Procurement Counselor

Summary

The University of Texas at Arlington supports the Cross Timbers APEX Accelerator, which helps businesses pursue government contracting opportunities. The Procurement Counselor provides technical assistance, counseling, training, and guidance to businesses on government procurement, contracting requirements, solicitation processes, and available opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Instructs clients in the policies and procedures required to conduct business with government entities
• Remains informed on current federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to procurement policies, procedures, and decisions
• Develops, coordinates, facilitates, and presents training workshops and webinars on various government business topics
• Recruits new clients for the program
• Represents the Cross Timbers program at conferences, networking events, workshops, seminars, and on-site client visits
• Pursues and develops working relationships with economic development councils, financial entities, and business advocacy groups
• Assists clients with developing steps towards government contracting, including SAM.gov, capabilities statements, marketing strategies, and applicable certification programs to clients to increase their company’s appeal to government agencies
• Assists clients with understanding solicitation requirements and bidding procedures
• Researches a variety of databases to obtain information on government business opportunities
• Reviews, interprets, and explains to clients the requirements of various types of solicitations
• Creates BidMatch profiles for clients
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business, government contracting, or related field and three (3) years of relevant professional work experience, or seven (7) years of an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
• Knowledge of government procurement, contracting, acquisition principles, and applicable regulations, including the FAR, DFARS, small business programs, SAM, FPDS, and related systems
• Knowledge of APEX Accelerator policies and procedures
• Knowledge of university, federal, and state policies, procedures, and compliance requirements
• Skill in critical thinking, research, analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, databases, internet applications, Zoom, and other job-related software
• Ability to educate and advise clients on government contracting requirements, policies, procedures, and business opportunities
• Ability to research government contracting databases and identify procurement opportunities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, adapt to changing technology
• Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including business owners and community partners
• Master's degree in business, government contracting, or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience OR a bachelor's degree in business, government contracting, or related field and five (5) years of relevant work experience
• Previous APEX Accelerator or other small business program experience as a counselor/advisor
• Previous government contracting experience as a buyer, purchasing agent or contract manager
• Experience as a contracting officer for a federal government agency
• Experience in establishing economic development, community, and business relationships

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in business, government contracting, or related field and three (3) years of relevant professional work experience, or seven (7) years of an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
• Knowledge of government procurement, contracting, acquisition principles, and applicable regulations, including the FAR, DFARS, small business programs, SAM, FPDS, and related systems
• Knowledge of APEX Accelerator policies and procedures
• Knowledge of university, federal, and state policies, procedures, and compliance requirements
• Skill in critical thinking, research, analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, databases, internet applications, Zoom, and other job-related software
• Ability to educate and advise clients on government contracting requirements, policies, procedures, and business opportunities
• Ability to research government contracting databases and identify procurement opportunities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, adapt to changing technology
• Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including business owners and community partners

Nice to Haves

• Master's degree in business, government contracting, or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience OR a bachelor's degree in business, government contracting, or related field and five (5) years of relevant work experience
• Previous APEX Accelerator or other small business program experience as a counselor/advisor
• Previous government contracting experience as a buyer, purchasing agent or contract manager
• Experience as a contracting officer for a federal government agency
• Experience in establishing economic development, community, and business relationships