition Solutions (OMAS) as the Deputy Head of Contracting Activity (HCA).

ASFR advises the Secretary on all aspects of budget, grants, financial management, and acquisition management, and directs implementation of these activities across the Department.

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.

Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

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 not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may 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 these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the ECQs or the TQs.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

TQ 1: Demonstrated experience providing executive leadership for the management and operation of a large, complex acquisition organization that provides services to a mission-diverse customer base, including resource planning, relationship building and problem resolution.

TQ 2: Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and overseeing enterprise acquisition strategies that advance category management, strategic buying, procurement consolidation, and measurable operational efficiencies with organization-wide impact, including your expertise in interpreting and applying Federal acquisition laws and regulations to achieve efficient and effective procurement outcomes.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS: In addition to the TQs listed above, all new entrants into the SES under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs.

If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a 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 - This core qualification involves the 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 - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the 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 - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES CDP or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs.

Instead, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQs. Major Duties:

ABOUT THE POSITION The Deputy HCA advises and assists the HCA, DAS for Acquisitions, ASFR senior staff, and DHHS STAFFDIVs and OPDIVs on acquisition-related issues and serves as a senior accountable executive for procurement matters under the incumbent's purview.

Provides leadership for executing OMAS procurement programs.

Exercises limited delegated authority from the HCA to oversee enterprise procurement operations across OMAS and serve as Acting HCA in the absence of the HCA, as designated.

Oversees execution of strategic buying and category management-aligned acquisition strategies supporting HHS Mission, Information Technology (IT), and Professional Services portfolios.

Ensures acquisition execution complies with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR), OMB guidance, Executive Orders, and Departmental acquisition policy.

Serves as an Accountable Executive for the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on all procurement-related matters under the incumbent's areas of responsibility.

Oversees and drives strategic planning and category management execution.

Provides executive vision and authority on Federal acquisition modernization, Government-wide Category Management (GWCM), and shared services execution.

Advises the DAS and DHHS leadership on Department-wide acquisition strategy, GWCM implementation, and procurement optimization opportunities.

Directs operations to ensure alignment of acquisition strategies with GWCM Tier 1 and Tier 2 solutions, where appropriate, while balancing mission needs, competition, and best-value outcomes.

Manages OMAS's shared services acquisition portfolio and customer engagement strategies, service delivery models, and acquisition support frameworks to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery to DHHS customers.

Directs analysis of procurement spend, acquisition performance data, and operational metrics to drive improved affordability, competition, and value for the American people.

Develops, interprets, and implements acquisition policies, procedures, and internal controls necessary to maintain efficient, ethical, and effective procurement operations.

Applies sound risk management principles to balance appropriate oversight with timely mission execution.

Represents OMAS and HHS in Departmental and interagency acquisition forums, councils, and working groups, including those related to GWCM and strategic sourcing.

Oversees development and execution of procurement governance frameworks, performance management systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Serves as the OMAS Competition Advocate, promoting full and open competition consistent with FAR requirements and DHHS policy.

Identifies and addresses barriers to competition, including vendor concentration, restrictive requirements, and acquisition process inefficiencies.

Advises the HCA, DAS, and senior DHHS leadership on competition trends, risks, and opportunities to strengthen the Department's industrial base and acquisition outcomes.