Acquisition Program Specialist (Budget Liaison)

This position is in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), Board Operations Division, Administrative Management Branch. PTAB reviews ex parte appeals, reexamination requests, interferences, and proceedings under the America Invents Act. The Administrative Management Branch provides acquisition, budget, finance, and administrative support for PTAB operations.

The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.

This position serves as the Acquisition Program Specialist . This is your next ideal career move if: You have managed acquisitions and procurement planning for equipment, services, and supplies; monitor organizational needs; plan acquisitions; ensure use of appropriate procurement methods; and coordinate with acquisition officials and other stakeholders to support mission requirements.

You have developed and maintained processes to monitor contractor performance related to delivery, cost, and progress; identified potential problems, cost overruns, and funding risks; and initiated corrective actions to improve accountability and contract outcomes. You have advised program officials on acquisition planning and strategy by preparing statements of work and related acquisition documentation, analyzing contractor proposals, and supporting solicitation, negotiation, and contract modification activities.

You have managed the planning, preparation, and execution of an organization's budget and operating plan by reviewing and revising budget estimates and justification materials, monitoring obligations, expenditures, and funding trends, and ensuring funds are used in accordance with applicable requirements. You have provided analysis and advice on acquisition and budget matters by reviewing contract processes, purchase orders, and purchase card activity, managing automated procurement systems, recommending process improvements, and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and internal controls.

You have served as a liaison and representative on acquisition and budget matters by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, presenting information in meetings and briefings, providing guidance to leadership, and supporting coordination across acquisition, finance, and program operations.

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at General Business and Industry Series 1101 Specialized Experienceis experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.

To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-XX in the Federal service: For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-13. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience managing acquisition and contract administration activities for equipment, services, and supplies, including preparing or supporting acquisition documentation, monitoring contractor performance, resolving cost, schedule, or funding issues, and ensuring compliance with applicable acquisition regulations, policies, and internal controls.

Experience m anaging budget formulation and execution for an organization or program, including developing budget estimates and justifications, monitoring obligations and expenditures, preparing or supporting operating plans, and ensuring compliance with financial requirements and funding limitations. Experience providing advisory services to leadership and program officials on acquisition, budget, and administrative matters, including coordinating with multiple stakeholders, recommending process improvements, supporting internal controls, and representing the organization on related issues.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri. Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.