There are several roles needed on government contracts. One is the Acquisition/Procurement Specialist This person is responsible for acquiring (or procuring) materials and services necessary for government contracts. They usually interface directly with vendors and suppliers to support their government client or company’s project team.
What does an Acquisition/Procurement Specialist do on Government Projects?
Acquisition/Procurement Specialist Job Description
The job description of an Acquisition/Procurement Specialist on a government contract is:
Typically, the Procurement Specialist reports to the purchasing department manager. They collaborate within the department to create sourcing strategies and plans. They are in charge of all material procurement for government contracts, including software licenses and hardware. Bill of materials (BOM) management, pricing, procurement planning, vendor management, purchasing, receipt and intake processing, and material dispositions are all responsibilities. The procurement specialist works directly with the physical inventory and quality managers to ensure that quality materials are delivered on time to project engineers and technicians to support fast-paced operations.
Job Requirements for an Acquisition or Procurement Specialist:
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to maintain data with high accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to keep sensitive and confidential information secure, as required by government regulations.
- Ability to effectively interact with peers and supervisors.
- Ability to communicate effectively with vendors and suppliers
- Ability to follow workplace policies.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or a high school diploma with three or more years of direct supply chain experience is required.
- Understanding and reading manufacturing drawings.
- Experience with manufacturing machine shop equipment and processes.
- Excellent negotiating abilities.
- Ability to establish and maintain working vendor relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, including knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Knowledge of resource management software is a plus.
- It may be necessary to obtain and keep a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
WORKPLACE / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Office environment primarily: desk, phone/headset, keyboard/mouse/writing, and one-on-one interaction with department personnel.
- Sitting and using computer/telephone/copier equipment regularly, walking and reaching, active listening and thinking.
- Ability to think analytically, generate accurate analysis, and use good judgment to carry out assigned responsibilities accurately and effectively.
- Occasional overtime may be required.
What does a typical job posting look like for an Acquisition/Procurement Specialist?
Here is what a typical job listing might look like:
“The Procurement Specialist usually reports to purchasing department manager. They work within the department developing sourcing strategies and plans. They manage all material procurement activities for government contracts, including software licenses and hardware. Responsibilities include bill of materials (BOM) management, pricing, procurement planning, vendor management, purchasing, receipt and intake processing and material dispositions. The procurement specialist Interfaces directly with the physical inventory and quality managers to assure quality materials are provided to project engineers and technicians on time to support fast-paced operations.”
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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Develops plans to ensure timely supply of materials in support of the integrated launch operations schedule. Reports regularly on performance.
- Reviews bills of materials (BOMs) with project managers and engineers to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Provides material pricing to business development and project management elements in a timely fashion to support proposals and BOM development.
- Generates and distributes vendor requests for quotes (RFQs) and manages vendor’s responses.
- Reviews vendor quotes and selects vendors based on cost, quality, and schedule.
- Initiates purchase requests, including all special instructions and routes for approval.
- Maintains purchase management and control system and accuracy of all appropriate documentation.
- Tracks material delivery schedules and reports regularly to the Material Department manager.
- Ensures supplier quality and on-time delivery.
- Completes vendor performance evaluations
- Conducts materials inventory intake and asset ID assignment.
- Manages transfer of materials to project BOMs to support rocket launch mission execution.
Other Job Functions
- Develops and implements new or improved supply chain processes.
- Develops and implements supply chain strategies to aggressively reduce the cost of materials, components, and subsystems; reduce material lead times.
What is the salary range for an Acquisition/Procurement Specialist working on a Government Contract?
As of August 29, 2022, the average Procurement Contracts Specialist salary in the United States is $60,105.
The typical salary range for Acquisition/Procurement Specialists working on government contracts can range from $62,000 on the low end to $110,000 for mid-career employees.