Purchasing Agent

The position serves as a Purchasing Agent for the Logistics Service in a Veteran Affairs Health Care System (VA HCS) and supported catchment area. This position primarily performs Purchasing Agent work to acquire supplies, services, and construction by purchase, rental, or lease through (a) delivery orders and/or (b) small purchase procedures.

Duties include but are not limited to:
Provide general guidance to potential vendors on requirements and information needed to be entered into the VHA's local vendor file. Utilize various web-based portals to order items from awarded contracts to include the Department of Defense's Electronic Catalog (ECAT) and the Medical Surgical Prime Vendor's site for ordering, tracking and monitoring procurement transactions. Reviews Fund Control Points and verifies the running balances to ensure procurement obligations are completed and approved prior to placing orders.

Provides administration and oversight on orders and services. Represents the VA in discussions with vendors/contractors to obtain agreement on micro purchases and vendor/contractor compliance. Monitor vendor performance through personal contact, review progress reports, and discuss reasons for delays, failures, or price changes. Tracks obligations/commitments and monitors expenditures to support recurring budget forecasts and identify potential fraud, waste and abuse based on procurement history and purchase trends.

Coordinates with the using services representatives regarding sources of supplies and acceptable substitutions when the standard items are in short supply or unavailable from the normal source of supply. Applies conventional practices to solve any problems in the procurement transaction. Develops recommended alternatives or solutions prior to completion of the procurement action for supervisory review. Procures supplies and services to meet the purchase, rental, or lease needs of the organization.

Examines incoming requests for completeness including presence of purchase request number, accounting codes, item description estimated cost, and quantity. Ensures all critical information is included in the solicitation package and develops unique selection criteria for each purchase. Utilizes various web-based applications to identify required sources of supply. Collects data to determine price reasonableness for new items, prepares detailed written solicitations, and tailors specific terms and conditions.

Uses federal and agency acquisition regulations, federal property management regulations, internal procedures and guidelines, and other references to identify possible sources and other pertinent information related to purchases. Serves as the first line of contact for medical staff and customers in regard to procured items. Provides clerical support and coordination to approving officials and administrators. Performs a variety of receptionist, timekeeping, record keeping and miscellaneous duties in medical facility.

Develops reports and spreadsheets, obtains, organizes, files and retrieves reports for briefing and presentation purposes. Utilize Microsoft Office to create, edit and aggregate data necessary for expense tracking and Supply Chain management reporting.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday; 7:30am-4:00pm Virtual:
This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#:
Purchasing Agent/PD99896S Relocation/Recruitment

Incentives:

Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI):
Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Note:

Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit: .

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service…