ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

VIRGINIA CONTRACTING ASSOCIATE OFFICER

VIRGINIA CONTRACTING OFFICER*

Recommended Candidates

Recommended for individuals who perform small purchases at any amount up to $50,000.

Recommended for individuals who perform both small and complex procurements and have purchasing responsibilities over $50,000.

Position Requirement

Procurement-related activities must comprise at least 10% of the current job

Procurement-related activities must comprise at least 50% of the current job

Application Approval

VCA application approval required for registration. Class may not be audited.

VCO application approval required for registration.  VCO applications may be subject to a Board Review to determine eligibility.  Class may not be audited.

Procurement Work Experience

No prior procurement work experience  required.  DPS or Agency eVA E-mall and QuickQuote classes/training desirable.

One year experience in a  position with 50% procurement responsibilities or VCA certificate & six months of experience in a position with 50% procurement responsibilities

Education

High School diploma or GED required

An Associate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with six college credit hours in purchasing courses** or 48 hours in purchasing seminars or equivalent experience and knowledge gained through other acceptable resources.

Effective 2009, an Associate degree from an accredited institution of higher education and six college credit hours in purchasing courses or 48 hours in purchasing seminars*** will be required.

Job Duties

Required to perform one or more of the following job duties:

Required to perform one or more of the following job duties:

Initiates purchase orders using eVA

Writes contract specifications for complex procurement of goods and/or services

Purchases from state contracts, mandatory sources or routine office supplies

Determines appropriate method of procurement for both small and complex solicitations

Conducts procurement research for a buyer

Independently writes IFB or RFP specifications for complex purchases

Uses eVA reporting tools

Receives bid invitations, evaluates bids and makes award determination

Processes procurement expenditures

Evaluates vendor performance or oversees contract compliance

Maintains buyer contract files or assists with contract admin

Conducts procurement management reviews

Uses Small Purchase Charge Card to execute purchases

Directs a state agency or other public body procurement program

Assists in evaluating supplier performance or provides purchasing customer service

Audits procurement programs

Coordinates surplus property activities

Occupies a position requiring basic knowledge of procurement laws, guidelines or e-Procurement tools.

Recertification

Three Recertification points (18 hours) every five years.  One point in the last two years prior to expiration shall include an update on the Virginia procurement laws and/or regulations

Six Recertification points (36 hours) every five years.  Effective in 2008, one point in the last two years prior to expiration shall include an update on the Virginia procurement laws and/or regulations

Program Requirements

VCA Three-day Procurement Cycle class

Achieving an exam grade of 75% or higher

VCO Block I-Procurement Laws and Regulations

VCO Block II-Procurement Planning

VCO Block III-Methods of Procurement

VCO Block IV- Contract Administration

Achieving an exam grade of 75% or higher on all tests