Program Summary
The TCF Program/Contract Specialist internship offers a comprehensive training and development program to applicants with limited acquisition experience so that they may qualify for Contract Specialist positions. As a member of the Contract Specialist internship program, you will receive a mix of on-the-job and classroom training that will give you the immediate opportunity to work on a variety of acquisition activities and contract types. Under close supervision, you will work with a variety of skilled technical experts within VA and with business training counterparts in the private sector. Contract Specialist interns learn and use innovative acquisition business practices as they gain contracting experience. Duties include: pre-award acquisition planning; documentation; solicitation; negotiation, contract administration and closeout; methods of acquiring products and services in an efficient, cost-effective manner; and providing administrative support on contracts while developing technical expertise.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Overall knowledge and understanding of the mission and function of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Veteran Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR)
- Broad knowledge of and ability to utilize principles, methods, techniques, and systems of contracting
- Contracting methods and techniques to include at a minimum: negotiation, oral and written communications, contracts, socio-economic programs, law, research, and analysis
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and all levels of key management officials, both within and outside VA, while exercising tact, diplomacy, ingenuity, and resourcefulness
- Ability to participate in strategic planning for the future of VHA and the Department of Veteran Affairs as a whole
Training Objectives
Core program competencies seek to develop and enhance interns' skills in Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), types of contracts, acquisition planning, cost/price analysis, negotiation techniques, contract law, and source selection.
Training Specifics
The intern and preceptor will compare the intern's skills, knowledge, and abilities with those required by the program and create a Personal Development Plan.
Upon graduation from the intern program and reporting to their new permanent duty station, new Contract Specialists will be fully functional, needing only minor efforts to adapt to the new work environment.
The internship consists of the following training experiences:
On-the-Job Training – The intern demonstrates effective oral and written communication through oral presentations, research, and written correspondence.
Miscellaneous Training – The intern rotates through other areas of the facility. Rotations may include contact with higher management personnel, participation in facility committees, special projects, providing real learning situations, and increased responsibility.
Formal Training – The intern must attend available training core courses, such as Chief Logistics Officer (CLO) and Intern Conferences; Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD) Cluster training; and SAP training, as well as supplemental formal training, as offered.
Facility Rotation – The intern must complete prescribed rotations in some of the network's major medical center offices, e.g., Fiscal, Business Office, and in the various contracting specialties, including supplies, services, and construction.
Temporary Duty Travel - The intern may be required to complete temporary duty travel. This may include a site visit to another VA health care center and to the Prosthetics and Clinical Logistics Office.
Qualifications:
The ability and willingness to relocate is a requirement for selection as a TCF Program intern. If relocation is necessary for permanent placement, VA pays for moving expenses. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
