Procurement Development Associate (3 Positions Available)
 Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority | |
 United States, Virginia, Arlington | |
| 2733 Crystal Drive (Show on map) | |
 Jul 11, 2025 | |
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Compensation Grade: S16-HSalary Range: $28.69-$40.17Opening Date: July 11, 2025Closing Date: July 26, 2025Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date. Procurement Development AssociateAs a Procurement Development Associate (PDA), you will gain hands-on experience in public procurement while building the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career. Working within the Office of Supply Chain Management, you will support the acquisition of goods, services, and construction-related requirements by assisting Purchasing Agents and Contracting Officers with solicitations, offer evaluations, and contract activities. Over the course of this two-year developmental program, you will complete rotations across four key areas, Simplified Acquisitions, Concessions and Corporate, Operations and IT, and Engineering and Construction, spending approximately six months in each. This is a developmental position and is designed to lead to placement in a career full-time Contracting Officer I position. Associate (Year 1) During the first year, you will receive hands-on training in core procurement functions and practices, including acquisition planning, solicitation methods, market research, contract administration, and compliance. Upon successful completion of the first 12 months and the following objectives, you will receive a one-grade increase: *Understand the basics of public procurement processes and ethical standards. *Gain familiarity with the Airports Authority's procurement policies, regulations and systems. *Learn the procurement lifecycle from requisition through contract closeout. *Learn to review purchase requisitions and related documents for clarity, completeness, and compliance. *Participate in rotational assignments across the Office of Supply Chain Management. *Assist in preparing and issuing solicitations such as Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and Invitations for Bid (IFBs). *Support vendor research and data entry in procurement systems. *Participate in procurement file maintenance and compliance tracking. *Observe solicitation and award processes and contribute to basic procurement documentation. *Learn the Authority's Contract Lifecycle Management System Associate (Year 2) In Year 2, you will continue training while taking on increased responsibilities. Upon successful completion of Year 2 and the following requirements, you will be non-competitively promoted to the Contracting Officer I position: *Complete additional professional development training and projects. *Participate in rotational assignments across the Office of Supply Chain Management. *Draft basic solicitations and assist with offer evaluations. *Work with Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTRs) to gather procurement requirements and support SOW development. *Prepare documentation such as procurement justifications and contract amendments. *Assist in issuing RFQs, IFBs, and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). *Monitor delivery status and assist with discrepancy resolution. *Begin reviewing procurement data and reports to support decision-making. *Prepare purchase orders and assist with vendor communications. *Support contract closeout and performance tracking processes. *Demonstrate an understanding of procurement systems, compliance standards, and performance metrics. Works under the direct supervision of a Procurement Director, Contracts Manager, or Simplified Acquisitions Manager. Serves in the Procurement and Contracts Department in the Office of Supply Chain Management at the Headquarters Office. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Assists in the preparation of solicitations and evaluation of offers led by Authority Purchasing Agents and Contracting Officers. Performs varied professional tasks while gaining practical knowledge of procurement operations. Collaborates with internal departments to ensure alignment on procurement needs and timeframes. Assists in the creation and maintenance of procurement files, documentation, and records in accordance with the Airports Authority policies. Uses procurement systems to enter and retrieve data, generate reports, and track progress. Conducts market research to identify potential contractors and evaluate their offerings. Performs procedures to aid in the timely closing out of contracts upon completion. Supports contract administration and compliance monitoring activities. Meets regularly with mentors and supervisors to track development progress and periodically report on the status and outcome of assigned responsibilities. Performs other duties assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of fundamental business principles and interest in public procurement. Ability to learn and apply procurement policy and systems. Strong analytical, problem solving, communication, time management, and organizational skills. Ability to speak and write effectively. Skill in using a computer and office suite software. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Internship or coursework in procurement, government contracting, or supply chain management. Knowledge of federal or public sector acquisition principles. EDUCATION Sophomore level (or higher) enrollment in or recent graduate of an associate degree program with coursework in business, supply chain management, public administration, or related field. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED None. NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS Work is typically reviewed in progress upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors. Must meet in-service and continuing education/training requirements. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers. | |