This position is in the National Institute of Food and Agriculture(NIFA) Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment (IBCE). Incumbent will serve as an expert in the programmatic content of assigned activities related to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs administrative management, tracking, coordination and reporting activities. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Education Requirements: 1. 4-Year Degree in: Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. or 2. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND Specialized Experience: The specialized experience requirements for this position is: Experience ensuring program compliance with all mandated administrative responsibilities; ensuring all data is gathered, analyzed, prepared for reports completed in order to meet timelines; and serving as a liaison to encourage participation in a program. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Incumbent has the key role in the overall administrative functions and the coordination of activities involved in the implementation of reauthorization; reporting; streamlining and simplification; prevention and detection of fraud, waste and abuse.
Represent NIFA at meetings and conference providing updates, data, information, statistical analysis, and reports. These activities involve keeping current on relevant issues impacting the SBIR program and activities.
Provide expert advice in explaining and interpreting program(s), statutes, regulations, directives, policies and procedures as they pertain to various business, financial, and/or administrative/management requirements.
Responsible for maintaining open lines of communication and plans of action with the Small Business Administration (SBA), other Federal agencies and the USDA SBIR team for future partnerships and cooperation.
Responsible for taking corrective actions. Identify problems and resolve or coordinate resolution with appropriate staff. Participate in dispute resolution activities that may include membership on various review and appeal committees.
Analyze and evaluate the development and modification of methods for SBIR operations, and in responding to programmatic requirements to include in the formulation of reports, communications, etc.
Develop, maintain, and track all associated reporting requirements mandated by the SBA Policy Directive, the Department of Agriculture, the White House and Congressional inquiries.
Participate in the planning of program outreach to the 27 states, minority serving institutions and organizations that represent minority/disadvantaged or women-owned small business firms in an effort to increase the number of proposals submitted.