APEX Accelerator: Procurement Counselor

University of Arkansas System•Jonesboro, AR

About The Position

The Arkansas APEX Accelerator seeks an experienced professional to provide technical assistance, counseling, and training to businesses pursuing government contracting opportunities. Arkansas APEX Accelerator Procurement Counselors serve as a resource for large and small businesses, including newly started businesses, to obtain procurement technical assistance in the form of specialized assistance provided to clients that enables them to identify potential contractual opportunities and obtain or perform under contracts, innovation and technology grants or contracts, and other federally funded instruments, with DoD, other Federal agencies, State and/or local governments, and/or local government contractors. The Procurement Counselor will oversee the Arkansas APEX Accelerator satellite office operations in Jonesboro, Arkansas, located at the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University. Must be willing to travel regionally and statewide to meet Arkansas APEX Accelerator mission requirements. Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in business, government contracting, or a closely related field with three years of relevant professional work experience OR a related Master's degree is required.
Knowledge of government procurement and acquisition processes and principles.
Knowledge of government contracting databases and how to access them such as the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS).
Knowledge of government regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense (FAR), Etc.), small business programs, and procurement processes.
Knowledge of APEX Accelerator program policies and procedures.
Knowledge of strategic planning and marketing processes.
Knowledge and ability to work within the university, federal, and state government policies and procedures.
Skills in decision-making and problem-solving.
Skills in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
Skill in oral and written communication, including public speaking in front of public audiences.
Skills in critical thinking, independent research, analysis, and communication/presentation.
Skills in computer, internet, database and MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Zoom applications.
Skills in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
Ability to instruct clients in the basic requirements, policies and procedures necessary to do business with government entities.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to adapt to new technology and online programs.
Ability to effectively interact and communicate with people in a diverse environment, most specifically business owners and community partners.
Ability to research a variety of databases to obtain information on government business opportunities.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in business, government contracting, or a closely related field and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience or a Bachelor’s degree in business, government contracting, or a closely related field and five years of relevant work experience to include:
Previous APEX Accelerator or other small business program experience as a counselor/advisor
Previous government contracting experience as a buyer, purchasing agent or contract manager
Experience as a contracting officer for a federal government agency, or
Experience in establishing economic development, community, and business relationships.

Responsibilities

PROFESSIONAL DEVOPMENT (08%) Remain current in knowledge of Federal, State and local government contracting laws, regulations, policies and procedures. In addition to technical competency, must have interpersonal skills and counseling abilities such as translating government contracting requirements into plain language, teaching clients how to do things for themselves, and able to foster the trust of the client through listening, empathy, and their willingness to assist. Required (by federal grant terms and conditions) to obtain 40 hours of training per year on Federal contracting laws, regulations, systems, and procedures, a minimum of 20 of those hours must be from a Federal source (including Federal employees presenting at non-federal venues, and virtual training such as that offered at DAU.mil and via SBA webinars). Also encouraged to additionally obtain a minimum of 20 hours of training in the areas of interpersonal skills or counseling.
APEX Accelerator Subcenter Management (15%): Oversee operations of APEX Accelerator satellite office located in Northeast Arkansas, including maintaining stakeholder relations with host institution (ASU – Delta Center for Economic Development). Develop and maintain relationships with individuals, agencies, and organizations that further the APEX Accelerator program's mission.
APEX Accelerator Training and Assistance (70%): Provides training and technical assistance to clients through individual counseling, small-group workshops, and seminars, as well as providing research, published reports, and contributions to program newsletters distributed to business clients, partner organizations, and government officials. Instruct clients on the basic procurement policies and procedures necessary to do business with the government.
SELF MANAGEMENT (07%) - Develop & deliver quality presentations, exercise initiative, make sound judgments, work without close supervision as well as have the ability to relate & respond to the needs of supervisors, subordinates, & clientele in a timely manner.