Clarification from the agency

US Citizenship is required in order to obtain the necessary Tier 3 Non-Critical Sensitive security clearance.

The Purchasing Agent implements procurement strategy and policies and provides support to NABSD department managers by obtaining requested goods and services, part of the U. S. Naval Academy's Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI), Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD), Annapolis, Maryland. The incumbent purchases and manages basic category(s) or a narrow range of retail and food service merchandise, which includes participating in market planning, stock assortment determination, items selection, pricing, vendor negotiation, and delivery. The incumbent is also responsible for the administration of the NABSD purchase card program.

• The position demands the highest degree of public trust and integrity. The employee will perform a wide variety of activities associated with the procurement of goods and services, to include the establishment of Blanket Purchasing Agreement (BPAs) and Blanket Ordering Agreement (BOAs) in both resale and non resale departments.
• Works closely with NABSD management personnel to coordinate activities involved with procuring goods and services for NABSD administrative, retail store and food service departments.
• Responsible for buying products, materials, parts, supplies and equipment in a timely and cost effective manner while maintaining appropriate quality standards and specifications.
• Purchases technical items and services and routine commercial or special purpose items manufactured to order.
• Researches catalogs, brochures, correspondence, and other appropriate reference material to find potential suppliers/vendors.
• Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
• Responsible for preparing necessary purchasing documents and/or reviews and processes request for purchases within scope of authority to ensure procedural and regulatory requirements are met.
• Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance and inventories.
• Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with management personnel, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and takes corrective action.
• Liaison with Accounts Payable Department to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices, as necessary for the business with the supplier.
• Use Procurement Software and/or tools to manage and track contract/BPA status and report to managers on a regular basis.
• Monitor contracts and BPAs and report any performance, budgetary or contractual deficiencies to the Contracting Officer and/or manager.
• Assist in developing SOW, cost estimates, conduct market research for requirements.
• Prepare closeout paperwork as directed by Contracting Officer.
• Assists in administering and managing Approved Business Partner/Approved Vendor/Preferred Vendor contracts in support of its operations. This includes ensuring that all Approved Business Partners comply with the following requirements as outlined in the contract:
• Access/Vetting of employees
• Providing a Certificate of Insurance
• Providing a W-9
• Providing a Sanitation Inspection certificate (as applicable)
• Providing sales reports and commissions
• Other requirements (as applicable)

Conditions of employment

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance – requires 18 years of age
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service
• Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required - We are an E-Verify participant
• Probationary period: Full Time employees serve a one-year probationary period.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for Tier 3 Positions
• Reference Checks
• Must be able to understand and communicate in English
• Participation in Direct Deposit
• Must maintain the privacy of official work information and data, and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct.

Qualifications

In order to meet the basic requirement of the Purchasing Agent position, NF-1105-03, you must meet one of the following requirements:
One (1) year of specialized experience providing purchasing or procurement support in a professional office or retail business environment that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of a Purchasing Agent, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience may include, but is not limited to purchase card holder, contracting officer's representative, purchasing, contracts, etc.

YOU WILL BE RATED ON THE FOLLOWING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) FOR THIS POSITION:

1. Experience performing duties directly related to purchasing.
2. Experience working in Federal contracting. An Associate's Degree in related field is preferred.
3. Currently hold a Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) contracting warrant or APF transferable warrant, or have the required Department of War (DoW) certification to obtain such a warrant or be a qualified DoW Contracting Officer Representative.
4. Knowledge of federal, departmental, and local laws, regulations, and procedures applicable to contracting procedures, methods and contract types, including BPAs, BOAs, purchase orders and purchase cards.
5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing; and possess skill in developing and maintaining professional working relationships with contractors, vendors, and co-workers.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All applications and supporting documents will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and KSA requirements listed in the announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager.