Acquisition Planning

Develops and guides program management through a comprehensive plan for fulfilling acquisition needs in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost in accordance with Federal and Departmental regulations, policies and procedures.

Key Behaviors
  • Reviews, approves, and routes task orders, funding documents, and acquisition packages in an organized, thorough and methodical manner to ensure that they are in accordance with appropriate FAR regulations and HHS/NIH policies and certifies for availability of funds.
  • Provides guidance about components of the acquisition package, (e.g., the statement of work reporting requirements/deliverables, evaluation criteria, special instructions).
  • Develops specifications for use in soliciting goods and services.
  • Evaluates the qualifications of vendors/suppliers.
  • Ensures proper receipt and documentation of financial invoicing and property information is entered into the appropriate acquisition system within 5 business days of receipt. Reviews requests, prepares paperwork, and ensures proper submission and tracking for acquisitions up to $25,000; according to federal regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Identifies and prepares necessary documents according to the overall strategy for managing the acquisition.
  • Advises managers and program staff on appropriate acquisition actions such as record of call, Federal Supply Schedule, GSA fedstrips, credit cards, purchase orders and contracts, and explains documentation requirements.
  • Provides advice to managers on appropriate acquisition action necessary to obtain contract workers.
  • Assists managers in preparing justifications for sole source and exemption from using mandatory sources, and for emergency orders and statements of work.
  • Analyzes and assesses acquisition needs to recommend appropriate contract type/method.
  • Develops and documents the overall strategy for managing the acquisition in coordination with the customer/partner.
  • Collects and analyzes relevant market research information from Government and non-government sources to facilitate development of the acquisition plan.
  • Uses the appropriate sourcing approach and defines solicitation terms and conditions based on the business strategy.

Developmental opportunities for this competency are available from the NIH Training Center.