Procurement Specialist

Job Summary:

The APEX Accelerator Procurement Specialist is located in Billings, MT and serves as a resource for Native/tribally owned businesses to obtain procurement technical assistance throughout the state. The three goals of the APEX Accelerator program are to recruit new, eligible clients to program; provide direct technical assistance to existing clients and participate and/or conduct training/group sessions all of which must be in the area of government (federal, state, local and tribal) contracting. The incumbent shall work with minimum supervision, and will be responsible and accountable for the achievement of goals and meeting program requirements. Performance herein shall be in accordance with the Department of Defense OSBP Cooperative Agreement award based on the PTAP General Terms and Conditions in effect for each Fiscal Year and as amended and/or extended under the terms of any options to renew.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities and Expectations:

Counseling Services. You must provide clients with; counseling and information regarding marketing of their products and services to DoD, other Federal agencies, and State and local governments; one-on-one counseling; understanding of Federal, State and local government requirements applicable to contracting for services, manufacturing, construction or other markets. The services offered include, but are not limited to:

1. Identifying marketing opportunities for clients consistent with the client’s products and services.
2. Advising and assisting clients in the preparation and proper submission of applications, certifications, registrations, etc. to prepare them for doing business with Federal, State and local government entities.
3. Advising and assisting clients with the preparation and submission of bids and proposals.
4. Advising and assisting clients concerning post-award functions.
5. You must advise and assist clients in pursuing and securing subcontracting opportunities from Federal, State, local and tribal government prime contractors and subcontractors at any tier.
6. At a minimum, the APEX Accelerator must make available, advice and assistance on the following topics businesses:
   • Federal, State, local and tribal government contracting laws, policies and procedures.
   • Emphasis must be placed on requirements and procedures used by DoD and other
   • Federal agencies, including registration in systems such as the System for Award Management.
   • The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) and similar Government programs.
   • Accounting system requirements and contract payments;
   • Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF)
   • Subcontracting;
   • OSBP Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)
   • Small Business (SB) Innovative Research (SBIR) / SB Technology Transfer (STTR)
   • DoD Cyber Security clause compliance
   • Obtaining federal contract data from databases such as FPDS-NG or USASpending
   • Finding federal procurement opportunities using tools such as FedBizOpps
   • Business size and type (socioeconomic) certifications
7. Monitors the success of each client on a regular basis and ensures clients submit required surveys and reports of contracts/subcontracts they have received within a timely basis. Update client information on a regular basis. 
8. Assists clients in obtaining information on required specifications, plans, drawings, MIL Specs, etc.

Outreach Efforts:  Information disseminated must include: types of assistance offered to clients; requirements to become a client; and information about events, including workshops, seminars or other training planned to participate in or offer. 

Some outreach efforts to include: 

1. Participation as exhibitor, speaker and networking events of appropriate procurement conferences and/or training for small businesses.
2. Maintain a Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, other social media pages to advertise events, partners, success stories, etc. focused on procurement topics/articles/training, etc.
3. Radio, newspaper, online subscriptions with a focus on advertising for the program and services.
4. Establish/maintain relationships with federal, state, local and tribal agencies and large prime contractor small business offices.
5. Any other outreach efforts upon approval of management.

Administrative:

1. Follow guidelines and regulations set forth in the Standards Operating Procedures when representing NADC APEX Accelerator.
2. Shall maintain a detailed record of all counseling activity and document all counseling sessions in the Client Management System (CMS) in a timely manner, while uploading required documentation in accordance with policies and regulations.
3. Sets up and maintains Resource Library for internal and client use. Responsible for keeping up to date on changes to procurement and contracting legislation, procedures and regulations including the FAR, DFARS, and other agency supplements
4. Follows and tracks required NADC APEX Accelerator training plan for continued personal development in the procurement field as required by OSBP.
5. Prepares reports at the request of the Program Manager in connection with OSBP reporting requirements.
6. Responsible for timely filing of travel authorizations and vouchers for expense reimbursements in accordance with the NADC travel policy and Federal Travel Regulations.
7. Follows the NADC Personnel Policies and Procedures and the standards of ethical conduct, and other internal manuals and/or procedures for both official and personal conduct of business.
8. Mandatory participation in weekly staff meetings and quarterly strategic planning sessions.
9. Other duties may be required as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience/Education):

• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office products and Adobe.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local and tribal procurement regulations, policies and procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local and tribal government purchasing and contracting agencies/departments and personnel preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and diplomacy
• Critical thinker and problem solver
• Time management and strong organizational skills
• Public Speaking
• Any combination equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field or a minimum of three years of experience in one or a combination of related fields such as contracting/purchasing, project management, business development, etc. that shows an ability to learn the specific work of the position.
• Prior experience working with the Native American community is preferred but not mandatory.
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Office environment, conferences, or other events
• Use of motor vehicle, airline, and/or other public transportation to conduct business.
• Travel is an absolute mandatory requirement

Competencies or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

• Engage clients within a one-one and/or classroom setting as it relates to this position.
• Work independently and on own initiative within guidelines set by NADC APEX Accelerator policy and supervisory controls.
• Work in a timely and cost-effective manner while meeting deadlines
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing within and outside the organization and at many different levels of government and community organizations
• Respond appropriately to pressures, deadlines, and frequent changes in priorities and schedules
• Participate in team strategies and management concepts
• Travel throughout the assigned geographic coverage area and beyond by plane, motor vehicle, or other modes of transportation

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• This position works remotely within an assigned region of NADC’s APEX Accelerator Program.
• Work is primarily a combination of and in-home office environment and ground travel within the assigned region.
• The position requires incumbent to drive to clients within the specified region. In this role, you’ll spend most of your travel time driving yourself to various client sites. In most cases, travel can be completed within a day. However, it may involve occasional overnight stays away from home, requiring the use of motor vehicle, airline, and/or other public transportation to conduct business.
• Incumbent must move, stand, bend, or kneel on an intermittent basis.
• Must frequently sit, with continuous full use of hands, repetitive movement, keyboarding, and clear vision, as well as speak and hear normal conversation.
• Requires high attention to detail with frequent deadlines, and internal and external social interaction.
• Intermittent, moderate physical effort, moving or carrying 5 to 25 pounds.
• Work hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM, but will include early morning and/or evening meetings, conferences, and events.