Sr. Purchasing Specialist - Bowie, MD

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a Federally-Funded Research and Development Center supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to have a major impact on key national programs while working on fascinating technical issues. 

IDA/CCS has an immediate opening for a Senior Purchasing Specialist position located in Bowie, MD. In accordance with IDA policy and procedures, this position administers the procurement function and handles the purchasing/ acquisition of complex and/or critical commodities and services at the IDA/Center for Computing Sciences.  In addition, this position coordinates the activities of the purchasing specialists who have responsibilities for selecting sources, obtaining quotations, and awarding purchase orders/subcontracts for materials, products, equipment, and services in compliance with approved company procedures.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $59,262 - $94,839. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Purchasing authority – signatory purchasing authority for equipment, supplies, services, and software.

Primary Responsibilities

• Procurement – responsible for the purchase of items, materials, or services of a technical and specialized nature as well as purchases of commercial “off-the-shelf” (COTS) types of standard and generally available items, materials and services.

1. 1. Reviews and approves all applicable IDA/CCS purchase orders. Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, procedures and practices.
   2. Reviews and provides recommendations for all applicable IDA/CCS purchase orders. Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, procedures and practices.
   3. Evaluates quotations/proposals for compliance with requirements; administers all administrative and facilities contracts and interprets specifications such as detail and technical terms or properties, or special testing requirements prior to acceptance.  Interfaces with vendors and contractors as required.
   4. Prepares market surveys/analyses and provides recommendations based on findings concerning product quality (availability, reliability, and selection), available vendors, services, support, cost effectiveness, and delivery terms.  Stays abreast of market and product developments, may be required to locate new sources of supply.
   5. Administers tracking monitoring systems to ensure timely and accurate completion of purchase orders; follows up as needed or required to resolve discrepancies or problems and recommends solutions.
   6. Researches trends and economic conditions to predict buying patterns.
   7. Prepares and processes purchasing actions such as RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, etc.

•  Coordinates all purchasing operations and activities of other purchasing specialists. Trains, as needed, other purchasing staff.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent with minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing and negotiation procedures, or Associate degree