Procurement Specialist

Summary

The Procurement Specialist performs procurement activities related to ensuring that the court is supplied with materials, equipment, and services required to function efficiently. The position coordinates the purchase of goods and services in compliance with judiciary procurement policies, procedures, and approved internal controls. The incumbent processes purchase orders, maintains vendor relationships, tracks deliveries, and ensures proper documentation of all procurement activities.

Duties

Representative duties are intended to illustrate the major duties and responsibilities that are performed by this position. Representative duties may be adjusted, and additional duties may be added, based on the operational needs of the court. Responsibilities of the Procurement Specialist may include but will not be limited to: Contracting and Procurement Management: Serve as a contracting officer responsible for primarily purchasing consumable and automation supplies, equipment, and services. Process purchase orders for goods and services from government and non-government sources using the judiciary's financial management system. Coordinate with court financial staff to verify authorization and availability of funds prior to processing purchase requests. Develop and maintain tracking systems for funds commitments, obligations, and expenditures. Track and process subscription renewals, cancellations, and transfers. Review and process travel authorizations, obligate travel funds, and approval central court travel requests. Vendor and Contract Management: Identify, evaluate, and maintain lists of vendors and sources of supply for goods and services. Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service reliability, and compliance with federal procurement requirements. Coordinate with selected vendors on supply and delivery of purchased items. Track delivery of goods and services, following up on outstanding orders to ensure timely receipt. Assist with contract administration, including clarifying requirements, resolving conflicts, and monitoring vendor performance. Plan and coordinate time and delivery of purchases. Negotiate with vendors for optimal pricing on contracted services and purchases. Records Management and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive procurement documentation in compliance with judiciary and local record retention requirements and audit standards. Prepare procurement reports for management review. Reconcile financial accounts related to procurement activities. Ensure separation of duty practices in procurement activities. Support internal and external audits by providing required access to information to auditors including access to financial records, files, policies, and procedures. Cooperate with auditors to demonstrate full accountability, efficient use of judiciary resources, and compliance with all requirements. Maintain confidentiality and information security and standards for all procurement records containing sensitive pricing, court, or vendor information, including adhering to confidentiality and security requirements during the solicitation process. General Responsibilities: Communicate and respond to requests from judges, chambers staff, and management about financial management, travel, and procurement activities. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to explain financial and travel management concepts to individuals and groups with varying experience and backgrounds. Interact effectively with vendors and staff, providing good customer service and resolving difficulties efficiently while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Prepare required reports and gather the appropriate documentation. Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining written procedures for assigned functions. Comply with and maintain awareness of the Guide to Judiciary Policy, applicable Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts' policies and procedures, internal controls guidelines, and all local policies and procedures. Abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment.

Requirements

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For in-person interviews, candidates must travel at their own expense. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice. The position will report to downtown Washington, DC; limited telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service, at-will appointees. Federal civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered but will receive employment offers only if they qualify under an exception in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under that provision, a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply until having held permanent resident status for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as the spouse of a U.S. citizen); once eligible, the individual must apply for citizenship within six months and complete the process within two years of applying (absent delays caused by application processors). Non-citizens who have not held permanent resident status for five years must execute an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for citizenship once eligible.

Qualifications and evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated based upon review of their qualifications and the application package.

Education

At a minimum, candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Benefits

The candidate selected for this position will be eligible for a generous federal employee benefits package, including: Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year. Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (health, dental and vision), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, and the Flexible Benefits Program. Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions). Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the terms of the (PSLF) program.

How to apply

To be considered application packages must include: Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that qualify the applicant for this position. Résumé outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information. Academic transcripts for educational substitution ONLY Completed online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment. Completion of the online testing modules. Once your cover letter, résumé, and academic transcripts (if required) (items 1-3) are ready in PDF format, use the link below to submit your files, complete the online AO-78 (item 4), and complete the online testing modules (item 5): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/o/JB-ZHQN864QI/landing?u=116354 Applicants who require an exception to the online application process may contact Human Resources at hr@cafc.uscourts.gov. Please note: applications submitted directly to this email address will not be reviewed.

Required documents

Cover letter, résumé, and the completion of the provided online application (AO 78), academic transcripts (if applicable) and testing modules. See instructions for "Application Process and Information".

Additional information

For full posting, please visit: CAFC-26-16-ProcurementSpecialist.pdf