Purchasing Agent

Veterans Health Administration•Leeds, MA

10d

About The Position

The Purchasing Agent performs direct medical supply purchasing and inventory management support for VA administrative and clinical services. The role initiates obligations for requirements needed to provide prosthetic and sensory aids services, including durable medical equipment and supplies, directly to Veterans. The position provides technical purchasing support in accordance with federal and VA acquisition regulations, VHA and Prosthetics directives and handbooks, VISN policy, and station memorandums. Purchases are based on a medical provider’s clinical assessment and evaluation of the Veteran’s condition. The agent submits acquisition plans and procurement packages for stock and Veteran-specific needs to the Network Contracting Office, and uploads quotes, bids, invoices, consults, and other documents to eCMS. The work includes routine purchasing through established contracts or vendor resources, as well as complex purchasing requiring research, analysis, and collaboration to obtain appropriate devices and best value. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ad-hoc telework may be available; this is not a virtual position. Promotion to the full performance level may be possible without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Applicants must complete the application, questionnaire, and online assessment.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
GS-5 qualification: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4, or qualifying education, or an eligible combination of education and experience. Specialized experience may include healthcare administrative duties, working with patient medical records, supporting routine and complex clinic purchases, using computer software, and communicating with customers.
GS-6 qualification: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5, including interpreting prescriptions and requests for medical equipment and services; maintaining contact with vendors, contractors, and medical center staff; using databases and computer systems; purchasing with an agency or organization purchase card; and reconciling charges and submitting reports.
For GS-5 qualification through education, four years above high school in a directly related field may qualify; transcripts are required when education is used. There is no educational substitution at GS-6.
Current or former federal employees subject to the time-in-grade requirement for GS-6 must have 52 weeks at GS-5 and provide supporting SF-50 documentation.
Selected applicants must complete background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Health Care Personnel.
A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period is required, as applicable.

Responsibilities

Perform technical-level purchasing support in accordance with FAR, VAAR, VHA and Prosthetics directives and handbooks, VISN policy, and station memorandums.
Acquire Veteran-specific medical equipment, supplies, and services based on a medical provider’s clinical assessment and evaluation of the Veteran’s condition.
Submit acquisition plans and procurement packages for stock and Veteran-specific needs to the Network Contracting Office.
Upload quotes, bids, invoices, consults, and other important documents to the Electronic Contract Management System (eCMS).
Use Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) information and verify that vendors are registered in SAM and in good standing to do business with the government.
Verify accountability of prosthetics expenditures in the purchase menu and prosthetics program, and associate obligations with the individual Veteran.
Ensure services are documented by both type and duration.
Conduct complex purchasing requiring research, analysis, collaboration, and other steps to ensure best value and selection of appropriate devices for Veterans.
Conduct routine purchasing through established contracts or vendor resources.
Perform other duties as assigned.