Summary The Congressional Research Service (CRS), Office of Administrative Operations (OPS), seeks a Procurement & Business Specialist to provide administrative program support to the Procurement and Administrative Services section. Responsibilities The Procurement and Business Specialist solicits quotes and estimates for supplies and services, develops purchase requests for simplified acquisitions and larger purchases, and procures items with a purchase card in accordance with approved authorities using an automated financial and procurement system; analyzes vendor quotes to determine the “best value” to the government; participates in various levels of financial and procurement review and analysis activities and performs financial analysis and reconciliation of CRS non-personals accounts; identifies reporting discrepancies and determine corrective actions; develops recurring and ad hoc financial reports. Reviews nominations for outside training for appropriateness, funding and conformity to CRS and library policies and regulations. Coordinates and maintains training reports. Works with new, current and/or potential vendors to obtain the required banking information to facilitate electronic funds transfer of payments and researches vendor payment questions and discrepancies. Ability to follow established policies and procedures to assist in the development and maintenance of relationships with various stakeholders in the contracting and procurement process. Performs a limited range of contract administration activities. Collaborates with the Lead Contract Specialist to resolve problems and situations in assigned liaison activities. Under the guidance of the Lead Contract Specialist, provides technical support and assistance in researching contract options, developing contract requirements, establishing deliverables, and writing statements of work. Analyzes generally available sources for the procurement of products and services, including searching the market or using sole source supplies as required and determining the sources to be solicited. In consultation with the project managers, reviews and approves obligations for payment to ensure compliance with terms and conditions; approves scheduled payments as requirements are met, and interacts with Library of Congress accounting offices to resolve payment issues. Other duties as assigned. CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to Committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill. CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that ensures the Service is well positioned to anticipate and meet the information and analytical research needs of a 21st-century Congress. The position description number for this position is 171288. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to Perform Financial Support Activities* Ability to Utilize Computer Technology* Ability to Perform Liaison Activities in Support of Contracting Functions* Ability to Analyze Problems and Make Recommendations* Ability to Interact Collaboratively with Others Ability to Communicate Effectively Other Than in Writing Education Additional Information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.