Chief Acquisition Officer

Position: Chief Acquisition Officer ID: 27-02

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to Congress. CBO seeks an experienced senior-level acquisition professional to serve as its Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO), a Senior Executive Service-equivalent management position responsible for leading the agency's acquisition operations.

The CAO provides strategic leadership and oversight of CBO's acquisition activities, including the procurement of equipment, data, supplies, and services. The selected candidate will develop and lead a high-performing acquisition team; oversee acquisition planning, contract negotiation, awards, and administration; and advise senior leadership on acquisition strategies, policies, and decisions.

The CAO exercises independent contracting authority that is consistent with CBO's Acquisition Guidelines and is responsible for safeguarding the agency's interests in its contractual relationships. The position requires sound business judgment, strong leadership skills, and the ability to develop effective acquisition strategies that meet CBO's operational and financial requirements.

The selected candidate will oversee a wide range of contracts and complex acquisitions involving specialized equipment, programs, and services; requirements unique to the federal government; and contractual arrangements with few precedents.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience in government purchasing or contracting, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience. Applicants without a bachelor's degree but with at least 15 years of experience in government purchasing or contracting will also be considered. That supervisory experience must include the following:

• Directly supervising employees with contracting responsibilities, including providing leadership, setting performance standards, and supporting staff development.
• Managing the full range of pre-award and post-award contracting functions, including acquisition planning, negotiations, price and cost analysis, contract administration, and closeout.
• Developing and executing contract negotiation strategies, including preparing and coordinating documentation related to contract terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Managing multiple acquisition projects, establishing priorities, coordinating resources, and meeting organizational requirements and deadlines.

FAC-C (Professional) or DAWIA Level 3 certification is required.

• Strong leadership and management skills, including experience supervising and developing acquisition professionals.
• Sound business judgment and experience managing best-value competitions, evaluating acquisition alternatives, and negotiating contract terms, pricing, and delivery requirements.
• Knowledge of acquisition planning, contract administration, and financial management principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate complex contracting issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to provide guidance and recommendations to senior management and collaborate effectively with staff, program managers, and external stakeholders.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, exercise independent judgment, and make timely, well-supported acquisition decisions.
• A commitment to effective customer service, accountability, and responsible stewardship of agency resources.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of acquisition policies and procedures, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), that are generally applicable to federal agencies. They must also have experience applying appropriate acquisition methods on the basis of procurement requirements, cost, and complexity.

Most CBO procurements are conducted using simplified procedures, although more formal procedures may be used when the estimated cost or complexity of an acquisition warrants them.

Familiarity with the Momentum financial management system is preferred.

The selected candidate must successfully complete a Public Trust (Tier 2) background investigation, and employment is conditioned on a favorable adjudication of that investigation.

This position follows a hybrid work schedule that requires employees to work in person in CBO's Washington, D.C., offices on designated core days. Additional in-office days may be required on the basis of operational needs. Full-time telework is not available for this position.

Salary and Benefits

The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment.

CBO is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/V/D

Location Washington D.C, DC, United States, 20515