Procurement/Contracting Officer
Organization Overview:
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
Position Summary:
ARC is seeking a Procurement & Contracting Officer to join our Finance and Administration Team. This position supports the Commission in the procurement of products and services and serves as a Contracting Officer on behalf of the Commission. Responsible for the overall procurement and contracting activities of the Commission, including the development of new contracting policies and procedures, acquisition requirements, and contracts administration. Serve as a technical advisor to the Director of Finance and Administration on procurement and contracting matters, including the application of Federal contracting standards, establishing new and improving current internal policies and procedures, and automating contracting information and accessibility. The incumbent will perform pre-award and post-award contracting functions to include preparation of solicitation packages, preliminary evaluation of bids and quotations, and monitoring contractor performance, applying well-established guidelines to address routine issues. This position reports to the Division Director.
Required Qualifications:
- Adept knowledge of commonly used contracting methods and contract types related to pre-award, post-award, and/or price/cost analysis functions in accordance with Federal and Institute procurement/acquisitions regulations.
- Demonstrated experience with knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines and U.S. Government contracting and setting up new contracting policies and procedures.
- Basic knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations and Federal Supply Schedule Contracts or the GSA Schedules Program.
- Well-versed knowledge of governmental contracting principles.
- Experience in use of contracting information systems and tools, including databases and spreadsheet applications (e.g., Momentum, QuickBase, Microsoft Excel).
- Ability to interpret Federal contracting principles, practices, and standards to recommend alternatives and solutions.
- Possess or can acquire contracting designations including, but not limited to, certified federal contracts manager (CFCM), Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)., Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM), and Contracting Officer’s Representative (FAC-COR).
- Knowledge of basic procurement/acquisitions procedures and techniques.
- Ability to use judgment when selecting, interpreting, adapting, and applying guidelines and when developing recommendations for alternatives or solutions.
- Strong communication skills, ability to liaison with internal departments, external partners, and vendors.
- Effective at communicating with audiences in diverse situations; listening actively and asking questions to understand other perspectives or confirming understanding; awareness of and responsive to verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Core competencies: accountability, adaptability, collaboration, communication, and critical analysis.
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field is required.
- Three years of related contracting experience and/or contracting systems experience required.
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and bring an energetic and innovative approach to their work.
- Successful completion (prior to hire) and maintenance of background security review; U.S. citizenship required.
- Work involves travel, including multiple days, about 10% and may include evening and weekend work.
- Travel includes driving which requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Why ARC?
Great Benefits: ARC offers a collaborative work environment and a competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, commuting subsidy, professional development, etc. This is not a federal position; however, if a federal employee is selected for this position and transfers without a break in service of more than three calendar days, he or she may be able to continue his or her retirement and life/health insurance benefits. ARC generally follows the General Schedule Salary Table of the Federal government. ARC’s grades denoted by “NF” are equivalent to the federal grade(s) on the GS chart. This position has a hiring range of $95k to $120k. IT is also a hybrid position located in Washington, DC and requires three “in-person” days in the office.
Strong Mission: Curious about the work we do at ARC? Read more about our newly released strategic plan, Appalachia Envisioned, to check out our goals for the next five years. Our team is dedicated to innovation, partnerships, and investments in the Appalachian Region to help achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. See our work in action at the Appalachia Envisioned Roadshow, where ARC is hitting the road to highlight those strategic goals and how Appalachia’s 13 states are working to achieve them.
Equal Employment Policy
ARC is an equal employment opportunity employer and endeavors to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified applicants with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of ARC’s business. If an applicant believes he or she requires such assistance to complete the application or to participate in an interview, he or she should contact the Director, Human Resources. If an applicant has any questions or concerns, he or she should reach out to the Lisa Pansegrouw, Director, Human Resources at 202.884.7770 or at [email protected]