POSITION SUMMARY

The United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office for the Middle District of Tennessee is accepting applications for a Shared Services Procurement Specialist to support the Probation and Pretrial Services Office and District Court. The successful candidate will report to the Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse & Federal Building in Nashville, Tennessee. The Procurement Specialist performs and coordinates administrative, technical, and professional work ensuring that court units are supplied with the materials, equipment, and services required to function optimally, including ensuring compliance with the appropriate guidelines, policies, and internal controls. Procurement Specialists perform advanced procurement activities requiring advanced knowledge of procurement policies and practices. Advanced procurement activities include preparing complicated specifications, negotiating service contracts, and preparing significant and large purchase documents. In addition to procurement duties, the Procurement Specialist will support the Budget Analyst by performing some financial administrative duties as assigned. The Procurement Specialist will report to the Assistant Deputy Chief, USPO or other designee of the Court Unit Executive.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluate requests for goods and services by ensuring they are allowable under limitations, restrictions, and policies, as well as determining availability of funds for items being purchased. Research, analyze, and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production, and distribution capabilities, as well as their reputation and history. Prepare specifications, solicitations, and Requests for Quotes (RFQs). Research products and equipment. Obtain and review competitive bids, quotes, and proposals from vendors and contractors and discuss evaluations and review with requestors and subject matter experts, as applicable. Negotiate with vendors for the best price over contracted services and purchases. Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contracted obligations; assist with clarifying contract requirements and resolving any conflicts. Procure supplies, equipment, services, and furnishings from government and non-government sources through new contracts, competitive bids, or existing government contracts. Plan and coordinate time and delivery of purchases. Ensure files are established and maintained for every solicitation, contract, and purchase action and comply with the Guide to Judiciary Policy and Judiciary Procurement Program Procedures on procurement practices. Adhere to the court unit's internal control procedures. Maintain Contracting Officer certification by completing continuing education requirements. As Contracting Officer, process and sign purchase orders and contracts for the purchase of products and services. Ensure purchases are authorized, funding is available, the appropriate delegations of authority exist, and adequate competition takes place in accordance with the estimated dollar value of the procurement. Provide contract administration and oversight including record keeping to track expenditures. Establish and maintain sound professional relationships with suppliers. Resolve issues (e.g., pricing, quality, timing, claims, contract disputes, etc.) associated with terms and conditions of service agreements. Identify and maintain lists of vendors and sources of supply for goods and services. Identify and maintain lists of vendors and sources of supply for goods and services. Review, evaluate, verify, and process invoices and prepare payment requests. Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production, and distribution capabilities as well as their reputation and history. Prepare specifications, solicitations, and requests for qualifications/proposals; research products and equipment; prepare product/equipment specifications. Obtain and review competitive bids, quotes, and proposals from vendors and contractors; discuss evaluations and review with requesters and subject matter experts. Review, evaluate, verify, and process invoices and prepare payment requests. Assist with responses to and find resolutions for audit findings. Manage or assist with special projects. Support and backup budget analyst by performing assigned financial functions and tasks. Coordination of staff training. Perform administrative duties to include those in support of the executive leadership team's mission & vision. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM:

The successful candidate will possess: Bachelor's degree Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong math skills Extraordinary attention to detail Excellent organizational and time management skills Spatial reasoning skills Strong customer service skills and ability to deal with a wide variety of people tactfully and courteously Ability to use independent judgment Excellent data management skills Availability to work overtime and occasional overnight travel Ability to lift 25 pounds overhead To be eligible for appointment at classification level CL-27, a candidate must possess the minimum qualifications, a minimum of two years of recent, progressively responsible procurement experience, including knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures and practices of standard procurement procedures, involving the routine use of automated procurement systems.

PREFERRED

In addition to the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who also possess any of the following: Bachelor's degree in finance or related field. Knowledge of and experience with government procurement practices. Experience with contracting and negotiating. Experience in accounts payable and associated processes. Experience with automated financial management systems.

COMPETENCIES

REQUIRED Knowledge of procurement management procedures, guidelines, policies, practices, and protocols used within the court unit. Knowledge of general government procurement policies and procedures. Knowledge of the court unit's needs and usage of supplies, equipment, and services. Knowledge of financial systems and protocols needed to maintain purchase order information and invoice payment processing. Skill in preparing requests for qualification/proposal/quotation documents. Skill in completing various forms used in the procurement process and maintaining related records. Skill in planning and coordinating time and delivery of purchases. Skill in researching and interpreting guidelines, rules, regulations, and policies related to purchasing. Ability to interpret and implement federal judiciary guidelines and policies regarding purchasing. Ability to obtain Contracting Officer Contracting Program certification. Skill in negotiating terms and conditions of services and contracts with vendors. Skill in developing specifications through interaction with subject matter experts to identify their needs to be articulated in solicitations and formal requests. Ability to anticipate and analyze short-term and long-term procurement needs of the court, evaluating the advantages, disadvantages, levels of quality, and cost implications of decisions related to the potential acquisition and management of materials, equipment, and services. Knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment. Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with requestors and vendors, providing customer service and resolving difficulties while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Ability to communicate with requesters to determine actual needs; ability to evaluate whether proposed purchases will meet those needs. Skill in the use of automated equipment including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications, as well as financial and accounting systems, databases and systems used for tracking inventory, preparing purchase orders, and other systems related to procurement activities.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS

This is a highly sensitive position within the Judiciary. Employment will be considered provisional pending successful completion a background investigation, credit check, and a favorable suitability determination. A social media inquiry may also be a condition of employment.

BENEFITS

The Federal benefits package includes: Eleven paid Federal holidays Paid annual and sick leave Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS/FRAE) Traditional and Roth Retirement savings and investment plan under Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching contributions. Health benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) Supplemental Dental and Vision Benefits offered through Federal Employees Vision and Dental Plan (FEDVIP) Life insurance benefits under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) Flexible Benefits Program for Health Care Reimbursement and Dependent Care Reimbursement This position is subject to mandatory electronic fund transfer (direct deposit) for payment of net earnings.

TO APPLY

Application must be made on government application form AO 78, Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment. The application form may be accessed at: https://www.tnmp.uscourts.gov/forms/human-resources U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services 719 Church Street, Suite 1100 Nashville, Tennessee 37203 615-736-5771 Email one single .pdf file with the completed application, cover letter, resume, and three professional references to apply@tnmp.uscourts.gov (

Subject:

Procurement Specialist 26-04)

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident with authorization to work in the U.S. who is currently seeking U.S. citizenship or intending to become a U.S. citizen immediately after meeting the eligibility requirements. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate is required to undergo an FBI background check. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer participation for payment of net pay. The office reserves the right to amend or withdraw any announcement without written notice to applicants. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Filled with preference given to application packets received by close of business on October 2, 2026.

Pay:

$54,372.00 - $97,098.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person