Cost Estimator

Architect of the Capitol•Washington, DC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Engineer, Planning and Project Development Division, Technical Support Branch. The selectee will be responsible for performing a broad variety of duties with respect to the development of cost estimates for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures coming under the jurisdiction of the AOC. This is a developmental position in which the incumbent performs progressively more complex duties and responsibilities on a gradual basis leading to the full performance level of GS-13.

Requirements

Must be able to pass a drug test.
Resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.
Must meet the definition of specialized experience.
To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below: A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.
Must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position.
Must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.
For the GS-11: Candidates for the GS-11 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-09) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following: Assisting in the development of cost estimates for construction projects. Reviewing cost estimates for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with budget and cost projections.
For the GS-12: Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-11) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following: Developing cost estimates for new construction and/or interior and exterior alterations, restorations, historic preservation, additions and repairs to existing structures. Reviewing and revising cost estimates for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Performing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator, Cost-OS or equivalent cost estimating software. Working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections.
For the GS-13: Candidates for the GS-13 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-12) grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates the following: Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with estimate development, through design stages from schematics through working drawings, for proposed new construction, restorations, repairs and alteration projects. Providing oversight and leading in the development of cost estimates for construction projects and ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards. Developing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator/RIB, Cost-OS, or equivalent cost estimating software. Providing advisory services and working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure cost estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections. Serving as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or equivalent for support contracts.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System.
The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate and Graduate Education in architecture, engineering, building construction, or other fields related to the position (for GS-11).
Combination of specialized experience and education (for GS-11).

Responsibilities

Serves as a recognized technical authority on construction cost estimates and proposals supporting AOC appropriation requests presented to Congress and agency clients.
Prepares and oversees the development of studies, design estimates, and construction cost estimates for all types of AOC projects, including new construction, restorations, and alterations.
Develops estimates using conceptual information, schematic drawings, detailed plans, previous projects, and field surveys, incorporating historic preservation requirements unique to the Capitol Complex.
Provides advanced technical directions to Cost Estimators, as necessary.
May serve as a COR for estimating-related contracts and develops and updates AOC estimating templates used to produce official cost estimates.
Coordinates cost estimates developed by other AOC organizations and program offices, ensuring that internally and externally developed estimates meet AOC quality standards, technical requirements, and performance targets.
Prepares, presents, and communicates cost-estimating information to Division and agency stakeholders and leadership, as necessary.
Participates in risk-based cost analyses, including sensitivity analyses, quantitative risk assessments, cost‑loaded schedules, IGCE reconciliations, and follow‑on cost reports.
Determines and incorporates contingency values derived from risk assessment results.
Serves as the agency authority for determining construction costs for construction and renovation appropriation requests presented to Congress.
Maintains and enhances AOC’s cost estimating database and cost‑knowledge systems.
Monitors labor conditions, market fluctuations, escalation indices, specialty material costs, and industry trends and develops and refines costing models used to evaluate estimates and actual cost outcomes.
Produces the Line Item Construction Project (LICP) budget IGE’s and associated 1391’s submitted to Congress.
Collaborates with individuals both internal and external to the agency, including but not limited to: building superintendent staff, architects, engineers, project managers, and construction managers to evaluate cost feasibility, materials availability, and construction approaches.
Provides strategic cost advice to align project costs with available funding.
Develops scopes and task orders for consultant cost estimating services and reviews and analyzes consultant estimates for accuracy.
Participates in formal bid evaluations and evaluates modification pricing for alignment with budgets and prior cost projections.
Ensures compliance with all AOC and OSHA safety standards and takes corrective action when unsafe conditions are identified.
Leads technical training and mentoring for cost estimating staff in AOC‑specific standards, methods, and tools.
Monitors and reports on the status of work, ensuring that priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality expectations established by the Cost Estimating leadership are met.
Communicates work accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvements to the supervisor.
Monitors and evaluates progress toward deadlines and ensure that team members are aware of and participate in planning for goals and objectives.
Identifies and recommends enhancements to agency estimating processes, tools, cost models, and value‑added services supporting AOC programs and clients.
Develops proposals for the agencies internal construction and maintenance organizations using conceptual information, schematic drawings, detailed plans, previous projects, and field surveys, incorporating historic preservation requirements unique to the Capitol Complex.
Performs other related duties as assigned.