Purchasing Agent

U.S. Coast Guard•Ketchikan, AK

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This GS-1105-7 Purchasing Agent position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Base Ketchikan Procurement and Contracting Department in Ketchikan, Alaska. The role implements Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for complex and specialized requirements involving materials, supplies, services, construction, and equipment. It supports solicitation, negotiation, award, and administration through competitive open-market procedures, including the use of Government Purchase Cards. The position conducts price analysis, prepares and posts solicitations, compiles applicable clauses, negotiates with vendors, and assists vendors with invoicing and payment procedures. It also administers contracts, monitors fulfillment and performance, and maintains frequent contact with Contracting Officer Representatives and contractors. The position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 federal grade level. Education cannot substitute for experience at this grade level, and there is no positive education requirement. The position requires a Public Trust clearance and may require a one-year probationary period. Moving expenses may be paid in accordance with applicable regulations. Federal employee benefits are described in the posting; eligibility depends on the position and employment status.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be registered for Selective Service or exempt from registration.
Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
Have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-6 in the federal sector, such as determining price reasonableness, conducting cost or price analysis, scheduling timely deliveries, applying technical purchasing methods and procedures to complex purchasing work, negotiating pre-award and post-award changes, and maintaining vendor relations while guiding vendors through federal invoicing and payment procedures.
Meet the time-in-grade requirement by the vacancy closing date, if applicable.
Successfully pass a background investigation; the position requires a Public Trust clearance.
Complete any required USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within the specified deadline.
Use direct deposit for federal salary payments.
Disclose qualifying current or recent political appointee service to the HR Office.

Responsibilities

Purchase materials, supplies, services, construction, and equipment using Simplified Acquisition Procedures and other open-market methods, including Government Purchase Cards.
Negotiate with vendors up to the small-purchases threshold.
Analyze prices to determine whether they are fair and reasonable.
Prepare and post solicitations, compile applicable clauses, and ensure accuracy.
Communicate with vendors and assist them with invoicing and payment procedures.
Administer contracts to ensure obligations are fulfilled and oversee contract performance through frequent contact with Contracting Officer Representatives and contractors.