Procurement Specialist

Overview of the Position The Executive Office of the U.S. District Clerk’s Office is currently seeking qualified applications for the position of Procurement Specialist. Procurement specialists perform and coordinate administrative, technical, and professional work related to ensuring that court units are supplied with the materials, equipment, and services required to function optimally, including ensuring compliance with the appropriate guidelines, policies, and internal controls. Procurement Specialists perform advanced procurement activities requiring advanced knowledge of procurement policies and practices. Advanced procurement activities include preparing complicated specifications, negotiating service contracts, and preparing significant and large purchase documents. The incumbent maintains a Contracting Officer certification and reports to the Administrative Manager. Evaluate requests for goods and services by ensuring they are allowable under limitations, restrictions, and policies, as well as determining availability of funds for items being purchased. Research, analyze, and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production, and distribution capabilities, as well as their reputation and history. Prepare specifications, solicitations, and Requests for Quotes (RFQs). Research products and equipment and prepare specifications. Obtain and review competitive bids, quotes, and proposals from vendors and contractors and discuss evaluations and review with requestors and subject matter experts, as applicable. Negotiate with vendors for the best price over contracted services and purchases. Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contracted obligations; assist with clarifying contract requirements and resolving any conflicts. Procure supplies, equipment, services, and furnishings from government and non-government sources through new contracts, competitive bids, or existing government contracts. Plan and coordinate time and delivery of purchases. Ensure files are established and maintained for every solicitation, contract, and purchase action and comply with the Guide to Judiciary Policy and local internal controls. Maintain Contracting Officer certification by completing continuing education requirements. As Contracting Officer, process and sign purchase orders and contracts for the purchase of products and services. Ensure purchases are authorized, funding is available, the appropriate delegations of authority exist, and adequate competition takes place in accordance with the estimated dollar value of the procurement. Provide contract administration and oversight including record keeping to track expenditures. Establish and maintain sound professional relationships with suppliers. Resolve issues (e.g., pricing, quality, timing, claims, contract disputes, etc.) associated with terms and conditions of service agreements. Identify and maintain lists of vendors and sources of supply for goods and services. Review, evaluate, verify, and process invoices and prepare payment requests. Assist with responses to and finding resolutions for audit findings. Manage or assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Position requires at least two years of recent, progressively responsible procurement experience, including knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures and practices of standard procurement procedures, involving the routine use of automated procurement systems. The successful candidate will also possess: Strong written and verbal communication skills Extraordinary attention to detail Excellent organizational and time management skills Spatial reasoning skills Strong customer service skills and ability to deal with a wide variety of people tactfully and courteously Ability to use independent judgment Availability to work overtime and overnight travel Ability to lift 25 pounds overhead Preferred qualifications include: Knowledge of and experience with government procurement practices Experience with contracting and negotiating Experience in accounts payable and associated processes Experience with automated financial management systems The U.S. Courts reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. More than one position may be filled from this posting. In the event that a position becomes vacant in a similar classification, within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Court Unit Executive may elect to select a candidate from the applicants who responded to the original announcement without posting the position. The Court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation. This position is subject to mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or must be a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at-will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause).All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (available for review upon request).Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation is needed. The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr