Acquisition & Utilization Specialist

Full Job Description

As the Acquisition Utilization Specialist you will serve as the medical center liaison and advisor on contract related services focusing on critical clinical and healthcare services, product acquisition and support services required by project managers, program managers, upper management and stakeholders on all aspects of procurement for a wide variety of items to include specialized services.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/04/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service.

An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.

If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.

In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

A Selective Placement Factor is used to rate applications for this announcement. Applicants who do not meet the Selective Placement Factor will be rated as not qualified for the announcement.

Such experience should reflect in your resume.

In order to qualify for this position candidates must possess experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and/or VA Acquisition Regulations (VAAR) You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: handling contract related services, product acquisition, and procurement of items in a healthcare environment; overseeing contracts including pre-award and post-award; preparing procurement packages with unique, emergent and complex requirements including development of requirement documents (e.g.

performance work statements and objectives, cost benefit analysis, gap analysis, sole source justifications, past performance, market research, etc.); developing sole source justifications; developing and analyzing reports to make recommendations on acquisition and contracting issues; participating in negotiations with other officials throughout all phases of contract administration; and monitoring expenditures and reporting on deviations from contract terms.

OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Ph.D.

or equivalent doctorial degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level education leading to such degree or LL.M., if related. (Transcripts required).

OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.

You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond graduate level education in excess of 18 semester hours. (Transcripts required).

Preferred Experience: The ideal candidate for the role of Acquisition Utilization Specialist will have substantial experience in acquisition and procurement processes, regulations, and methodologies, particularly within a government or VA setting.

Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and VA Acquisition Regulations (V AAR) is essential.

A strong understanding of supply chain and logistics management principles, along with hands­on experience in inventory management and supply chain management systems, is highly desirable.

Proficiency in performing cost analysis, budget management, and developing cost-effective acquisition strategies is also important.

Experience in managing relationships with vendors and suppliers, coupled with proven negotiation skills, will enable the candidate to secure favorable contract terms and conditions.

Technical skills, including the use of procurement and inventory management software and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for data analysis and reporting), are crucial.

The candidate should have a background in managing acquisition projects from initiation to completion, coordinating cross-functional teams, and handling multiple projects simultaneously.

Analytical and problem-solving skills are vital for assessing needs, determining requirements, and resolving complex procurement-related issues.

The ability to think strategically and identify innovative solutions is also a key attribute.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and strong presentation skills are needed to convey complex information clearly.

A thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and policies governing acquisition activities is required to ensure compliance with federal and VA acquisition regulations.

Educational qualifications such as a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field are preferred, along with relevant certifications like Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

The candidate should possess adaptability and flexibility to manage changing priorities and work under tight deadlines, demonstrating the ability to handle evolving acquisition requirements and organizational needs.

Prior experience working within the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies is a significant plus, adding valuable insight and expertise to the role.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Major Duties:

Major duties include, but not limited to: Develops procedures, policies, and supporting artifacts to ensure procurement activities are consistent with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), VA Acquisitions Regulations (VAAR) and other federal procurement laws and regulations; Conducts analyses and recommends courses of actions to ensure that vision clinical and administrative service requirements have addressed considerations such as construction, budgeting, supporting manpower and other factors; Provides training to the facility Contracting Officers on procurement policies and new processes and procedures related to procurement; Establishes, expedites and reviews consolidation of all procurement packages including unique, emergent and complex requirements to meet timely and technical needs of assigned acquisitions; Develops and conducts presentations/recommendations to leadership and other stakeholders to explain regulations and procedures; Negotiates performance requirements among multiple sites and service lines in order to obtain agreement, standardize enterprise equipment, supply and/or service requirements in support of strategic acquisition plans; Establishes and maintains controls to ensure that contracts are executed in accordance with terms.

Advises on all phases of negotiation with the contract specialist/contracting officer for contract modifications, change orders, supplemental agreements and delivery order processes including requirements, definition, justification and approval for service contract extension, method of contracting, evaluation of proposals and all phases of contract administration.

Monitors quality assurance surveillance plans to ensure that contracted services meet the expectations and needs of the facility. Troubleshoots various setbacks or delays.

May serve as a Contracting Officers Representative (COR) or Alternate COR for facility contracts.

Procedures required documents for internal and/or external audits of contracts by the Joint commission, financial consultants, OIG, GAO, VISN, congressional inquiries, etc.

Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Acquisition & Utilization Specialist/PD99810A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized