DRAFT_-_Attn_3_-_Labor_Categories_and_Qualifications.pdf

DRAFT – Attachment 3 – Labor Categories and Qualifications

SSA-RFP-17-1001

Labor Categories and Qualifications

Education and Experience: The offeror should consider the education and experience levels listed in the table below as examples of the minimum levels anticipated. It is expected that some positions may require additional education and experience at each level and that there may be variation in the education and experience requirements for the position levels across the different position descriptions. The columns, “Equivalent Education and Experience,” have been added as examples of the possible equivalences that would be considered.

It is anticipated that the majority of experience and education will be in a technical field directly related to the labor category being proposed and that all diplomas, GED certificates, and degrees will be from accredited institutions. Further, the Contracting Officer Technical Representative

(COTR) for the contract, in consultation with the Contracting Officer (CO), may grant waivers, in limited situations, for these Levels or allow limited substitution of certain technical certifications for education and/or experience if it is determined to be in the best interest of the

Government. Any equivalencies or substitutions must be cited in the contract. Any and all levels may include supervisory duties. Note: The Government reserves the right to negotiate the fixed hourly rate in the case of any waiver granted.

Education & Experience Levels Equivalent Education and

Experience

Level Education and Experience Acquired Degree Minimum

Experience

1 Bachelor’s Degree or higher and 2 years High

School/GED

6 years

Associate 4 years

2 Bachelor’s Degree or higher and 5 years Associate 7 years

Master 3 years

Doctorate 1 year

3 Master’s Degree or higher and 10 years Associate 14 years

Bachelor 12 years

Doctorate 8 years

4 Doctorate Degree and 15 years Associate 21 years

Bachelor 19 years

Master 17 years

The above table is included only for example purposes. The offeror should propose education and experience levels for each position description, broken out by position level, as indicated on the following pages.

Unique Professional Skills – Task Order Level: In rare limited situations, certain unique skill sets that are not defined in the labor categories referenced herein may be required under specific task orders. Unique professional skills are defined as those bona fide executive, professional, or administrative skills for which the expertise required or duties performed are within the contract’s scope, but are so specialized or rare that they are not explicitly defined in any of the labor categories set forth herein. Therefore, given the “unique professional skills” called for by the Government, a Contractor may propose a new or different skill level category at the task order level providing detailed justification for the new/different skill level category. The CO, in conjunction with the COTR, will determine whether circumstances warrant the use of unique professional skills. In these cases, the CO will negotiate the fixed-hourly rate with the

Contractor. The CO must be able to determine any negotiated rate fair and reasonable. Note: If the CO and the multiple awardee contractor(s) cannot reach agreement on a negotiated rate, the unique skill sets must be procured outside of this contract, or otherwise be negotiated under an existing labor category as referenced herein, for which the Contractor’s existing fixed-hourly rates will apply.

For all labor categories, the position levels are progressive. Level 2 staff is expected to possess any and all competencies and be able to perform any and all functions of Level 1 staff. Level 3 staff is expected to possess any and all competencies and be able to perform any and all functions of both Level 1 and Level 2 staff.

Program/Project Manager/Director (PPM)

Business Operations Specialist (BOS)

Business Process/Requirements Analyst (BPR)

Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer (CSA)

Data/Database Engineer (DBE)

Information Technology Specialist (ITS)

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Systems Security/Network Engineer (SNE)

Validation Specialist (VAL)

Note: Notwithstanding the rare limited situations acknowledging “unique professional skills,” the Government reserves the right to negotiate with the contractor to add labor categories to the contract to acknowledge changes in the future marketplace. In these cases, the labor categories are those in which the Government anticipates ordering on a more frequent basis, and are not considered by the Government to be “unique” as referenced herein.

Program/Project Manager/Director (PPM)

General Description:

The Program/Project Manager/Director oversees and orchestrates IT systems development life cycle (SDLC) efforts such as: development, integration, testing, training, deployment, operation and/or maintenance. Performs day-to-day management of overall contract support operations, possibly involving multiple projects and groups of personnel at multiple locations. Manages the successful completion of all financial management, contract, subcontract, and procurement activities related to the contract. Organizes, directs, and coordinates the planning and production of all contract support activities. Establishes and alters (as necessary) vendor management structure to direct effective contract support activities. Possesses written and oral communication skills.

The following applies to Level 3 of this position (PPM3) – Key Personnel:

The Program Director has the ultimate responsibility for contractor resources and the accomplishment of all work assigned to this contract. Demonstrates the experience and ability to serve as the Contractor’s overall on-site manager and coordinator for all work, activities, issues and other contractual obligations relating to this contract. Demonstrates the experience and ability to serve as the Contractor’s authorized interface with the Government Contracting Officer

(CO), the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), Government management personnel, and customer Agency representatives. Responsible for the effective management of funds and personnel, and is accountable for the quality and timely delivery of all contractual deliverables. Responsible for formulating and enforcing work and quality standards, assigning contractor schedules, reviewing work discrepancies, and supervising contractor personnel including subcontractors. Accountable for contractor compliance with all applicable

Government Contracting clauses (FAR, CAS, etc.). Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

Ensures that all required resources are available for program implementation supporting the Agency’s strategic goals and objectives and IT Vision.

Ensures contractor’s corporate interests and activities do not conflict with or violate

Government restrictions or edicts.

Assumes responsibility for organizing, directing and managing support services for all applicable technical areas and also for business operations, human resources, and administration activities related to the contract.

Supports the Deputy Commissioner for Systems in designing, developing, and implementing new and efficient information technologies to support SSA’s programmatic, administrative, and management information systems.

The following applies to Level 2 of this position (PPM2) – Key Personnel:

The Senior Project Manager shall be the coordinator for complex and large numbers of multiple assignments that, although covered by separate task orders, are closely related under the

Technical Areas (tasks) and require effective coordination for successful performance. Must maintain an in-depth knowledge of SSA technical area(s), component organization(s), personnel, and short- and long-term objectives. Reports directly to the Program Director and shall interface with the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) and Government management personnel. Must maintain an in-depth knowledge of SSA’s lifecycles, standards, and supporting

Software Process Improvement (SPI) practices. Possesses superior oral and written

Organizes resources to support complex and large numbers of multiple task orders simultaneously and manages the execution of those task orders.

Plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of assigned personnel and provides technical area leadership across multiple components.

Conducts oral and written communications on status and issues with the Program

Director for planning and control of multiple task orders across multiple components.

Anticipates issues or problems, and works to mitigate or negate the anticipated effects of the problems. Ensures events and meetings are accurately documented and recorded.

Responsible for the technical performance of tasks within multiple technical areas and/or components, the coordination of travel and training requirements, and the estimation of required resources for the completion of existing and new statements of work.

The following applies to Level 1 of this position (PPM1):

The Project Manager shall be the coordinator for multiple assignments that, although covered by separate task orders, are closely related under the Technical Areas (tasks) and require effective coordination for successful performance. Reports directly to the Program Director and shall interface with the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) and Government management personnel. Must maintain an in-depth knowledge of SSA technical area(s), component organization(s), personnel, and short- and long-term objectives. Must maintain an in-depth knowledge of SSA’s lifecycles, standards, and supporting Software Process Improvement

(SPI) practices. Possesses strong oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

Organizes resources to support multiple task orders simultaneously and manages the execution of those task orders.

Plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of assigned personnel and provides technical area leadership.

Conducts oral and written communications on status and issues with the Program

Director for planning and control of the multiple task orders.

Anticipates issues or problems, and works to mitigate or negate the anticipated effects of the problems. Ensures events and meetings are accurately documented and recorded.

Responsible for the technical performance of tasks within technical area(s) and/or component(s), the coordination of travel and training requirements, and the estimation of required resources for the completion of existing and new statements of work.

Business Operations Specialist (BOS)

The Business Operations Specialist supports analyses for program staff disciplines, such as:

business operations, human resources, publications and graphics, quality assurance, technical editing, and program administration. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: personnel functions, labor and cost reporting, document editing, process quality control, and pricing.

Possesses general administrative and clerical abilities such as typing, scheduling, filing, timekeeping, presentation preparation, database entry, forms processing, and tracking and management of documentation.

The following applies to Level 3 of this position (BOS3) – Key Personnel:

The Business Operations Specialist shall be responsible for the successful completion of all financial management, contract, subcontract, procurement, quality control, and human resource and administrative activities related to the contract. Reports to the Program Director, but must be able to work independently. Must possess a thorough knowledge of Government contracting provisions and constraints. Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

Provides guidance and direction across components and acts in a consulting and/or advisory capacity.

Performs complex evaluations of existing procedures, processes, techniques, models, and/or systems in order to resolve contractual issues and increase program efficiency.

Coordinates task order changes, including, but not limited to, proposal pricing, scheduling, and budgeting.

Assumes responsibility for Government-compliant invoicing and labor reporting.

Develops studies and prepares charts, tables, and graphs to assist in analyzing problems.

Manages financial analysis and preparation of monthly reports.

Provides daily supervision and direction to the Business Operations Staff.

Ensures task order, work assignment, work breakdown structures, and necessary levels of associated program reporting are established and maintained for each contract year.

The following applies to Level 2 of this position (BOS2):

Demonstrates the experience and ability to provide in-depth analyses for program staff disciplines, such as: human resources, labor processing and reporting, procurement and subcontracts, publications and graphics, quality assurance, technical editing, and program administration. Demonstrates the ability to perform without technical oversight or as a leader of a team as required. Responsibilities include (as applicable) compliance with contract and

Federal Government criteria, management of professional staff, customer interface as required, and process control and improvement. Possesses strong oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

Manages human resources processes and functions.

Manages timekeeping, Resource Accounting System (RAS) reporting, and cost reporting processes and functions.

Manages contractual functions such as: contract certifications, implementation of contract changes, resolution of contractual issues, and accurate interpretation of contract terms and conditions.

Manages procurement and subcontract processes and functions.

Performs personnel and security/access functions such as: processing new hires and departing employees, conducting orientation, benefits administration, issuing badges, processing applicable forms for networks and buildings access, ensuring contractors have proper clearance, scheduling finger printing, etc.

Performs cost and schedule analysis.

Provides input to invoicing, financial reports, and procurement and subcontracts processes.

Assists with pricing of task orders, work assignments, and proposed changes.

Prepares presentations, publications, and graphics.

Manages quality control, quality assurance, and software process improvement (SPI) processes and functions.

Assists with inventory and facilities control.

Assists with technical and non-technical documentation editing and control.

The following applies to Level 1 of this position (BOS1):

Demonstrates the ability to provide basic analysis for program staff disciplines such as: business operations, human resources, publications and graphics, quality assurance, technical editing, and program administration. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: personnel functions, labor and cost reporting, document editing, process quality control, and pricing. Demonstrates the ability to work with some technical oversight and/or as a member of a team in a variety of roles ranging from providing assistance to assuming limited leadership. Possesses oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other

Performs basic functions, such as: timekeeping, standard publications and graphics generation, ordering supplies, maintaining schedules, etc.

Assists business operations, human resources, and other program staff functions with database maintenance and reports generation.

Performs forms generation and processing, including: security forms, human resources forms, purchase requisitions, travel forms, etc.

Assists program management with a variety of office management and administrative tasks.

Business Process/Requirements Analyst (BPR)

The Business Process/Requirements Analyst provides business process reengineering and/or business/user requirements support for the development of next generation IT applications.

Responsible for understanding the needs of the customers and the realities of commercially available IT products and for creating business/user requirements that will allow implementation by the development team and COTS products. Provides business expertise to effectively identify, document, and adapt functional business processes and requirements. Adapts processes to technical solutions based upon comprehensive enterprise application solution sets. Identifies best practices, change and business management techniques, organizational development, activity and data modeling, and/or information systems development methods and practices.

Provides business process/requirements support for the following activities: contributing to technical briefings and reports; participating in meetings and walkthroughs; analyzing problems and providing solutions; providing user support; and conducting research. Contributes to recommendations and solutions for complex problems throughout all phases of the Systems

Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Supports group facilitation, conduct interviews, and training and additional forms of knowledge transfer.

The following applies to Level 3 of this position (BPR3):

Demonstrates the ability and experience to work with managers and executives to provide project direction for those functional areas that support the defined business disciplines within the enterprise. Demonstrates the ability to identify and recommend best practices, change management, and business management techniques, organizational development, activity and data modeling, or information system development methods and practices. Demonstrates the ability to serve as the key coordinator among multiple project teams to ensure enterprise-wide integration of reengineering and/or requirements efforts. Must demonstrate experience in managing business process reengineering and/or business/user requirements efforts for medium to large scale projects, and project management experience specific to the full SDLC.

Demonstrates the experience and ability to work without technical oversight and to lead and/or supervise a team of specialists. Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA

Possesses expert knowledge of Federal laws and regulations, directives, instructions, policy, standards and guidance so that requirements ensure for security and privacy compliance. This is critical to prevent delays later in the SDLC.

Possesses expert knowledge of FedRAMP requirements and guidance.

Possesses expert knowledge of the Federal Cybersecurity Strategy and Implementation Plan

(CSIP) (refer to OMB M-16-04) and related OMB and DHS cyber security initiatives to ensure that business process and requirements are aligned with cross-agency goals.

Possesses expert knowledge of IT and Financial Management laws and OMB circulars, and the

Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual (FISCAM).

Leads and/or directs the efforts of specialists on project(s) across components and/or technical areas.

Provides guidance and direction across components and acts in a consulting and/or advisory capacity.

Directs the business process reengineering and/or business/user requirements efforts for major projects.

Oversees business/user requirements efforts as part of a full systems development lifecycle and provide critical recommendations and solutions for complex problems.

Identifies and addresses barriers and risks to successful project completion.

Performs cross-functional strategic systems planning, business information systems planning, and business area analysis.

Provides insight into selecting the enterprise applications that set the direction and establish an approach for the best technical solution.

Provides expertise on emerging and existing technologies and industry trends that will affect enterprise solution sets, including technical platforms and design architectures.

Leads design reviews, validates enterprise approaches, defines application systems that support redesigned or improved business processes, and recommends technical architectures that lead to comprehensive business solutions.

Prepares and analyzes strategic plans.

Assesses policy needs and provides guidance in policy development.

Analyzes and defines current and future business environments.

Establishes and measures Agency-wide technology usage metrics, and performs audits of

Agency IT programs.

The following applies to Level 2 of this position (BPR2):

Demonstrates the experience and ability to apply process improvement, reengineering, and requirements methodologies and principles to conduct process/requirements analysis, modernization, and improvement projects. Demonstrates the ability to apply facilitation techniques, training, methodology development and evaluation across all phases of analysis, modernization, and improvement projects. Must be able to support components to ensure enterprise-wide integration of reengineering and/or requirements efforts. Demonstrates the experience and ability to work independently and/or to lead or supervise a team of specialists.

Possesses strong oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

standards and guidance so that requirements ensure for security and privacy compliance. This is critical to prevent delays later in the SDLC.

Leads and/or directs the efforts of specialists on project(s).

Provides guidance and direction across component(s).

Serves as primary point of contact between SSA user community and the contractor in compiling user/process requirements for information systems development.

Follows an effective SDLC using a software development process, including appropriate risk management practices and security control testing for a variety of specific circumstances throughout the SDLC.

Utilizes appropriate key tools to measure project progress against business-focused requirements.

The following applies to Level 1 of this position (BPR1):

Demonstrates the experience and ability to apply process improvement, reengineering, and/or requirements methodologies and principles to conduct process/requirements analysis, modernization, and improvement projects with minimal oversight. Demonstrates the ability to work with some technical oversight and/or as a member of a team in a variety of roles ranging from providing assistance to assuming limited leadership. Possesses oral and written

Possesses knowledge of Federal laws and regulations, directives, instructions, policy, standards and guidance so that requirements ensure for security and privacy compliance. This is critical to prevent delays later in the SDLC.

Possesses knowledge of FedRAMP requirements and guidance.

Prepares and analyzing strategic plans.

Performs process design to identify and analyze existing business-focused processes.

Performs in requirements engineering to identify, analyze, and document existing and emerging business/user requirements compliant with Federal and Agencyspecific security and privacy policy.

Develops staff skills for effective modeling of software and information structures that contribute to high-productivity new-generation business-focused automation solutions.

Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer (CSA)

The Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer performs analysis, design, and new construction of next generation IT applications. Responsible for understanding the needs of the customers and the realities of commercially available IT products, and creating systems requirements that will allow implementation by the development team and COTS products. Provides application design (including systems requirements), development, testing, and maintenance support for

SSA’s programmatic, administrative, business intelligence, and strategic analysis software applications. Knowledge and skills in identifying/fixing problems within existing software, designing/implementing new systems, and enhancing existing applications. Identifies best practices and provide technical support for the following activities: establishing and supporting development environments, which include, but are not limited to, server installation, configuration, maintenance, and trouble-shooting; providing technical briefing and reports;

participating in meetings and walkthroughs; analyzing problems and providing solutions;

providing user support; and conducting research. Provides recommendations and solutions for complex problems throughout all phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Performs configuration management, software integration, and interpretation of software test results, as well as recommending solutions for unsatisfactory test results.

The following applies to Level 3 of this position (CSA3):

Must demonstrates the experience and ability to work with senior Agency technical managers and staff to provide expert-level support for Agency application design (including systems requirements), development, testing, and maintenance support efforts. Possesses experience in identifying and recommending best practices. Demonstrates the experience and ability to serve as the key coordinator among multiple project teams and/or components to ensure enterprise-wide consistency of application development efforts. Must demonstrate experience in managing technical application development projects and systems analysis projects for medium to large scale projects, and project management experience specific to the full SDLC. Demonstrates the experience and ability to work without technical oversight and to lead and/or supervise a team of specialists. Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

Provides guidance and direction across components and acts in a consulting and/or advisory capacity.

Directs the development and maintenance of applications, and provide technical oversight for major projects.

Oversees the entire systems development lifecycle, including systems requirements, coding, testing, and implementation of proposed systems and provides critical recommendations and solutions for complex problems.

Identifies and addresses barriers and risks to successful implementation.

Ensures that information security risks are managed throughout the System Development

Life Cycle (SDLC).

The following applies to Level 2 of this position (CSA2):

Demonstrates the ability to manage and maintain utility programs, job control language, macros, subroutines and other control modules. Demonstrates the ability to support multi-phases of software systems/application programming. Has accountability for technical efforts on major projects and will develop systems requirements, code, test, and/or implement proposed systems.

Demonstrates the experience and ability to work independently and/or to lead or supervise a team of specialists. Possesses strong oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

Acts as the primary point of contact between SSA user community and the contractor in compiling specifications for information systems development.

Maintains active liaison with user personnel to ensure continuing responsiveness of applicable system software user requirements.

Provides technical direction for performing software development tasks and reviewing work products for correctness and adherence to design standards.

Provides technical assistance to less experienced personnel in the resolution of systems-related problems.

Assures software and systems quality and functionality.

Ensures that information security risks are managed throughout the System Development

Life Cycle (SDLC).

The following applies to Level 1 of this position (CSA1):

Demonstrates the ability to develop, maintain, and support applications, computer/network operating systems, and other system software, through design, coding, unit testing, benchmark testing, modeling, simulation, debugging and documentation. Demonstrates the ability to work with some technical oversight and/or as a member of a team in a variety of roles ranging from providing assistance to assuming limited leadership. Possesses oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA

Participates in all phases of the systems development life cycle, with emphasis on systems requirements, design, development/programming, documentation, testing, and implementation.

Develops, maintains, and uses applications in mainframe and individual workstation/local area network (IWS/LAN) environments.

Maintains and supports Agency applications, computer and/or network operating systems, and other system software.

Performs activities such as: system software installation, configuration, testing, optimization, evaluation, maintenance, documentation, and user support.

Prepares test data, tests, debugs, and refines applications software.

Identifies, evaluates, customizes, and implements vendor-supplied software packages.

Ensures accurate translation of technical specifications into programming specifications.

Develops systems requirements, codes, tests, and/or implements proposed systems.

Ensures that information security risks are managed throughout the System Development

Life Cycle (SDLC).

Assists in translating technical specifications into programming specifications.

Designs and prepares technical reports and documentation.

Prepares status reports and presentations.

Data/Database Engineer (DBE)

The Data/Database Engineer provides technical database administration support across multiple platforms. Designs, develops, implements, and maintains data repository systems. Develops user training and automate interface capabilities between database systems and other management systems to support the administration of the Agency’s programmatic data.

Identifies best practices and provide technical support for the following activities: standardizing data names, definitions, usage, and structures; defining database access controls; managing metadata and data element synonyms; and overseeing database administration efforts as part of a full systems development lifecycle. Provides critical recommendations and solutions from the database administration perspective for complex problems throughout all phases of the Systems

Development Life Cycle (SDLC); provide technical briefing and reports; participate in meetings and walkthroughs; analyze problems and provide solutions; provide support to application analysis, development, and validation team(s); and conduct research.

The following applies to Level 3 of this position (DBE3):

Must demonstrate experience in and ability to manage the development of database projects, including the installation, maintenance, upgrading and administration of full-featured database management systems and related tools. Qualifying experience must include deployment of databases to large organizations and/or user communities. Must demonstrate experience in database administration efforts for medium to large scale projects, and project management experience specific to the full SDLC. Must demonstrate development of lessons learned in large scale database development and deployment. Demonstrates the experience and ability to work without technical oversight and to lead and/or supervise a team of specialists. Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA counterparts.

and guidance so that requirements ensure for security and privacy compliance.

Provides guidance and direction across components and acts in a consulting and/or advisory capacity.

Directs all aspects of database development and maintenance.

Provides leadership, technical expertise, and technical oversight in the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of databases, including the development and testing of logical and physical database designs.

Guides the development of standards, procedures, and conventions for use.

Maintains knowledge of leading-edge technologies, new methodologies, and best-practices applicable to work performed.

Recommends changes to business and technical processes based upon subject matter knowledge.

Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SSA data – including sensitive data.

The following applies to Level 2 of this position (DBE2):

Demonstrates the experience and ability to independently plan, analyze, compile requirements, design, develop, and modify database solutions for full-featured database systems and related tools using current products and programming languages, including the installation, monitoring, maintenance, upgrade, and administration of such systems. Demonstrates the experience and ability to plan, design, develop, and modify databases structures, and database administration tools using products and programming languages such as PL/SQL, Visual Basic, or ORACLE

Forms. Demonstrates the ability to support application developers in planning preparation, load analysis, and backup and recovery of data. Demonstrates the experience and ability to work independently and/or to lead or supervise a team of specialists. Possesses strong oral and written

Directs the development and testing of logical and physical database designs.

Directs the data analysis, database design, normalization, development, installation, and implementation of databases.

Directs the maintenance, monitoring, performance tuning, backup and recovery of databases.

Directs database restructuring activities.

Works with users and information systems analysis and development staff to determine data storage and access requirements.

Defines file organization, indexing methods, and security procedures for specific user applications.

Provides technical expertise and guidance in the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of database management systems.

Controls the design and use of database(s); in particular, controls the global view of the database(s), access to the database(s), and the safekeeping of the databases(s), as well as monitors the use of database(s).

Prepares and delivers presentations on database management system concepts.

Develops standards, procedures, and conventions for use.

Analyzes functional business applications and design specifications for functional activities.

Directs the development of block diagrams and logic flow charts and the translation of detailed design into computer software.

Directs efforts of specialists in all activities related to administration, planning, and development of computerized database management systems.

Conducts management studies and defines data requirements.

Reviews logical and/or physical designs of existing databases, and provides for tuning to ensure maximum operating efficiency.

Oversees the installation, configuration, and maintenance of database management systems software.

Installs, configures, and maintains database management systems software.

Directs the development and implementation of data mining and data warehouse programs.

Ensures the rigorous applications of information security/information assurance policies, principles and practices in the delivery of data management services.

Evaluates and provides recommendations on new database technologies and architectures.

Performs database restructuring activities Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SSA data – including sensitive data.

The following applies to Level 1 of this position (DBE1):

Demonstrates the ability to provide database design and development, database administration, data warehousing, and other database-related support. Demonstrates the ability to work with some technical oversight and/or as a member of a team in a variety of roles ranging from providing assistance to assuming limited leadership. Possesses oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to SSA

Performs data analysis and database design, development, normalization, installation, and implementation.

Performs development and testing of logical and physical database designs.

Reviews logical and physical designs of existing databases and performs tuning and restructuring to ensure maximum operating efficiency.

Performs maintenance, monitoring, performance tuning, backup, and recovery of databases.

Works with users and information systems analysis and development staff to determine data storage and access requirements.

Assists with defining file organization, indexing methods, and security procedures for specific user applications.

Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SSA data – including sensitive data.

Develops database management system standards, procedures, and conventions for use.

Prepares and delivers presentations on database management system concepts, standards, procedures, and conventions for use.

Information Technology Specialist (ITS)

The Information Technology Specialist formulates and prepares computer programs used for systems performance measurement and security; participates in the quality assurance review of all new systems development activities; and identifies and provides solutions to technical systems software problems. Possesses hardware and technical software operations knowledge for medium to large scale computer installations; job submission and output criteria and how to debug systems to prevent or resolve errors or malfunctions; data access control techniques and procedures; and machine capabilities and procedures for their effective utilization.

The following applies to Level 3 of this position (ITS3):

Demonstrates the experience and ability to manage enterprise-wide information technology projects. Qualifying experience must include experience deploying solutions across organizations with more than 40,000 users across multiple geographic locations and using multiple data center architectures. Must demonstrate extensive knowledge of industry best-practices and lessons-learned in enterprise IT projects and deployments, and experience in the development of best-practices for enterprise size clients. Demonstrates the experience and ability to work without technical oversight and to lead and/or supervise a team of specialists.

Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively

Provides guidance and direction across components and acts in a consulting and/or advisory capacity.

Manages enterprise-wide IT projects.

Manages architecture, engineering, deployment, and operations.

Recommends and implements best-practices in the development and delivery of IT services.

Provides technical expertise, support, oversight, and needs analysis in functional areas such as, but not limited to, design and development of appropriate IT solutions and architectures, creation of information and decision papers on IT issues, assistance in the development of IT standards, review of logical and physical database and application design, change control and problem resolution, validation and stress-testing of IT solutions, and facilitating the use of IT solutions by end-users.

Leads process and data modeling initiatives in support of planning and analysis efforts using both manual and automated tools.

Applies an enterprise-wide set of disciplines for the planning, analysis, design, construction, reverse-engineering, and reengineering of information systems on an enterprise-wide basis or across a major sector of the enterprise.

Develops, integrates, and deploys enterprise solutions.

Engineers and manages hardware and software architectures and ensures compatibility and optimal integration of multiple systems. Responsible for technical architecture adherence to plans and specifications.

Leads the formulation, review, and recommendation of solutions to customer problems based on prior experience and hands-on understanding of how products and services interrelate and support the customer mission.

Performs needs analysis to define opportunities for new and improved business and process solutions.

Oversees the performance of feasibility studies and trade off analyses to define system scope and objectives.

Develops cost estimates for new or modified systems.

The following applies to Level 2 of this position (ITS2):

Possesses substantive Information Technology knowledge and has a hands-on background and/or training in areas of analysis of problems and technical requirements in the computing, networking, and application areas. Possesses experience in evaluating, implementing, and supporting the use of appropriate solutions for these problems and requirements. Demonstrates the experience and ability to provide technical expertise and leadership in exploring, planning, and developing solutions to customer problems. Qualifying experience must include experience in evaluating, implementing, and supporting the use of appropriate solutions for a variety of computing, networking, and application challenges. Demonstrates the experience and ability to work independently and/or to lead or supervise a team of specialists. Possesses strong oral and

Provides technical expertise in more than one technical area/component including, but not limited to: design and development of IT solutions; developing IT standards; review of logical and physical database and application design; change control and problem resolution; validation and testing; and facilitating the use of new solutions with customers and providing a mechanism for feedback and review.

Leads process and data modeling initiatives, reverse engineering and re-engineering initiatives, compatibility analyses, and other processes, or components thereof.

The following applies to Level 1 of this position (ITS1):

Demonstrates the ability to provide analysis of problems and technical requirements in the computing and application areas. Possesses experience in evaluating, implementing, and supporting the use of appropriate solutions for these problems and requirements. Demonstrates the ability to work with some technical oversight and/or as a member of a team in a variety of roles ranging from providing assistance to assuming limited leadership. Possesses oral and

Provides limited support in functional areas such as, but not limited to design and development of IT solutions; developing IT standards; review of logical and physical database and application design; change control and problem resolution; validation and testing; and, facilitating the use of new solutions with customers and providing a mechanism for feedback and review.

Provides limited assistance in process and data modeling initiatives in support of planning and analysis efforts using both manual and automated tools.

Assists in application of reverse-engineering and reengineering disciplines to develop migration strategic and planning documents.

Assists in developing, integrating, and deploying enterprise solutions.

Assists in the review and recommendation of solutions to customer problems.

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

The Subject Matter Expert provides advanced technical knowledge and analysis of highly specialized applications and operational environments; high-level functional systems analysis, design, integration, documentation, training, and implementation; and advice on complex problems. Participates as needed in all phases of software development with emphasis on the planning, analysis, testing, integration, documentation, training and presentation phases. Applies principles, methods, and knowledge of specific functional areas of expertise to specific task order requirements. Makes recommendations and advise on organization-wide system improvements, optimization, or maintenance efforts in the following specialties: Information

Systems Architecture, Networking, Telecommunications, Automation, Communications

Protocols, Risk Management/Electronic Analysis, Software, Life-Cycle Management, Software

Development Methodologies, Modeling and Simulation.

The following applies to Level 4 of this position (SME4):

SME4 provides advanced technical skill sets above and outside of the remaining set of ITSSC labor categories. SME4 possesses unique subject matter expertise in highly specialized and emerging IT technologies spanning the gamut of applications, operating environments, tools and data management. Examples include: data warehousing and science, compliance analytics, Thunderhead NOW, state-of-the-art self service delivery technologies, unified communications and collaboration, cloud based development platforms and agile development methodologies.

For SME4, approval as an ITSSC resource is based on their superior credentials and industry leading expertise directly relating to a specifically identified SSA IT need. For example, SSA may require an acclaimed Data Scientist with a PHD to help frame an enterprise-wide data mining fraud prevention solution.

SME4 examples include acknowledged industry leaders and/or PHD level:

Data Scientist

Expert Scrum Master

Enterprise wide Agile framework and methodology implementation

Cyber security and authentication

Enterprise and program architects and analysts specializing in risk, troubled program remediation, and future state design

Extensive experience with big data technologies, including AB/testing, data fusion and integration, crowdsourcing, genetic algorithms, machine learning, natural language processing, signal processing, simulation, time series analysis and visualism.

Confers with client executive management using industry expertise to define the client's strategic enterprise information technology business goals, and advises in the reengineering of high level business processes to meet these goals.

Demonstrates extensive experience and ability to analyze extremely complex client requirements and recommend solutions.

Demonstrates extensive experience and ability to provide technical experience in highly specialized technical and professional areas on an enterprise–wide scale.

Demonstrates experience in deploying professional business and/or technical solutions across organizations with more than 40,000 users, or across smaller complex organizations with public/government/media exposure, or in other organizations where such expertise was relied upon to pursue new technologies, design lines of business, or defend business decisions before third parties. Must demonstrate knowledge of technologies/business practices and lessons-learned applicable to large enterprises, large scale projects, and enterprise-wide deployments.

Demonstrates extensive experience in the development of best practices for enterprise-size clients.

Expert in various software development methodologies (e.g. Agile, Waterfall, etc.)

Provides expert, independent services and leadership in areas relevant to a particular Task

Order by supplying highly technical and specialized guidance concerning deployment of solutions to complex information processing problems.

Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively convey issues, reports, and other deliverables to Agency counterparts.

The following applies to Level 3 of this position (SME3):

Demonstrates the ability to confer with client executive management using industry expertise to define the client's strategic enterprise information technology business goals, and advises in the reengineering of high level business processes to meet these goals. Demonstrates the experience and ability to analyze extremely complex client requirements and recommend sophisticated development or acquisition strategies. Demonstrates the ability to assist client in developing strategic plans and concepts. Demonstrates the ability to advise clients on the impact of new legislation and emerging technologies that are relevant to their activity. Demonstrates the experience and ability to provide technical experience in highly specialized technical and professional areas, on an enterprise–wide scale. Such areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to: human factors engineering, Section 508 compliance, business process/requirements engineering, telecommunications, cyber security, and other technical and non-technical areas.

Qualifying experience must include specific experience in deploying professional business and/or technical solutions across organizations with more than 40,000 users, or across smaller complex organizations with public/government/media exposure, or in other organizations where such expertise was relied upon to pursue new technologies, design lines of business, or defend business decisions before third parties. Must demonstrate knowledge of technologies/business practices and lessons-learned applicable to large enterprises, large scale projects, and enterprise-wide deployments. Must demonstrate experience in the development of best practices for enterprise-size clients. May have specific experience with new and/or leading edge technologies and the deployment of these solutions to enterprise organizations. Demonstrates the experience and ability to work without technical oversight and to lead and/or supervise a team of specialists.

Possesses superior oral and written communications skills in order to clearly and effectively standards and guidance so that requirements ensure for security and privacy compliance.

Provides guidance and direction across components and acts in a consulting and/or advisory capacity.

Leads transition teams and centers of excellence in seeking and mastering emerging technologies.

Provides…