This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/688239800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The Purchasing Agent This is the position of Purchasing Agent, Sponsored Programs and Procurement Department, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). Employee supports all SAO activities and locations in Massachusetts, Arizona and Hawaii. This position is located in Cambridge Massachusetts.
Please note that while telework may be an option under this appointment, you must first discuss and receive approval from Management.
11/08/2022 to 12/23/2022
$50,089 - $79,650 per year
IS 07 - 09
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
No
Permanent - Trust Fund. This is not a federal position.
Full-time - Full time.
Competitive
09
No
No
23-21
688239800
This position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 9 level. Candidates selected at the grade 7 or 8 may be non competitively promoted to the next grade level upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
Places orders with vendors, nationwide, for a wide variety of technical materials, supplies and services, ranging from common office and maintenance supplies to electronic components, information technology supplies and accessories, and including equipment maintenance and repair services, as well as commonly purchased commercial items and services. Orders are generally of a value not exceeding $25,000.00.
Utilizes various methods including telephone ordering, written orders, web-based (internet) ordering, purchase card and telephone and formal RFQ bid procedures with selection dependent upon price and availability. Telephone/email bid procedures may require submission of formal proposals by suppliers.
Generally, uses existing, established SAO or Smithsonian sources of supply. Occasionally, identifies new sources of supply for the general use of the department.
Follows up procurements with expediting activity to ensure that items are received on schedule.
Arranges returns and exchanges of defective or unsatisfactory goods.
Consults with requisitioners and administrators concerning difficulties or special circumstances of procurements.
Contacts vendors to resolve discrepancies in quantity or quality of the items received, amounts billed, and similar problems.
Provides assistance to Accounts Payable, Shipping & Receiving and other administrative functions in resolving difficulties related to purchasing activity.
Performs special assignments for supervisor or other senior department personnel.
Coordinates purchasing activity with the Property Department.
In addition to the above grade 8 duties: Interviews sales representatives in order to obtain information as to availability of material and equipment. Assures that firms interested in bidding are placed on the prospective bidders list and are circularized for quotations, when applicable. Gives out awards information. Answers questions concerning Government procedures and policies, and initiates correspondence in response to inquiries.
In addition to the above grades 7 and 8 duties for grade 9: Negotiates terms of purchase orders, analyzes pricing proposals and obligates funds by signing purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, or by issuing delivery orders under the terms of existing contracts. Deals directly with representatives of business and commercial industry and reaches mutual agreement on terms of procurement, and obtains timely
delivery of supplies and services at the most reasonable prices.
Candidates for the grade-07 level must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade-06 level. Examples of specialized experience for the grade-7 level include procuring materials, supplies, equipment, and services within the small purchase limitations; assisting in the solicitation of quotes from suppliers; drafting invitations for bid or requests for quotations to potential suppliers; reviewing responses to quotes/bid solicitations; compiling bidder's lists; and preparing technical correspondence.
Candidates for the grade-08 level must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade-07 level. Examples of specialized experience for the grade-8 level include procuring materials, supplies, equipment, and services within the small purchase limitations; soliciting quotes from suppliers and negotiating with them by phone; drafting invitations for bid or requests for quotations to potential suppliers; evaluating responses to quotes/bid solicitations; compiling bidder's lists; performing procurement research for requisitioners; preparing technical correspondence; and issuing orders against Federal Supply Schedules and term contracts.
Candidates for the grade-09 level must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade-08. Examples of specialized experience for the grade-9 level include procuring materials, supplies, equipment, and services within the small purchase limitations; soliciting quotes from suppliers and negotiating with them by phone; writing invitations for bid or requests for quotations to potential suppliers; adapting special clauses and regulatory requirements to purchases above a predetermined dollar amount; evaluating responses to quotes/bid solicitations; ensuring that requests for procurements are clear and precise; compiling bidder's lists; performing procurement research for requisitioners; locating technical or hard-to-find items; and initiating follow-up actions.
For qualifications standards please refer to opm website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/purchasing-series-1105/
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Please refer to our HR website for benefits information.
https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/trust/table.html
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Broad knowledge of a body of purchasing regulations, techniques, methods, and procedures, and general business practices in order to make sound purchases for standard commercial items and many with (1) specialized requirements and (2) commercial requirements that have unstable price or product characteristics, hard-to-find sources or other similar complicating factors.
Broad knowledge of discount structures, price ranges and standards, and up-to-date inventory and availability information, as well as in-depth knowledge of price analysis techniques to evaluate prices for requirements with inadequate price competition.
Tact and negotiating skill are required to resolve difficulties and to obtain the extra effort from vendors in situations of critical delivery.
Some knowledge of basic federal government procurement procedures and regulations, including familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
The ability to use a personal computer; knowledge of data entry, automated purchasing systems, Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets; and the ability to conduct product searches via the web.
Knowledge of basic math used in business to make comparisons of price.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Please refer to our HR website for benefits information.
https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hr/benefits/trust/table.html
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Resume.
Transcripts if qualifying by Education.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;"
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume.
Transcripts if qualifying by Education.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;"
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/688239800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!