Summary About the Position: MRDC is now part of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Research & Development (R&D). We are the medical materiel developer, with responsibility for medical research, development and acquisition. Our expertise in these critical areas helps establish and maintain the capabilities the military needs to remain ready and lethal on the battlefield. Please visit our website https://mrdc.health.mil/ Responsibilities Coordinate and prepare responses to congressional inquiries by receiving, reviewing, and interpreting the specific requirement. Collaborate directly with all offices within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development, MRDC Headquarters or any of its Direct Reporting Units (DRU) to prepare responses to congressional inquiries. Lead and plan Congressional engagements. Prior to releasing the response, ensure the response is routed for review and analysis to the Public Affairs Office (PAO), Security Office, as well as other offices as needed Serve as primary point of contact for Army congressional liaisons to include Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison (OCLL) and the Secretary of the Army Financial Management-Budget Liaison Office (SAFM-BUL). Serves as the primary point of contact for congressional inquiries with the Army Futures Command (AFC) and the Defense Health Agency (DHA). Analyze all incoming congressional inquiries to determine the necessary actions to take in order to provide an acceptable response to the elected Members of Congress (MOC), their staff, or a Professional Staff Member (PSM). Monitor and advise Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) Headquarters staff and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) on congressional activities and legislation. Write information papers to collate vast amounts of information in order to present the most relevant information that specifically addresses a congressional inquiry. Participate in the development and shaping of command messaging to Members of Congress (MOC) related to authorizations and appropriations for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT and E) programs. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens DHA Research & Development (R&D) is participating in an alternative personnel system known as the Personnel Demonstration Project (PDP). The DJ-04 pay band is equivalent to the GS-13, Step 01 through GS-14, Step 10. In keeping with the Demonstration pay fixing policies, employees earning a salary that falls within this pay band, may not receive an immediate pay increase (promotion) if appointed to this position. Future pay increases within the pay band will be accomplished through the pay for performance management system. In order to qualify, you must meet the education requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes (1) Experience developing policy and/or procedures for handling congressional matters (2) Experience initiating and refining congressional policies, procedures, and messages (3) Experience with coordinating and shaping congressional visits This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (DJ-03/GS-12). You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Administration and Management Attention to Detail Interpersonal Skills Oral Communication Written Communication Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional Information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. Extended Probationary Period: The length of the probationary period for the Administrative and Management Occupational Family will be two years. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.