Purchasing Agent

Summary NIH'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. Duties Contact 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. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment. Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade. Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period. Qualifications In 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…

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