Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. citizens, as well as individuals who meet the eligibility requirements through the affidavit process. Please see the “Requirements” and “Required Documents” sections for further information.

This position is located in the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of the General Counsel (OGC). NSF supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and is committed to advancing the progress of science to benefit the Nation.

The incumbent serves as an Attorney Advisor providing legal counsel on a wide range of general law matters, with an emphasis on federal procurement and contract law. The Attorney Advisor works closely with program offices, leadership, and administrative staff to support NSF’s mission through the delivery of timely, practical, and legally sound advice.

The position advises on acquisitions and contract administration, including bid protests and contractor disputes.

In addition, the Attorney Advisor provides legal guidance on the acquisition, management, and disposal of federal property and represents NSF in negotiations, interagency and executive branch working groups, and administrative proceedings. The incumbent conducts legal research and prepares written opinions and other work products to inform decision-making and mitigate legal risk.

This position requires the ability to analyze complex legal issues, balance legal and programmatic considerations, and collaborate effectively across a diverse, mission-driven organization dedicated to scientific discovery and innovation.

Major Duties

• Provides legal advice on federal procurement and contract law, including acquisitions, contract administration, bid protests, and contractor disputes.
• Provides legal guidance on the acquisition, management, and disposal of federal property, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Represents the agency in negotiations, interagency working groups, and administrative proceedings, and supports litigation as needed.
• Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda, opinions, and other written products to support agency programs and leadership decision-making.
• Collaborates with program offices and leadership to identify legal risks and develop practical, legally sound solutions aligned with mission priorities.

Conditions of employment

1. Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding.
2. Selectee may be required to serve a 2-year trial period.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

It is NSF policy that personnel employed at, or Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) individuals detailed to, NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General.

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for situational telework. Situational telework may be approved on an occasional basis in accordance with agency policy, supervisory approval, and operational requirements. Selected candidates interested in telework, or other workplace flexibility arrangements, should discuss available options with the selecting official. Participation in telework is voluntary and requires an approved telework agreement.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a J.D. from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), plus 6 or more years of professional legal experience gained after completion of the pertinent degree.

Candidates must have expertise related to the areas of law relevant to the position for which they wish to be considered, as articulated in the Duties and Experience section above.

Bar Membership: Member in good standing of the bar of a State, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (must provide supporting documentation).

Also, desirable, but not required, is experience and/or interest in other areas of Federal government legal practice, such as intellectual property, regulatory compliance, general litigation, and/or environmental law.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities relevant to the duties of the position. In some cases, additional assessment processes may also be used. We strongly encourage you to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below. This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.Quality Ranking Factors

1. Demonstrated experience and in-depth knowledge of federal procurement law, contract law, and acquisition practices.
2. Ability to analyze complex legal issues, identify governing statutes and regulations, and evaluate policy considerations and legal/programmatic risks.
3. Demonstrated ability to represent an agency in negotiations, administrative proceedings, and interagency or executive branch engagements, with strong written and oral advocacy skills.
4. Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently while providing practical, mission-focused legal advice in support of agency programs and objectives.
5. Demonstrated experience applying legal principles in one or more of the following areas: intellectual property, environmental and/or regulatory compliance, federal property management, or general litigation, including the ability to interpret statutes, regulations, and policy frameworks.