Procurement Specialist

Summer 2026 NASPO Procurement Internship

The Office of State Procurement (OSP), part of the Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services (SAS), helps state agencies purchase the goods and services they need to operate effectively.

OSP is looking for a motivated Procurement Intern to join our team for the summer. This internship offers hands‑on experience in public procurement and the chance to see how classroom concepts apply in a professional government setting.

As an intern, you’ll work under the guidance of a procurement manager or team lead and gain exposure to a wide range of projects, including:

• Assisting with contract management
• Supporting the development of training materials and communications
• Helping with vendor maintenance and contract analysis
• Contributing to reporting and data analysis

You’ll also collaborate with OSP staff and learn how procurement supports state agencies and their missions.

• Duration: 11 weeks, full‑time (40 hours/week)
• Dates:
  May 26 – August 7, 2026 (flexible start and end dates)
• Location:
  
  In‑person at our Little Rock office
• Equipment:
  State‑issued equipment and access provided (must be returned at the end of the internship)

• Current Arkansas college students entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2026
• Students majoring in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or Technical Writing (other majors considered)
• Candidates with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Candidates with strong written and verbal communication skills

• Real‑world experience in public procurement
• Opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom
• Professional skills you can carry into any career path

Job Series: Procurement

Class Code: PPR
04P

Pay Grade: SGS
05

Salary Range: $47,397–$70,148

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for assisting in the procurement of goods and services for state government operations. The Procurement Specialist will work under the supervision of senior procurement staff to ensure that procurement activities are carried out in compliance with state laws and regulations, while also promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government procurement processes.

Support senior procurement staff in managing the procurement cycle, including requisitioning, issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluating bids, and drafting purchase orders. Help ensure that procurement procedures are followed accurately and in a timely manner. Assist in preparing documentation related to vendor selection, contracts, and purchase agreements. Serve as a point of contact for vendors and suppliers, ensuring clear and consistent communication regarding procurement needs, requirements, and contract terms.

Assist with the review of vendor proposals and contracts to ensure compliance with state specifications. Coordinate with vendors to track order statuses, delivery schedules, and ensure that goods and services are received as agreed upon. Maintain accurate records of procurement transactions, including purchase orders, contracts, and communications with vendors. Ensure that all procurement documents are properly filed and easily accessible for review or audit.

Assist in tracking contract renewals, extensions, and modifications, ensuring that all contracts are up to date and compliant with state policies.

Ability to maintain accurate and thorough records, review documents carefully, and identify discrepancies or inconsistencies in procurement documents. Strong attention to detail when assisting with contracts, orders, and invoices. Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal teams, vendors, and other stakeholders. Ability to explain procurement requirements and provide status updates in a professional and clear manner.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or a related field is required.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.