Procurement Counselor

Procurement Counselor

The George Mason University, (Mason Enterprise Center; Procurement Technical Assistance Center-PTAC) is looking for an enthusiastic and energetic person for a Procurement Counselor position.

George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Department:
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at George Mason University is a non-profit organization funded by the Defense Logistics Agency and George Mason University. PTAC provides procurement assistance by offering marketing, counseling, and educational services to businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. PTAC is headquartered in Fairfax, VA, with satellite offices in Fredericksburg, VA and Hampton, VA.

Responsibilities:
The PTAC Procurement Counselor provides training and counseling to Virginia businesses in all aspects of federal and state/local procurement. These services include instruction in methods for submitting bids and proposals, billing and execution of contracted work. This position will interact on a consistent basis with business representatives, and representatives of government agencies at local, state, and federal levels. This position typically will advise and counsel business representatives including owners and managers. The Procurement Counselor provides a full range of technical assistance counseling services to clients who wish to conduct business with the federal, state and local governments. The Procurement Counselor also acts as PTAC representative / liaison local and to statewide organizations and partners. This position will be 80% dedicated to counseling business in distressed counties and jurisdictions as defined by DLA and will have a service area of the central counties of Virginia. Counseling centers in Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg and Warrenton will be provided. Metrics of success as a Procurement Counselor include the number of clients, counseling hours, success stories and positive impacts via contract awards by clients.

Duties:
Counseling:

• Advise PTAC clients about the advantages and disadvantages associated with teaming arrangements and the various regulations governing subcontracting and joint ventures.
• Provide PTAC clients information about the government’s competition policies, contract types, procurement methods, and source selection processes.
• Perform assessments of PTAC clients’ draft responses to government solicitations and provide recommendations to improve their chances of winning more government contracts and subcontracts.
• Advise PTAC clients about their post award debriefing rights under the various government procurement methods and provide recommendations to improve draft correspondence addressed to government contracting officials.
• Provide PTAC clients information about government procurement policies, rules, regulations and processes.
• Provide PTAC clients recommended courses of action to resolve government solicitation, prime contract, subcontract, contract management and/or performance issues.
• Maintain current, accurate and complete electronic records for all counseling sessions in a timely manner and perform administrative actions in support of the PTAC mission.
• Follow the guidelines outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement

Training:
Assist with the development of government contracting presentations, workshops and outreach events. Lead government contracting workshops and provide formal presentations to small businesses and external constituents within the PTAC’s service area. 

Professional Development:
Maintain current level of expertise in a changing regulatory environment. Maintain/update professional expertise in the Federal Procurement arena through attendance at appropriate seminars offered APTAC (Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers), NCMA (National Contract Management Association), DLA and others.

Outreach:

• Establish and maintain relationships with government buyers and partners (incl. universities, economic development organizations, major prime contractors, legislators, chambers of commerce, and other business groups) .
• Represent Virginia PTAC at industry trade shows, conferences, and matchmaking/outreach events as an exhibitor and speaker.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

Required Qualifications:
This position requires working knowledge and skills in applying government rules and regulations related to procurement; public speaking, presentation and writing; problem solving and time management; contract management and proposal development. Specific qualifications include:

• Demonstrated years of progressive procurement experience in government contracts administration preferred, especially experience working within a business that sells to federal or state government
• Professional experience in federal procurement regulations
• Experience in bid/proposal preparation and contract administration / close-out
• Proficiency in analytical market research
• Fluent verbal/written communication skills which are critical to working with a wide variety of people and organizations
• Resourcefulness – you will frequently have to research answers to clients’ questions with little direction
• Ability to maintain confidentiality to protect client information
• Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks in a dynamic work environment.
• Excellent time management skills
• Familiarity with and the ability to become proficient in the use of application software that tracks client interactions and progress (Customer Relationship Management Software).
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 and other Office Suite software.
• Experience operating video-conferencing equipment and software, such as Zoom or Webex.
• Valid Virginia Driver License and reliable vehicle for travel within Virginia.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience in Commonwealth of Virginia procurement regulations
• Experience owning and operating a small business and/or advising on business growth strategies within the government sector
• Experience as a federal or state/local contract specialist/analyst/buyer
• Record of success winning and maintaining GSA Multiple Award Schedules.
• Experience successfully obtaining, maintaining, and leveraging state or federal set aside certifications including SWaM, 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, or HUBZone.

Special Instructions to Applicants   
For full consideration, applicants must apply  for position number 10574z at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.