About Job:

Handle the procurement of a variety of equipment and services including those of a highly technical and sophisticated nature.

Negotiate awards, and administer small purchase orders that involve the use of instruments that are not firm-fixed price.

Choose proper methods and procedures to be followed in purchasing a range of technical goods and services.

Negotiate price with a sole source vendor, persuade reluctant vendors to bid, and collect data to determine price reasonableness for requirements not acquired previously or recently.

Review detailed non-standardized statements of work for adequacy, develop technical ranking factors for award determinations, or negotiate terminations for convenience or default.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• The National Institutes of Health participate in the USCIS Electronic Employment eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement

Qualifications

A. In order to qualify for a Purchasing Agent, GS-1105 position at the GS-05 level, you must have:

completed 4 years of education above high school; OR

B. 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: placing orders against single award contracts, or using credit card accounts; soliciting additional sources or questioning a price; recommending awards using primarily price and/or delivery as determining factors; OR

C. a combination of post high school education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

In order to qualify for a Purchasing Agent, GS-1105 position at the GS-06 level, you must: have:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: performing a variety of related tasks using primarily simple noncompetitive purchasing methods; reviewing and evaluating bids received to determine lowest bid meeting the specifications and requirements of the solicitation; gathering information on purchase requirements; and applying appropriate mechanisms for securing services, supplies, furniture and equipment

In order to qualify for a Purchasing Agent, GS-1105 position at the GS-07 level, you must have:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: handling purchasing requirements from initiation to post-award administration; recommending acceptance of the most advantageous offer and preparing papers for signature, including justification for rejection of low bids, and reasons for not advertising, as required; gathering information on purchase requirements and assisting in the negotiation purchase details; and assisting in selecting appropriate mechanisms for securing services, supplies, furniture and equipment.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12436064

Education

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education .

Additional Information

• This position is designated as a " non-emergency/teleworker " position and the selected candidate will be considered a " non-emergency/teleworker " employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
• At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities : telework (work from home on a regular basis or ad hoc basis but reports to the office at least once a week/two days a pay period).
• A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration
• We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program ( E-Verify ). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
• Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.
• At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities : [telework (work from home on a regular basis or ad hoc basis but reports to the office at least once a week/two days a pay period), compressed schedules, flexible schedules].