Cost Estimator

Summary 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. Duties 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. The individual selected for this position will perform the following duties: Cost Estimating The incumbent serves as a recognized technical authority on construction cost estimates and proposals supporting AOC appropriation requests presented to Congress and agency clients. The incumbent 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. The incumbent develops estimates using conceptual information, schematic drawings, detailed plans, previous projects, and field surveys, incorporating historic preservation requirements unique to the Capitol Complex. As Senior Cost Estimator, the incumbent provides advanced technical directions to Cost Estimators, as necessary. The incumbent may serve as a COR for estimating‐related contracts and develops and updates AOC estimating templates used to produce official cost estimates. The incumbent 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. The incumbent prepares, presents, and communicates cost-estimating information to Division and agency stakeholders and leadership, as necessary. The incumbent participates in risk-based cost analyses, including sensitivity analyses, quantitative risk assessments, cost‐loaded schedules, IGCE reconciliations, and follow‐on cost reports. The incumbent determines and incorporates contingency values derived from risk assessment results. The incumbent serves as the agency authority for determining construction costs for construction and renovation appropriation requests presented to Congress. The incumbent maintains and enhances AOC's cost estimating database and cost‐knowledge systems. The incumbent 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. The incumbent produces the Line Item Construction Project (LICP) budget IGE's and associated 1391's submitted to Congress. The incumbent 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. The incumbent provides strategic cost advice to align project costs with available funding. The incumbent develops scopes and task orders for consultant cost estimating services and reviews and analyzes consultant estimates for accuracy. The incumbent participates in formal bid evaluations and evaluates modification pricing for alignment with budgets and prior cost projections. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring compliance with all AOC and OSHA safety standards and takes corrective action when unsafe conditions are identified. The incumbent performs other related duties as assigned. Team Leader/Program Management Responsibilities Under the direction of the Chief Cost Estimator, the incumbent leads technical training and mentoring for cost estimating staff in AOC‐specific standards, methods, and tools. The incumbent monitors and reports on the status of work, ensuring that priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality expectations established by the Cost Estimating leadership are met. The incumbent communicates work accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvements to the supervisor. The incumbent monitors and evaluates progress toward deadlines and ensure that team members are aware of and participate in planning for goals and objectives. The incumbent identifies and recommends enhancements to agency estimating processes, tools, cost models, and value‐added services supporting AOC programs and clients. Project Proposal Development The incumbent 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. The incumbent collaborates with building superintendent staff, architects, engineers, project managers, construction superintendents, construction managers and external sources to evaluate cost feasibility, materials availability, and construction approaches. The incumbent provides strategic cost advice to align project costs with available funding. Performs other related duties as assigned Qualifications You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. For the GS-11: You must meet the following education and/or specialized experience requirements to be qualified for this position: 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. --OR-- Undergraduate and Graduate Education in architecture, engineering, building construction, or other fields related to the position. --OR-- Combination of specialized experience and education. 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