Attorney-Advisor (General)

US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) seeks an attorney with deep experience in FAR‑based contracting and non‑procurement instruments to join the Excepted Service. The ideal candidate will advise senior agency officials, draft and review OFAs, grants, cooperative agreements, CRADAs, and Partnership Intermediary Agreements, and provide timely, practical legal guidance.

Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, research, writing, and oral communication skills, ability to

Qualifications

• Recent and relevant professional legal experience with an emphasis on FAR-based contracting and non-procurement instruments.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills; effective oral communication.
• Ability to establish relationships with clients and provide timely, practical legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, accurate legal advice on complex matters.
• Advise senior agency officials on contracts, DoD directives, and procurement strategies.
• Review and draft instruments such as OTAs, grants, cooperative agreements, CRADAs, and Partnership Intermediary Agreements.

Skills

FAR-based contracting

Oral communication

Legal research & writing

Client relationships

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

This position is in the Excepted Service. Selection under this appointment does not confer civil service competitive status. Applicants will be evaluated on: (1) depth, breadth, and quality of recent and relevant professional legal experience with an emphasis on FAR-based contracting and non-procurement instruments such as Other Transaction Agreements, grants, cooperative agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, and Partnership Intermediary Agreements; (2) analytical, research, and writing skills; (3) oral communication; (4) ability to establish relationships with clients; and (5) ability to provide timely, accurate, practical, and responsive legal advice.

To qualify at the GS-13 level, applicants must have recent and relevant professional legal experience in excess of two (2) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

To qualify at the GS-14 level, applicants must have recent and relevant professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

To qualify at the GS-15 level, applicants must have at least five (5) years recent, substantial, and relevant professional legal experience that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. In addition, to qualify at the GS-15 level, applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform with substantial independence even when working on the most complex or difficult matters. Knowledge of and experience with DoW is highly desirable but not mandatory. Applicants with experience advising senior officials or clients are desired.

Salary will be set within the range specified in this vacancy announcement based on the complexity of work to be performed, the applicant's experience, education, training and availability of funds.

Qualification standards for attorney positions may be found in DoD Directive 1442.02, "Personnel Actions Involving Civilian Attorneys," at DoD Instruction 1442.02, April 13, 2023 (whs.mil).