Acquisition Program Specialist (Budget Liaison)

Patent and Trademark Office • Alexandria, VA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), Board Operations Division, Administrative Management Branch. PTAB reviews ex parte appeals, reexamination requests, interferences, and proceedings under the America Invents Act. The branch provides acquisition, budget, finance, and administrative support for PTAB operations.

The Acquisition Program Specialist manages acquisition and procurement planning for equipment, services, and supplies; monitors organizational needs; selects appropriate procurement methods; and coordinates with acquisition officials and stakeholders. The role also supports contract administration and contractor performance monitoring, budget formulation and execution, acquisition and budget advice, and coordination across acquisition, finance, and program operations.

The physical worksite is the USPTO campus in Alexandria, Virginia. On-site presence is required for functions that must be performed in person. Situational telework may be available under agency policy and business-unit discretion; the agency currently allows up to 52 hours of telework per calendar year.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or national status.
• One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-13 in the Federal service.
• Experience managing acquisition and contract administration activities for equipment, services, and supplies, including preparing or supporting acquisition documentation, monitoring contractor performance, resolving cost, schedule, or funding issues, and ensuring compliance with applicable acquisition regulations, policies, and internal controls.
• Experience managing budget formulation and execution for an organization or program, including developing budget estimates and justifications, monitoring obligations and expenditures, preparing or supporting operating plans, and ensuring compliance with financial requirements and funding limitations.
• Experience providing advisory services to leadership and program officials on acquisition, budget, and administrative matters, including coordinating with multiple stakeholders, recommending process improvements, supporting internal controls, and representing the organization on related issues.
• Pass a background investigation and fingerprint check; the position is designated Public Trust, moderate risk.
• Meet time-in-grade or time-in-band requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Register for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Complete a one-year probationary period if required after selection.
• Be able to perform required in-person functions at the Alexandria, Virginia campus.

Responsibilities

• Manage acquisition and procurement planning for equipment, services, and supplies; monitor organizational needs, plan acquisitions, determine appropriate procurement methods, and coordinate with acquisition officials and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain processes to monitor contractor delivery, cost, and progress; identify potential problems, cost overruns, and funding risks; and initiate corrective actions.
• Advise program officials on acquisition planning and strategy, including preparing statements of work and related acquisition documents, analyzing contractor proposals, and supporting solicitation, negotiation, and contract modification activities.
• Manage budget planning, preparation, and execution, including reviewing and revising budget estimates and justifications, monitoring obligations, expenditures, and funding trends, and ensuring funds are used in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Analyze and advise on acquisition and budget matters by reviewing contract processes, purchase orders, and purchase card activity; managing automated procurement systems; recommending process improvements; and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and internal controls.
• Serve as a liaison and representative on acquisition and budget matters; coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, present information in meetings and briefings, advise leadership, and support coordination across acquisition, finance, and program operations.

Benefits

• The agency describes a comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed