About this role
Job SummaryNIH's mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. We are looking for motivated Purchasing Agents to help drive the NIH mission.
QualificationsIn order to qualify for a Purchasing Agent, GS-1105 position at the GS-06 level, you must: have 1 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 1 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. In order to qualify for a Purchasing Agent, GS-1105-8, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: procuring a variety of equipment and services including those of a highly technical and sophisticated nature; performing cost/price analysis to determine price reasonableness for equipment and services; negotiating awards, and administering small purchase orders that involve the use of instruments that are not firm-fixed price; and selecting appropriate mechanisms for securing services, supplies, furniture and highly technical equipment. You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. 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 application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13064528
Major DutiesContact vendors to advise them of ordering requirements and technical specifications and to discuss price quotations and other matters related to the purchase.Prepare and evaluate vendor list and unit prices to secure a fair and reasonable price for volume bulk orders and determine prices that appear excessive or underestimated.Consult with staff to gain understanding of the purchase and make final purchase decisions.Contact company representatives to discuss price quotations, technical specifications, and other matters related to the purchase.Work with requestor to develop justifications for use of large business or sole source orders.Independently select and apply appropriate mechanisms for securing necessary services, supplies, furniture or equipment considering need, urgency, availability, cost and other factors.