Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) · 10 hours ago
Purchasing Agent II
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
4+ years expWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is responsible for managing public transit in the Washington D.C. area. The Purchasing Agent II performs all purchasing activities from solicitation preparation to contract closeout, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement results.
Association
Responsibilities
Reviews procurement requests for materials and services, technical specifications and other administrative documentation. Checks for accuracy, adequacy, and compliance with directives. Determines adequacy of descriptions and/or specifications and reviews for funding authorization, justifications and appropriate signatures. Advises, assists and coordinates related matters with customers to ensure timely, cost effective and technically acceptable procurement results
Analyzes customer requirements and identifies proper procurement method based on Authority estimate. Works with customers to identify items for requirements/indefinite delivery schedule type contracts or Blanket Purchase Agreements. Determines optimal method (e.g., make or buy, lease or purchase and new or remanufactured) to meet customer requirements. Reviews and works with supervisor on acquisition strategies
Drafts a variety of purchasing documents including Requests for Quotations, Requests for Proposals, Invitations for Bids, Purchase Orders, Blanket Purchase Agreements and similar contractual documents. Prepares other contractual documents for further approval including cost and price analysis such as Waiver of Cost Analysis to the Office of Inspector General and Pre- and Post-Negotiation Memorandums
Negotiates by telephone, fax, email, or in person with prospective vendors to establish the most favorable terms for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) purchase orders and contracts. Interviews prospective vendors to determine usefulness of product or service lines to WMATA
Prepares preliminary determinations of responsiveness and responsibility including audit of various financial documents. Performs prices/cost analyses and resolves discrepancies in material, price, over/under shipments and erroneous freight charges with contractor personnel
Awards and administers orders for a variety of delegated supply and equipment items including special purpose, custom-made and items not readily available from local, national and international sources
Coordinates and facilitates pre- and post-award conferences with interested contractors and WMATA technical personnel. Administers pre- and post-award protests and prepares recommendations for concurrence with the Office of The General Counsel (COUN)
Monitors open purchase orders and contracts for compliance with delivery schedules, performance and other terms. Recommends termination or default or convenience subject to General Counsel’s approval. Notifies customers of manufacturer delays or other circumstance affecting operational requirements. Closes-out issued or delegated purchase orders and contracts
Compiles data and prepares reports on such things as procurement backlog, past due reports, purchase orders and contracts awarded and procurement administrative leave time
Ensures data is accurately entered into automated database. Inputs and retrieves purchasing information from a variety of other automated computer system including: Dunn & Bradstreet and Cost Management Information System. Prepares correspondence, procurement forms, solicitations and reports. Prepares and mails bid packages, answers telephone calls, and distributes purchase orders
Attends meetings, conferences, seminars, training and other technical programs to stay abreast of changes in the procurement field and applicable regulations
Meets with customers to develop acquisition strategies. Analyzes forecasting methods, seasonal requirements, consolidated purchase, cooperative purchases and federal supply schedules
Reviews specification for proper format and content and with customer’s assistance, identifies distinguishing characteristics of brand name descriptions to further develop minimum requirements and acceptance criteria, and maximize competition. Coordinates with audit staff in analyzing cost elements of contracts and determines price reasonableness
Includes a small or minority business in the Request for Quotes when deemed appropriate
Assembles contract files and drafts findings of fact and CO final decisions. Evaluates and conducts investigations regarding contractor claims, protests and disputes
Participates in special tasks forces and groups related to procurement policies and procedures
Qualification
Required
High school diploma or possession of a general equivalency diploma (GED)
Four (4) years of purchasing related experience or demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities to perform purchasing activities for a variety of goods and services in a large, high volume purchasing organization
Successfully performed the job of Purchasing Agent I (TA-14) for two (2) years with a previous year performance rating of Solid Performer or higher and be recommended for promotion by the immediate supervisor
Company
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Ready to take on a new career in transit? Metro is the “Employer of Choice” in the region for people that are passionate about mobility, business development, regional connectivity and tourism.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Randy Clarke
General Manager and CEO
Terrence G.
Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
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