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Grade: 09

1 I have at least one year of full time specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly in or closely related to the field of work for which application is made that demonstrates skill to perform the duties of the position described in this announcement.

2 Choose the one statement that best describes your experience/education as it relates to this position.

I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system. For this position specialized experience is defined as experience working with management on procurement issues ensuring that all goods and services are properly identified and documented and corrections are made as necessary, and tracking and reporting procurement data.
I have qualifying education as described in the vacancy announcement.
I have a qualifying combination of experience and education as described in the vacancy announcement.
I do not have the experience or education described above.

3 Which of the following procurement services functions have you performed? (Check all that apply)

I have approved contracts/agreements and procurement actions (i.e., requisitions, purchase orders).
I have prepared total contract packages for new equipment installations, equipment replacement, and recurring maintenance contracts.
I have prepared detailed cost estimates for use in obtaining project funding and bid evaluations.
I have completed Contracting Officer`s Technical Representative (COTR) responsibilities for maintenance contracts relating to facility and/or custodial operations and maintenance.
I have procured a wide variety of specialized instrumentation, components, materials, supplies and services.
I have maintained a certificate for service contracting up to $5,000.00.
I have applied knowledge of procurement and contracting procedures.
I have interpreted and applied procurement regulations to use a Government credit card and generate requisitions to acquire hardware, software, other equipment and services.
I have developed specifications and determine costs for procurement of equipment and services.
I have established small business participation goals and developed practices to assist my organization in reaching those goals.
I have received education or training on procurement policies, procedures and techniques but have not performed it on the job.
I have not performed any of the above functions.

4 Of the following Acquisition related duties, which have you done on a regular and recurring basis for at least one full year? Check all that apply:

Reviewed requests for procurements and analyzed requirements, recommending revision to the statement of work or specific and deciding on agency sources and methods of procurement.
Managed both general and special-use procurement from the time of receipt of purchase request through negotiation or bid openings, source selections, and awards.
Provide contract administration until the final delivery and progress payments were completed and the contract was closed and retired.
Examined procurement request documents and searched for sources.
Collected data to determine price reasonability for unique or not previously acquired supplies/services.
Applied conventional practices to resolve purchasing problems, such as inadequate or restrictive specifications, lack of multiple suppliers, etc.
Applied conventional practices to resolve purchasing problems, such as urgent need, or insufficient price history.
Decided on purchasing strategy by research and analyzing necessary information.
Developed and selected criteria/technical ranking factors for purchases of a variety of detailed commercial service or construction projects.
Negotiated, awarded, and administered contracts that involved the use of instruments that were not firm fixed price, such as time and materials, labor hours, or other un-priced contracts.
None of the above.

5 With which of the following purchasing methods do you have experience? Choose all that apply.

Purchase Orders
Purchase Card
Blanket Purchase Orders/Agreements
GSA Schedule ordering
Cooperative Purchasing Agreements
e-Procurement

6 Which of the following best describes your experience regarding acquisitions methods?

I have work experience in a wide range of acquisition methods, principles and practices as a regular part of my job. I have performed this work with little oversight often using independent judgment.
I have work experience in some areas of acquisition as a regular part of my job.
I have work experience in some areas of acquisition with close supervision.
I do not have work experience in this area.

7 For what types of commodities (goods and services) have you had purchasing-related responsibilities? Choose all that apply.

Office Supplies and/or MRO
Laboratory supplies, gases and/or chemicals
IT supplies and COTS software
IT equipment and related technical/professional services
Electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical components
Periodicals/subscriptions
None of the above

8 Which of the following best describes your experience in applying knowledge of contracting methods and contract types sufficient to independently perform pre-award, post-award, contract price/cost analysis, and other specialized or complex functions?

I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task and am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
I have performed this task as a regular part of my job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
I have not done any of the above tasks.

9 Which of the following documents do you have experience preparing? (Check all that apply)

Acquisition/Procurement plans
Determination of findings
Requests for proposals
Invitation to bid
Pre-Negotiation memorandums
Source Selection
None of the above

10 Which of the following best describes your experience preparing contracting reports and statements that include options and recommendations for management?

This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.
I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.
I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

11 Which of the following best describes your experience procuring goods and services for an organization including preparing product specifications and "statements of work" for contract services?

I have experience conducting negotiations with vendors, verifying the availability of funds, preparing contracts and purchase orders and ensuring that goods and services are received, accounted for and paid for.
I have experience ensuring that expenditures are made in accordance with established policies organizational and Federal government policies and rules.
I have experience reviewing documents authorizing payments of funds.
I have experience determining the proper amount due and processing the necessary payment transactions.
I have experience responding to written or oral inquiries concerning payments or audit-related information.
I do not have related experience.

12 Choose the statements that describe your experience related to all phases of the acquisition cycle. Check all that apply:

Scope of the work development.
Scope of work review.
Developing cost proposals.
Processes involved in acquisition planning.
Processes involved in procuring contracts.
Evaluation of requests for proposals.
Review of independent government estimate.
Review of contract's performance or contract requirements.
Contract administration.
Cost and price analysis.
Claims and disputes analysis.
Protest response packages.
Contract close out.
Contract termination.
None of the above.

13 Which of the following best describes your experience working closely with individuals and groups to resolve problems, analyze alternatives, negotiate differences, and make improvements?

This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.
I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.
I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

14 Which of the following best describes your experience managing the execution of contracts and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and regulations?

I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task and am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
I have performed this task as a regular part of my job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
I have not done any of the above tasks.

15 Which of the following best describes your experience in analyzing data to evaluate risk, solve problems, and assist in the decision-making process?

I am highly skilled in performing this task on the job. I have trained others in this activity and I am relied upon by others to offer expert assistance.
I have routinely and independently performed this task as a regular part of my duties and responsibilities.
I have performed this task on a limited and independent basis.
I have performed this task on a limited, but not on an independent basis.
I have not done any of the above tasks.

16 Which of the following best describes your knowledge of policies, processes, and regulations pertaining to simplified acquisitions, contracting, and revenue generating contracting?

I have experience in developing policies and procedures to affect change in an organization-wide contracting program involving simplified acquisitions, contracting, and revenue generating contracting. I have also consistently applied federal contracting, industry standards, and best practices.
I have experience in applying existing policies, processes, and regulations to maintain the operations of a contracting program.
I have experience in indentifying and participating in the implementation of or modifications to existing contracting programs, policies, and procedures. I have also applied knowledge of federal contracting, industry standards, and best practices.
I have not done any of the above tasks.

17 Which of the following best describes your experience in applying knowledge of contracting laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to plan and direct contracting and procurement programs?

I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task and am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
I have performed this task as a regular part of my job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
I have not done any of the above tasks.

18 Which of the following best describes your experience in applying simplified acquisition regulations and policies?

In my current or past position, I have experience applying simplified acquisition regulations and policies on a daily basis.
In my current or past position, I have experience applying simplified acquisition regulations and policies on a weekly basis.
In my current or past position, I have experience applying simplified acquisition regulations and policies on a monthly basis.
In my current or past position, I have experience applying simplified acquisition regulations and policies on a quarterly basis.
In my current or past position, I have experience applying simplified acquisition regulations and policies on an annual basis.
I have no experience, education, or training in performing this task.

19 Which of the following statements best describes your experience reviewing and approving documents submitted to meet contract requirements?

I have not had experience, education or training in performing this task.
I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager or senior employee to ensure compliance with established procedures.
I have independently performed this task as a regular part of the job,usually without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
I have routinely performed this as a central or major part of my work. I have trained others in performance of this task and/or have been consulted by others as an expert performing this task.

20 Which of the following best describe your experience preparing statements of work and participating in technical evaluation proposals to determine the most cost-effective proposal?

I have prepared statements of work and participated in technical evaluation proposals to determine most cost-effective proposal as a regular part of the job, independently and usually without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
I have not had experience, education or training in preparing statements of work and participating in technical evaluation proposals to determine most cost-effective proposal.
I have prepared statements of work and participated in technical evaluation proposals to determine most cost-effective proposal on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, or senior employee.
I have completed formal education or training in preparing statements of work and participating in technical evaluation proposals to determine most cost-effective proposal, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have prepared statements of work and participated in technical evaluation proposals to determine most cost-effective proposal as a central or major part of my work and/or I have trained others in performance of this task, and/or I am normally consulted as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

21 Which of the following best describes your experience communicating with others to obtain ideas, identify potential problems, and make recommendations to management for contractual problem resolutions?

This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.
I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.
I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

22 Which of the following best describes your experience applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency, effectiveness and improvement of program operations?

I have not had experience, education or training in performing this task.
I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor or senior employee.
I have performed this task as a regular part of the job, independently and usually without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
I have performed this task as a central or major part of my work and/or I have trained others in performance of this task, and/or I am normally consulted as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

23 Which of the following describes the verbal (oral) communication skills you have used as a regular part of your job? (Check all that apply)

I have interacted with internal and external customers.
I have described contracting rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
I have made presentations and/or provided classroom training to audiences with varied knowledge levels.
I have briefed managers/executives outside of my organization.
I have successfully negotiated with others to resolve issues.
I have interviewed staff or managers to acquire specific programmatic and/or technical information.
I have persuaded others to accept findings, recommendations, changes, alternative viewpoints, or partner in efforts.
I have not done any of the above tasks.

24 Which of the following functions have you performed to ensure that work priorities and deadlines continually provide quality services? (Check all that apply)

I have prioritized assignments to meet established deadlines and priorities.
I have monitored and reported the status and progress of work to supervisor.
I have reviewed completed work to certify that the supervisor’s instructions are followed.
I have made recommendations to the supervisor on productive ways to streamline work.
I have not done any of the above tasks.

25 From the list provided, please determine your level of communicating effectively both in formal and informal settings.

Serves in a liaison role and maintained effective working relationships with employees, staff, and management officials within the client organization/agency and in the public and private sectors. Conveyed concepts logically and accurately, using tact and diplomacy.
Conducted oral communication with others in a job or other community settings such as conducting routine communications with supervisor concerning a job requested, providing factual information, or receiving instruction regarding responsibilities on the job or in a service or community organization.
Obtained and exchanged information with co-workers and supervisors, answering factual questions, and explaining well-established policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and/or standards to individuals outside the organization.
None of the above.

26 Which of the following best describes your highest level of oral communication skill you have applied on a regular basis?

I received training in public speaking/presentation skills,
I have presented project status information to either internal or external organization(s).
I have performed formal project presentations to review boards/committees.
I have advocated and negotiated with senior-level management both internal and external regarding project initiatives to obtain approval and funding.
None of the above.

Which of the following best describes your experience presenting contract/procurement related issues orally to non-procurement audiences?

This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.
I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.
I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

28 Choose all examples that match your experience in preparing written material regarding acquisition issues. Check all that apply:

I have written acquisition documents or materials for review and approval by senior agency official.
I have developed for a senior agency official approval materials for communicating information on acquisition policies and procedures to a broad base of constituents.
I have prepared and presented issue papers and/or briefings on acquisition issues to subject-matter groups and/or management officials at all levels within an organization.
I have reviewed acquisition reports for technical accuracy, adherence to policy, organization of material, clarity of materials and appropriateness for intended audiences.
None of the above.

29 Which of the following statements best describes your highest level of experience in your ability to communicate effectively in writing in order to obtain information and convey results?

I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.
I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with established correct procedures.
I have performed this task as a regular part of the job, independently, and usually without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, I have trained others in performance of this task, and (or) others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

Which of the following best describes your experience presenting contract/procurement related issues in writing to non-procurement audiences?

This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.
I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.
I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.
I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.
I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

31 Please select the software application(s) you are proficient in (Proficient means you understand and utilize a major part of the system's functionality-capabilities). Check all that apply

Spreadsheet applications
WordPerfect
Microsoft Word
Adobe
Procurement applications
PRISM - Compusearch Contracting Software
Grant management systems
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Power Point
Corel Office Suite
E-mail (Exchange, Outlook, etc)
Netscape/Microsoft Explorer
PeopleSoft
None of the above

32 Which of the following best describes your experience regarding acquisition reports?

I have prepared acquisition reports, analyzed data and made recommendations as part of my regular duties. I am very familiar with automated systems.
I have prepared acquisition reports to array data but have not made recommendations as part of my regular duties. I am comfortable with automated systems.
I have prepared acquisition reports for others as a routine requirement of my job. I have limited experience with automated systems.
I have not performed any of these functions as a part of my duties.

33 Do you have experience using a purchase card and reconciling charges in a business system (e.g. ERP, e-procurement, etc)?

Grade: All Grades

Due to the high volume of applications received for Smithsonian vacancies, we are unable to confirm receipt of online application packages including faxed documentation and may not be able to respond to your inquiry on the status of your application. After you complete the online application process, you will receive an automated email message as proof of receipt of application. You may view the status of any faxed supporting documentation by following the steps in the "How to Apply" section of the announcement. We appreciate your patience, as the staffing process to identify highly qualified candidates may take up to four weeks or more to complete. After the announcement closes and application reviews are done, you may be contacted by the hiring office if further evaluation or interviews are required. You will receive an e-mail notification on the final status of the vacancy.

1 Select the response that best reflects how you learned about this position.

Individual referral (friend, relative, Smithsonian employee, school counselor, or other)

1.1 Please indicate the source. Maximum length of 250 characters.
Job fair or informational session

1.1 Please indicate the source. Maximum length of 250 characters.
Social networking site (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or other)

1.1 Please indicate the source. Maximum length of 250 characters.
Other online source (USAJobs, Smithsonian website, Internet employment search)

1.1 Please indicate the source. Maximum length of 250 characters.
Community or professional organization

1.1 Please indicate the source. Maximum length of 250 characters.
Mass media (magazine, newspaper, radio, television, poster, telephone job hot line)

1.1 Please indicate the source. Maximum length of 250 characters.

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Grade: 09

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