Purchasing Agent Job in Ramstein, Germany

Vacancy No. 24-9N427985 Department U.S. Air Forces, Europe
Salary $17.00 to $22.00 Grade 2 to 3
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 5/20/2024 Close Date 6/17/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Ramstein, Germany


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

About the position: This position is located at the Purchasing Office, Ramstein AB, Germany.

Purchases a variety of retail items from authorized sources through informal, verbal open-market purchases. Purchases are usually standard retail and supply items, well-advertised and well known.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Please see the "Who May Apply" section under the Qualifications section.

Duties

NF-II:
This is an entry trainee level position leading to the full performance level as described for a NF-III Purchasing Agent, NF-1105-III position. Assignments are selected to ensure the development of skills and abilities needed to perform the full performance level duties. Assignments become progressively more difficult until the full-performance level is reached. The employee works under closer than normal supervision wherein work is closely reviewed and detailed guidance provided as needed. As employee progresses, supervisory control diminishes until full performance level is accomplished. At management's request, the incumbent may be non-competitively promoted no earlier than 12 months, considering employee.

Purchases a variety of retail items from authorized sources through informal, verbal open-market purchases. Purchases are usually standard retail and supply items, well-advertised and well known. Contacts requisitioning personnel to clarify unclear information or to advise of delivery schedules or price changes, and to obtain approval for purchase of substitute items, and to ensure availability of funds. Performs market research to find suggested sources and obtains 889 representations from contractors. Performs various general clerical duties in support of the purchasing operation. Using an automated system with commonly available software prepares standard portions of contract documents and recurring special reports in prescribed formats. Contacts vendor representatives to obtain information on items to be purchased. Assists with the NAF Purchase card program, conducts reviews, runs monthly reports for exported transactions, statements of accounts, and other related NAF Purchase card functions. Performs other related duties as assigned.

NF-III:
The primary purpose of this position is to acquire a wide range of standard equipment, supplies, or services typically described through open market procedures or through orders against established contracts using simplified acquisition procedures. Reviews purchase requests from activities in terms of compliance with administrative requirements and adequacy of information, including item description, minimum allowable purchase quantity, availability of funds and estimated cost. Coordinates with requesting office to obtain or provide additional information and identifies when separate requests may be consolidated. Determines procurement source; local, Air Force Non appropriated Fund Purchasing Office (AFNAFPO) or the Base Servicing Contracting Office (Base SCO). Develops source list of responsible suppliers from established lists, history files, catalogs, newspapers, etc. Determines procurement method based on such factors as procurement history, urgency of need, estimated cost, and applicable directives. Prepares requests for quotation to obtain quotes for small purchases and contracts.

Verifies and abstracts information from vendors for orders or contracts. Reviews offers for compliance. Negotiates with vendors on a variety of issues, such as price breaks, accelerated delivery, reduction of service charges, etc. Prepares documentation for award. Signs and issues purchase/delivery orders, Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) (priced and unpriced), Individual Service Contracts, Concessionaire Contracts, and other contracts and agreements with a minimum of $10k contracting officer's warrant. Responsible for post award administration. Administers contracts, orders, agreements, and modifications, including follow-up. Gathers, monitors, and maintains data, related to purchasing, prepares reports and responds to inquiries. Uses automated systems to input purchase requests, issue orders, request for quotations (RFQ), and other purchasing associated information. Primary or alternate installation program coordinator (IPC) with the NAF Purchase card program.

As such provides cardholder guidance, conducts random and annual reviews and other related P-card functions. May need to visit the activities to conducting the duties of this position, such as random or annual P-card reviews or site visits to obtain additional information during the acquisition process. Performs other related duties as assigned.

If interested in this position please preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12420767

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • This position requires the incumbent to complete a background investigation with favorable results.
  • Incumbent must be physically in Germany before a firm/final job offer can be received.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Open to everyone. Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities. An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 06/17/2024

The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is U.S. Citizens and legal U.S. residents in Germany. In accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement between Germany and the U.S., you must be a U.S. citizen or citizen of a NATO country with a U.S. permanent resident card in order to be eligible for NAF employment. Citizens of Germany (including dual citizenship if Germany is one of the countries) as well as "ordinarily resident" US citizens are not eligible for NAF employment per SOFA agreement. If not already in the commuting area, must be able to verify the ability to arrive before a firm job offer can be sent.

  • Business Based Action
  • Family Member Preference
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • Outside Applicant Veteran
  • Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran
  • Transition Hiring Preference
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Qualifying Experience:
NF-II:

Must have experience which provides a basic understanding of the rules, regulations, practices and procedures used in purchasing work; knowledge of common business practices with respect to prices, discounts, and deliveries; and skill in locating sources of supply. Must possess experience performing clerical work and providing customer service to internal and external customers; utilizing office automation software (MS Windows, MS Office including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams) to support office operations and produce a variety of documents such as form letters, entering data into a predefined spreadsheet or database, scanning. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

NF-III:
Progressively responsible experience which provided the applicant general knowledge of procedures, regulations, and practices common to the Services purchasing program. In addition, must have specialized knowledge of procedures and techniques relating to the purchase of a wide variety of commercial as well as some technical items; knowledge of merchandise purchased to make determinations for substitution; knowledge of vendor sources and of common business practices relating to mechanics of purchasing. Knowledge of solicitation and purchasing methods to make purchases under established contracts and standardized specifications or statements of work.

Knowledge of price evaluation techniques to assess price reasonableness using well-established references. Must possess basic computer skills, basic word processing procedures and function keys to support office operations and produce a variety of documents such as form letters, entering data into a predefined spreadsheet or database. Must have successfully completed the AFNAF Purchasing Course and possess at minimum a $10k contracting officer warrant or be eligible to obtain such warrant. Must be familiar with personal computer applications such as Windows, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Must possess skill in dealing with customers and the public.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. This position does not allow for education substitution in order to qualify.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • All Federal NAF employees are required by PL 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit.
  • Probationary period may be required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from hiring preferences and priority consideration eligible.
  • Additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement for up to 60/90 days after the closing date. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.
  • LQA is not authorized.
  • Post Allowance is authorized for Regular Full Time employment category.
  • This is a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position carrying out Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force.
  • This position will be eligible for the use of the fitness center, lodging, golf course, bowling center, library, and many other NAF activities.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

To better expedite the hiring process, we recommend including full contact information (name, address, phone number, email, etc.) for professional and personal references on your resume.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the eligibility you are claiming (i.e., applying as a Military Spouse Preference - MSP, applying as a veteran, applying as a current federal employee, etc.). The below documents are required and must be submitted with your application:

  • Resume


Your resume may be submitted in any format and must support identified the general or specialized experience described in this announcement. If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.

Other accepted documents to support a qualification and/or claimed preference/priority eligibility may include:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Diploma/ GED
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • PCS Orders
  • Professional Certification
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and supporting documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an in-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/17/2024 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJobs account to apply. If you do not have a USAJobs account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package and submit the application. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJobs account or your application will be incomplete.

It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant .

To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJobs account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date of your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/ .

Agency contact information

Ramstein NAF HR Office

Address

Ramstein Resource Management Flight
86 FSS/FSCN
Unit 3221
APO AE, AE 09094-0535
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.