Acquisition Specialist (Pathways Recent Graduate)

Through several of the academy schools course offerings participants can complete core Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) coursework. Interns may pursue complementary courses such as FAC-COR Level I to strengthen skills in acquisition planning market research ethics and contract performance management as well as project and program management offerings that accelerate development of leadership and technical capabilities across IT construction and healthcare efforts. This sustained training investment delivered via classroom blended and self-paced e-learning formats equips AWTP participants with the continuous learning credits certifications and applied competencies needed for non-competitive conversion and long-term success in the VA acquisition workforce.

Specific duties include:

a. Rotation through Office of Procurement (OOP) to gain an understanding of Procurement Policy and Compliance Procurement Data and Informatics Procurement Operations & Execution (HCAs) to include; contract formation and negotiation source selection processes market research and acquisition planning post-award contract administration and vendor relationship management. Develop a pre-award or post award document.

b. Rotation through Office of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (OLSCM) to gain an understanding of Logistics Support Services Transportation and Relocation Services Publication Services Supply Chain Services and Management Oversight and Internal Controls and Utilization and Lifecycle Management. Identify improvements to internal control and lifecycle utilization processes and draft written proposals.

c. Rotation through Office of Acquisition Program Management and Performance (OAPMP) to gain an understanding of Acquisition Lifecycle Governance & Oversight Program Standardization and Performance Improvement Program Advisory Support Service (PASS) Acquisition Human Capital Management and Strategic Category Management Coordination & Informatics. Make a recommendation after participating in a PASS onsite review.

d. Rotation through Office of Office of Operations (OOO) to gain an understanding of Administrative Support Budget Communications and Correspondence and Human Resource and make complete analysis of the position numbers supporting the organization.

e. Intern would require a background in construction engineering or architect to be approved for a rotation in Office of Construction and Facilities Management (OCFM). Propose a recommendation to real property management and facility planning strategies

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• To be considered for this position you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• Required to sign a Pathways Program Participant Agreement and serve a trial period.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment
  
  As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 2-year (1-year for preference eligible Veterans) trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
  Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  Qualifications

  
  To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:09/21/2026.
  
  RECENT GRADUATE REQUIREMENT: The Pathways Recent Graduates Program is open to recent graduates who are legally permitted to work in the U.S. to be eligible. You must have obtained one of the following qualifying degrees certificate career or technical education programs: associates bachelors masters professional doctoral or technical/vocational degree or certificate (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs Job Corps Climate Corps AmeriCorps and Peace Corps) from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years.

  • This program is for one year
  
  Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree (certification and/or career/technical program) was completed.
  
  MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  GS-09 Grade Level:
  • Specialized Experience: One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service that equipped you with the particular knowledge skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of an Acquisition Specialist and that is typically in or related to the work of this position. Specialized experience includes:
    • Gather information on acquisition policies and procedures to complete two small projects that will support the leadership in that respective area;
    • Research laws regulations and policies related to the respective area management displaying knowledge of operations;
    • Coordinate meetings create project documentation and complete after action review reports and follow-up procedures in accordance with comprehensive project management
    • Prepare budget formulation tracking and execution documents in support of enterprise decision-making
    • Understanding of Administrative Support Budget Communications Correspondence and Human Resource processes and practices.
  OR
  • Education Substitution: Possess a masters degree or two (2) full years of graduate level education leading to such a degree in a related field of study that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. NOTE: If you select this option you must submit a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
  
  
  Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree) the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information.
  
  Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religions; 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.
  
  Note: Resume must include job title and employer name number of hours worked per week start and end dates (including month and year) list of duties and responsibilities for each position addition if the experience was a federal position you must list series and grade for each position held. Failure to include this information may result in an ineligible rating. A full year of work is considered to be 40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
  
  Physical Requirements:
  This position is primarily of an administrative nature in an office setting. Primarily sedentary.
  Education

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.

  Additional information

  VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service increase worker productivity and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
  
  Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment change to lower grade transfer appointment or reinstatement.
  
  It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
  
  This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
  
  Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA career development services for our existing Veterans and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
  
  For more information on the Who may apply eligibility requirements please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
  
  If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
  
  Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e. physical or mental) covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position after notification of the adjudication of your request you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here:
  should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service increase worker productivity and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
  
  Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

  
  

  Required Experience:

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