GS-5/12 Project Support Specialist
Skills/Knowledge Matrix
Core Competencies Demonstrates knowledge of/skills in Executes, produces, or participates in:
# Entry-Level (GS-5/7) Requirement: Supports basic project needs by performing fundamental, basic, and routine activities while gaining subject matter expertise in resources discipline areas. Assists in carrying out various resources activities and develops knowledge and understanding of various GSFC and NASA systems. Metrics for achievement of performance requirements are geared toward recall of appropriate entry level basic systems, policies, and procedures and their application in work and developmental activities.
# Approximately equivalent to PMDP Level 1.
Policies and Procedures
# Organizational/ Institutional Agency and GSFC policies, procedures, regulations, directives, precedents, and program documents, including NPDs, NPGs, etc.
# ISO 9001
# Safety procedures and regulations
# Center organization, history, and culture
# Project organization, technical content, and focus
# Program terminology, concepts, and principles
# Developing basic knowledge of project support activities
# Obtaining information on and becoming familiar with project and center organization
# Developing an understanding of technical content and focus of project
# General Business Statement of Work production and Workforce requirements development and tracking
# Coordination of presentation packages
# Processing forms
# Databases
# Planning
# Travel funds tracking
# Relationship of technical makeup of project to schedule and cost
# Ability to plan and coordinate several ongoing activities at a developmental stage
# Completing tasks and assignments in a timely and accurate fashion
# Performing daily on-the-job responsibilities
# Gathering, evaluating, and analyzing routine situations
# Preparing forms
# Preparing presentation packages, including obtaining support for production of special presentation charts, other visual aids, and reproduction
# Assisting in the development of major documents and reports
# Working with on-site contractors and other in-house sources in preparing complete, accurate, and timely reports
# Collecting and compiling workforce data inputs for budgets and monthly management reports
# Assisting in budget activities for project’s travel funds
# Monitoring actual travel costs versus planned expenditures and investigating and reporting variances to management
# Assisting in initiating small purchase procurement requests for office equipment, maintenance agreements, and non-stock supplies
# Assisting in training coordination and assessing specific training needs for certain skill groups; disseminating training instructions, guidelines, and information
Scheduling

# Assisting in the development of project plans, schedule control systems, establishment of internal reporting procedures, review of contractor schedules
# Assisting in the management of established time objectives for the Office/project and its related elements
# Assisting in the collection of data for WBSs to identify specific tasks for cost and schedule reporting
Configuration Management

# Assisting with selected CM control activities
# Collecting data and disseminating information on configuration management aspects of project activities
Basic Computer/ Information Technology Data Management Systems

# SPS/ASAP
# AAMS
# LISTS
# NEMS
# CHIRPS
# RAMIS
# MTS
# Basic elements of NASA Integrated Financial Management System
# GDMS
# Top 10 Reporting System

Information technology, computer applications and operating systems
# IBM/Mac Operating Systems, Internet, MS Office, Eudora, Time Management Software
# Information Technology support
# Library and data management
# Using ADP techniques to manage project resources
# Developing working familiarity with Agency and GSFC automated systems
# Assisting with library and data management activities
# Applying basic knowledge of automatic data processing concepts, tools, hardware, and software
# Using data management and ADP techniques to obtain data for analysis
# Inputting data for project resources control
# Logistics/property Office moves process
# Space requirements and utilization
# Telephone coordination
# Property control
# Coordinating moves and assisting in coordinating facilities modifications with organizations associated with moves, repairs to existing facilities, etc.
# Assisting with project property administration, monitoring, and controlling project property to ensure the inventory, protection, and disposition of all property conforms to prescribed regulations
# Initiating requests for telephone changes in conjunction with physical moves of personnel and establishing move schedules with the GSFC transportation organization
# Analysis of space occupied vs. authorized
Interpersonal Time and Workload Management

# Task prioritization

Basic written and oral communications
# Writing/reading
# Input to project management

Analysis
# Developing and implementing an IDP
# Preparing and delivering written reports
# Developing ability to prioritize and handle concurrent tasks
# Developing ability to meet and work effectively with personnel both within and external to GSFC
# On-the-job training in:
# Financial systems and procedures
# Scheduling
# Configuration management

Core Competencies Demonstrates knowledge of/skills in Executes, produces, or participates in:
# Mid-Level (GS-9/11) Requirement: Supports basic project needs by performing fundamental, basic, and routine activities while gaining subject matter expertise in resources discipline areas. Carries out various resources activities and develops experience in various budgetary and financial systems. Demonstrates new knowledge and skills acquired at this level and continues performing activities and demonstrating the skills described at entry-level.
# Metrics for achievement of performance requirements are geared toward recall and understanding of appropriate journey-level basic systems, policies, and procedures and their application in work and developmental activities.
# Approximately equivalent to PMDP Level 2.
Policies and Procedures
# Organizational/ Institutional Policies, procedures, and procurement regulations
# Travel guidelines (FMMs, NPGs)
# Budget terminology, concepts, and principles
# Application of principles of general business support in planning, status reporting, configuration control, and coordinating activities as practiced by civil servants and contractors
# Defining roles and responsibilities of oversight and partnership organizations within and outside GSFC and NASA
# < General Business Interrelationships of activities and events that comprise a particular phase of a project
# PMS analysis
# Cost plans
# Historical institutional budget requirements
# Travel budget
# Trend analysis
# Full cost accounting for workforce
# WBS
# Chart of Accounts
# Full cost accounting
# IFMP
# Source Evaluation Board process
# Project planning documents (Project Plans, CM Plan, Schedule Plan)
# Performing daily on-the-job responsibilities
# Supporting management reporting activities with presentation materials for reviews and presentations
# Gathering technical, financial, workforce, and schedule information from technical managers, DPM/R, and DPM to be used by GSFC management in assessing project status and future project trends
# Collecting, interpreting, integrating, and analyzing data from many sources
# Understanding of impact of deviations from plan to arrive at recommendations for effective and efficient application of resources
# Budget formulation
# Project facilitation analysis
# Project workforce activities including formulating Statements of Work, strawman models, planning documentation, etc.
# Representing the project when necessary at meetings involving workforce planning activities
# Providing analyses on relationship between staffing requirements and workforce limitations and alerting managers to potential problems and/or issues
# Developing/monitoring travel budget
# Financial/budgeting rotations
# Coordinating updates of project staffing plans in conjunction with Project Manager and consolidating into a manageable plan consistent with project and Center plans
Scheduling

# Schedule analysis
# Performing schedule analysis
Configuration Management

# Configuration Change Requests
# Configuration Change Boards
# Application of principles and knowledge of Military Standards and Specifications as applied by contractors to NASA procurements for duties in configuration control
# Carrying out CM functions
# Assisting in maintaining project’s CM file system, distributing CM documentation, and maintaining CCR action status and suspense follow up
# Preparing/processing Configuration Change Requests
# Performing database management
# Intermediate Computer/ Information Technology Workforce data entry, correlation
# Library, data management
# Information technology systems and functions
# Advanced level MS Office
# Using PC system to analyze data related to project administrative functions, e.g., personnel, space utilization, ADP equipment needs, property, etc. to keep management aware of needs or changes in the administrative/support areas
# Performing library functions
# Maintaining automated database for monitoring and controlling project property to ensure that inventory, protection, and disposition of all property conforms to prescribed regulations
# Analyzing property database to advise management of projected needs to aid in future funding
# Logistics/property Shipping (basics, ITAR, etc.)
# Launch support
# Performing launch support activities
# Coordinating shipping
# Serving as focal point for project housing activities with the Facilities Management Division (FMD) including space utilization and surveys, space requirements, identifying general and special purpose space, etc.
# Making recommendations to Project Manager as to most effective use of space
# Coordinating facilities modifications associated with personnel moves, repairs to facilities, etc., with FMD
Interpersonal Time and Workload Management

# Task prioritization

Intermediate written and oral communications

# Effective writing/reading
# Good oral presentation
# Improving presentation skills through increased preparation and delivering of internal project presentations
# Problem-solving team or process-improvement team
# Outside committees and activities including working group meetings
# On-the-job training in:
# Financial cross training
# Scheduling
# Configuration management

Core Competencies Demonstrates knowledge of/skills in Executes, produces, or participates in:
# Senior-level (GS-11/12) Requirement: Functions independently and applies knowledge and experience to a variety of complex situations. Performs complex activities while adding to subject matter expertise in resources discipline areas. Independently carries out various project support activities and is knowledgeable of data management, configuration management, planning and scheduling, facilities and equipment, and general business processes and procedures.
# Demonstrates new knowledge and skills acquired at this level and continues performing activities and demonstrating the skills acquired at mid-level.
# Metrics for achievement of performance requirements are geared toward recall of appropriate senior-level basic systems, policies, and procedures and their application in work and developmental activities.
# Approximately equivalent to PMDP Level 3.
Policies and Procedures
# Organizational/ Institutional GSFC, NASA, and government-wide management and resources policies and procedures
# Federal budget process
# Budget, cost/schedule management, and program terminology concepts and principles
# Key issues and potential barriers to resources management effectiveness
# Interpretation and application of government and NASA constraints and funding rules, regulations, relationships, and administrative processes involved in developing and procuring hardware, studies, and other services
# Maintaining ISO project management role
# Responding to audit and other inquiries by activities such as NASA audits, GAO, GSFC management, and NASA HQ program management
# Ensuring that support service contractors are briefed on policy, procedural, and administrative matters
# Completing checklist for employees to determine whether documentation supporting GPG 3410.2C is in order to ensure compliance with ISO 9000
# General Business Workforce system, activities, coordination, and control
# SEB processes and procedures
# Performance Evaluation Board (PEB) processes and procedures
# PEB analysis and scoring
# Acquisition strategies
# Negotiations and contracts
# Major documentation and reporting activities such as the Resources Status Reviews and Monthly Status Reviews
# Flight hardware, ground hardware, test equipment and software to the extent of environmental requirements, handling, storage, and maintenance
# Converting objectives into programs and policies for others to use and adjusting planning activities as warranted by programs
# Interpreting the intent of existing guidelines and goals and transmitting interpretations into day-to-day activities
# Recommending methods and procedures in the application of guidelines to various differences in project administrative and configuration management techniques used by NASA and contractors
# Monitoring/executing a project/program institutional budget
# Coordinating, collecting, and compiling workforce data inputs for budgets and monthly management reports
# Preparing variance analyses and investigating and reporting variances to project management
# Monitoring application of in-house labor reported against the project’s allocated workforce levels
# Coordinating and managing annual workforce exercise
# Preparing resource analyses, including estimating future year workforce requirements and computing and justifying increases
# Incorporating full cost principles into workforce requirements development
# Formulating, explaining, and recommending workforce options to management and decision-making officials at the project and installation levels
# Analyzing current workforce position and estimating end-of-year position, identifying significant variances and other problems.
# Planning and controlling budget activities for project’s travel funds
# Monitoring actual travel costs versus planned expenditures, investigating and reporting variances, and making recommendations to project management
# Performing advanced EVMS analysis
# Serving as task monitor for support contractors
# Coordinating and managing major reporting activities such as the IAR
# Developing and generating materials and managing and coordinating review packages and other project presentations
# Making appropriate presentations to project management
# Recommending adjustments in project support staffing necessary to effectively accomplish the project support mission
# Initiating small purchase PRs and developing lease versus purchase justifications and justifications for sole source
# Developing WBS to identify specific tasks for costs and schedule reporting
# Supporting the development and review of engineering support service contractor tasks to identify specific tasks, draft appropriate task descriptions, and track contractor workforce staffing plans
# Initiating task orders for on-site contractor support as required, especially to provide assistance in schedule and configuration control
# Assisting the Project Support Manager in evaluating contractor performance in his/her area
# Coordinating award fee events for the project’s PEB
# Managing small purchases budget/credit card transactions
# Supporting development of acquisition plans
# Proposal evaluation and negotiations
# Acting as Project Support Manager as appropriate

Scheduling and Planning
# Schedule analysis such as analyses of contractor reports, updates of master schedules, and analyses of planned schedule versus actual events
# Advance planning
# Development of WBSs
# Schedule development including the selection and implementation of schedule control systems, review of contractors’ systems, and development of program management reports and master schedules
# Establishment of internal reporting procedures
# Various aspects of spacecraft hardware and software development and the ability to interpret phasing requirements of critical elements and processes
# Reporting cost/schedule performance, explaining variances relative to plan, and recommending corrective action
# Correlating schedule with cost plans
# Developing program schedules for advanced project planning activities
# Assisting in developing project-level plans
# Maintaining the project’s schedule control system and coordinating schedule reporting requirements and analysis activities
# Serving as the project’s point-of-contact with the spacecraft contractor’s schedule manager to monitor program time objectives and alert management when milestones are unobtainable
# Applying program/project planning, analysis, and control techniques for integrated cost and schedule management
# Evaluating all elements of a project to confirm existence of coordinated schedule
# Evaluating impact of changes on cost and schedule and recommending action
# Establishing schedules for work accomplishment and reviewing and evaluating support service contractor progress, quality, and quantity

Configuration Management
# Configuration Management Control and the application of procedures as practiced by NASA and contractors
# Using configuration control to control project/program requirements at each phase of the life cycle
# Managing and overseeing CCB and CCR process
# Monitoring support service contractor efforts for updating the CM file system, distributing the CM documentation received from contractors, scheduling CCB meetings and maintaining status and suspense follow-up on CCR actions to support the project’s CM activities
# Monitoring the exact configuration of all interrelated hardware and software for flight and ground systems requirements of the project
# Maintaining accurate interface definition data and communicating this data to all business and technical project elements
# Supporting the Project Support Manager in revising the CM plan, identifying and documenting configuration baselines, coordinating analyses with systems engineers and business personnel, preparing CCR requests and staff reports
# Performing assigned CM audits.
# Advanced Computer/ Data Management Input, retrieval, and analysis of automated data
# Networks, hardware, and software
# IT management including networks, upgrades, etc.
# Library and data management systems
# Computer-based data systems for developing requirements, creating and implementing procedures operations, and performing system administration functions
# Managing project information technology resources
# Administering, operating, and maintaining the project’s technical hard copy and electronic libraries
# Administering the automated databases of library documentation
# Ensuring the accuracy and currency of document holdings
# Ensuring receipt, review, and coordination of required deliverable documentation with the project’s technical staff, contractors, and other NASA organizations in accordance with contract requirements
# Performing system management responsibilities in the areas of hardware maintenance, application software, and operating system software updates
# Ensuring the integrity of file systems structure and implementing changes as the system matures
# Managing all data required by the project to ensure accuracy, currency, and timely submission by the spacecraft contractor in accordance with contract requirements
# Providing technical support to project library users
# Logistics/property Launch/logistical coordination
# ODIN management
# Property control process
# Health and safety requirements, procedures, and standards
# Flight operations, flight equipment performance and analysis, and satellite servicing to interface effectively with other organizations
# Maintaining project ODIN management requirements
# Responsibility for the control of assigned, controlled property
# Monitoring and controlling project property to ensure the inventory, protection, and disposition of property conforms to prescribed regulations including accurate inventory, proper use, physical protection, preparation of applicable forms when property is transferred, shipped disposed of, or modified
# Planning and coordinating facility requirements
# Generating and coordinating facilities modifications with FMD associated with personnel moves, repairs to facilities, etc.
# Supporting the Project Support Manager in incorporating the requirements (including environmental) for transporting project-related equipment
# Ensuring the meeting of packing and handling requirements during shipping, arranging appropriate modes of transportation, coordinating schedules for moving equipment, and the availability of appropriate handling and loading equipment and trained personnel at origin and designation sites
# Providing technical direction to support contractors
# Identifying and controlling hazards relative to safety of project personnel and property and bringing such matters to the attention of project management and discussing appropriate resolutions
# Implementing requirements, procedures, and standards of the GSFC Health and Safety Manual and related directives
# Interpersonal Advanced written and oral communications
# Interpersonal communication
# Leadership
# Mentoring
# Establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with management and colleagues
# Team problem-solving and facilitation
# Effective report writing/reading
# Good oral presentation
# Task assignment and delegation
# Mentoring
# Polishing peer-level intradiscipline and interdiscipline communications skills
# Problem-solving or process improvement team
# Overseeing the work of entry-level project support personnel
# Serving as project support consultant and advisor in management technical working groups and special ad hoc advisory panels to expedite solutions to project/organization problems
# Serving as a member of SEB Business Management Committees as assigned
# Completing leadership and management developmental training

GS-13 Project Support Manager
Skills/Knowledge Matrix
Core Competencies Demonstrates knowledge of/skills in Executes, produces, or participates in:
# Major Project Support Manager (GS-13) Requirement: Expert member of the business support team with demonstrated capability to apply sound project support management principles in the areas of data management, configuration management, schedule management, facilities and equipment, equipment transportation, and general business. Has working understanding of the technical aspects of the project/program. Contributes project support management expertise to the establishment of technical program objectives and is responsible for the application of project support management techniques in accomplishing these objectives.
# Uses project support skills and techniques for the planning, direction, coordination, and evaluation of all project support activities with line responsibility for project support heading a team of project support specialists.
# Responsible for establishing requirements, monitoring, and evaluating areas of project support that are performed under contract.
# Demonstrates new knowledge and skills acquired at this level and continues performing activities and demonstrating skills acquired at Senior Project Support Specialist.
# Metrics for achieving performance requirements includes recall and application of appropriate senior-level knowledge/skills and adaptation to specific situations and challenges in a GS 13 project environment.
# Approximately equivalent to PMDP Level 4.
# General Business Support Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines Completes checklist for employees to determine whether documentation supporting GPG 3410.2C is in order to ensure compliance with ISO 9000
# Uses NASA and military standards applicable to scheduling techniques, configuration management, and other project support disciplines
# Automated data systems and technology Serves as IT Security Officer
# Oversees records control
# Develops and implements IT security processes and procedures
# Business practices Manages and coordinates review packages
# Practices cost reduction techniques
# Establishes internal reporting procedures
# Technical Competence Technical awareness Demonstrates knowledge of flight hardware, ground hardware, test equipment and software to the extent of environmental requirements, handling, storage, and maintenance
# Uses knowledge of spacecraft hardware and software development to interpret phasing requirements of critical elements and processes
# Project Life Cycle, Development, and Control Schedule development and operations Performs schedule planning, management, and control for office, project, or program
# Plans and executes program and project activities in accordance with schedules and ensures development of and implements "work-around" plans
# Advises management of major schedule and cost problems
# Manages time objectives for the office, project, or program and its related activities
# Carries out advance planning and uses scheduling techniques such as PERT and Critical Path Methods
# Selects and implements schedule control systems, develops master schedules
# Updates master schedules, analyzes planned schedule vs. actual schedule
# Project management and control Exercises ability to logically plan the phasing of all project/program elements
# Provides technical direction, oversees and reviews work of project support specialists and contractors including establishing schedules for work accomplishment
# Reviews and analyzes progress of project support activities toward project/program objectives
# Demonstrates ability to work with technical and administrative personnel in planning and implementing complex programs
# Recommends adjustments in project mission
# Monitors the program/project effort and oversees the resolution of operating problems relating to accomplishing the project support portion of program objectives
# Workforce planning Manages annual workforce and travel exercise
# Configuration management Manages the exact configuration of all interrelated mission hardware, software, and service requirements of a project or program
# Provides CM and CCB oversight and management
# Understands and applies configuration management and control disciplines and procedures as practiced by NASA and contractors
# Maintains accurate interface definition data and communication data related to all business and technical facets of the project/program activity
# Evaluates the impact of proposed configuration changes
# Participates as a voting member of the CCB
# Prepares the CM Plan
# Identifies and documents configuration baselines
# Evaluates and audits contractor configuration management activities
# Acquisition management Participates in proposal evaluation and negotiations
# Serves as task monitor for support service contractors including initiating task orders for on-site contractor support to provide assistance to scheduling, visual aids preparation, and configuration control
# Analyzes contractor reports
# Serves as member of Source Evaluation Board Business Management Committees as assigned
# Reviews contractor's systems
# Safety and health management Identifies and controls hazards related to safety of project personnel and property and brings such matters to attention of management with appropriate resolution
# Exercises responsibility for personnel and property hazard and safety management
# Budget and Financial Budget Development Provides budget data for areas within responsibility to resources personnel
# Budget Execution Responds to audits and other inquiries by NASA audit, GAO, Center management, and NASA HQ program management
# Manages small purchases budget/credit cards
# Facilities, Equipment, and Transportation Property, inventory, and facilities management Supervises personnel planning and space matters
# Transportation and logistics Incorporates the requirements (including environmental) for transporting project-related equipment