What are the responsibilities and job description for the COST ANALYST position at Air Force Civilian Career Training?

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to obtain experience and training under the Palace Acquire (PAQ) Program which leads to career development in the field of Financial Management.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"

Duties

Prepares economic analysis of routine portions of operating systems, including conducting research of historical cost data of analogous weapon; use of a variety of cost factors for contracting studies, flying hours, reimbursable programs and / or other major missions assigned to the installation; analysis of current resources utilization and projection of future resource requirements for segments of the activity; and research and completion of routine and / or continuing cost studies. Reviews data for consistency, accuracy, validity, and relevance to the situation being studied. Evaluates objectivity in selection of alternatives to be costed and analyzed.

Performs routine and / or continuing statistical and quantitative analysis of program trends, accomplishments, and deficiencies.

Assists in the evaluation of cost estimates prepared by industry to support selection of the industry sources(s), as well as selection of the configuration and program plan to be committed to development and / or other management decision. Performs continuing assignments involving the review of contractor cost performance reports. Develops knowledge of contractor cost estimating and accounting systems, management aspects of system programs and their relation to procurement, budget and planning. Performs basic evaluation tasks using checklists, equations and factors. Describes and presents the results of the routine, recurring cost and economic analysis studies both in written form and in formal and informal briefings. Identifies and describes critical assumptions and decision points for decision-makers. Prepares and presents statistical and narrative reports and briefings.

Performs routine and recurring assignments in the formulation, development, and, execution of budgets, financial plans, and multi-year programs required to properly fund and meet program resource requirements. Participates in the development of system planning objectives by evaluating cost / schedule tradeoffs, budget requirements, etc.; and develops appropriate financial plans in consonance with Program Management Plans.

Prepares segments of action plans for meeting annual call, Program Objectives Memorandum (POM) development, Five-Year Defense Plans (FYDP), and other requirements.- Performs special assignments in keeping with the formal training plan. Includes administrative assignments to develop knowledge of the mission and organization of the financial community.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship Required

Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov

A security clearance may be required

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses may or may not be authorized. PCS expenses if authorized will be paid IAW JTR and Air Force Regulations

This position n is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program

Employee must maintain current certifications

Disclosure of Political Appointments

Student Loan Repayment may be authorized

Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position

Leave accrual may be authorized upon request

Mobility - you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training.

May be required to travel by military and / or civilian aircraft in the performance of official duties.

You will be required to serve a one-year probationary period

Must meet suitability for Federal employment

Qualifications

Air Force Qualification Standards

To qualify for a GS- 07 : Completion of 1 full year of graduate level education, or bachelor's degree with Superior academic Achievement as provided in the "General Policies and Instructions" for Qualifications Standards Operating Manual, or 5 academic years of pre-professional study, or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5.

To qualify for a GS-09 : Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B or J.D., if related.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) : Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and / or competencies in the following areas :

1. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of research inquiry and cost.

2. Understanding of management theories, principles, concepts, and practices.

3. Knowledge of cost, budget and program analysis.

4. Knowledge of statistical techniques, applied mathematics and economics.

5. Skill in using computer software and hardware to accomplish assignments.

6. Skill in written and oral communication and in working with others to accomplish objectives.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE : Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE : Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

PLEASE SUBMIT COPIES OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS TO INCLUDE TRANSFERRED HOURS - OFFICIAL COPIES ARE NOT REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION.

IF SELECTED, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE OFFICIAL COPIES OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS.

NOTE

Degree Audits are not accepted.

IF YOU QUALIFY BASED ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND YOU HAVE NOT GRADUATED PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THIS POSITION, YOU MAY BE OFFERED A POSITION CONTINGENT UPON YOUR FINAL GRADE POINT AVERAGE OR CLASS RANKING.

FOREIGN EDUCATION : Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

For Direct Hire (DHA) Positions :

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice, under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted for each location / installation identified in this Public Notice and selections are made for vacancies as they occur. There may or may not be actual / projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.The PALACE Acquire Program offers you a permanent position upon completion of your formal training plan. As a Palace Acquire Intern you will experience both personal and professional growth while dealing effectively and ethically with change, complexity, and problem solving. The program offers a 3-year formal training plan with yearly salary increases. Promotions and salary increases are based upon your successful performance and supervisory approval. This is your opportunity to begin a successful civilian career with the United States Air Force.

You must have completed a 4 year course of study leading to a bachelor's from an accredited institution AND must have documented Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the undergraduate level in one of the following :

a) Class Standing - upper third of the graduating class based on completed courses in the college, university, or major subdivision;

b) Grade Point Average - 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; OR 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum. If more than 10 percent of total undergraduate credit hours are non-graded, i.e. pass / fail, CLEP, CCAF, DANTES, military credit, etc, you cannot qualify based on GPA;

c) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (note : freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this position). (If qualifying based on class standing or honor society membership, provide appropriate documentation).

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM - MAY BE OFFERED FOR ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES. (Must sign a 3 yr service agreement) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP ) : For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants ( Reemployed Annuitants) : Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Selective Service : Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

Direct Deposit : All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING : Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group : Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements.

Fully Qualified Group : Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.

Basically Qualified Group : Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and / or experience requirements.

The resume / documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority / preference.

APPRAISALS / AWARDS : Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and / or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Benefits

Review our benefits

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility / eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

Online Application : Questionnaire

Resume : For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month / year to month / year or month / year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and / or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. Your name MUST be included on your resume.

Transcripts / Registration / License : If qualifying on education / position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration / license.

Veterans : If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE : All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.

Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees) : You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".

Promotion Consideration : If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade / Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS : The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following :

Name / Rank / Grade of Service Member

Branch of Armed Forces

Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)

Expected Date of Discharge / Release from Active Duty

Terminal leave start date (if applicable)

Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)

Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge

Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note : The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS :

Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.

Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note : Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 09 / 30 / 2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link : https : / / apply.usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12567114

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.

If your resume includes photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., you will not be considered for this vacancy.

For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month / year to month / year or month / year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position.

2. A complete Application Questionnaire3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE : It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and / or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center

Phone

1-800-525-0102

DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY

Address

AF Force Renewal

550 C Street W

JBSA Randolph AFB, TX 78150

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability

New employee probationary period

Privacy Act

Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service

Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Online Application : Questionnaire