Become an Acquisition & Utilization Specialist at the Cincinnati VA
Are you looking to advance your career in federal contracting while serving those who have served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Acquisition & Utilization Specialist to join the team in Cincinnati, Ohio. This role is pivotal in maintaining the high standards of care provided by the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.
Job Responsibilities
As an Acquisition & Utilization Specialist, you will serve as a key advisor for medical center contracts. Your primary duties include:
- Policy Development: Creating procedures consistent with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and VA Acquisition Regulations (VAAR).
- Procurement Oversight: Managing the consolidation of procurement packages for complex clinical services.
- Negotiation: Advising on contract modifications, service extensions, and delivery orders.
- Quality Assurance: Monitoring performance plans to ensure contracted services meet facility needs.
- Leadership Support: Delivering presentations to leadership regarding procurement strategies and budget impacts.
Comparison: Procurement Roles
| Feature | Acquisition Specialist | General Administrative Staff |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Strategic Contract Management | Daily Operations Support |
| Regulatory Focus | High (FAR/VAAR) | Low to Medium |
| Negotiation | Intensive | Minimal |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-11 position, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
- Meet strict Time-in-Grade requirements if you are a federal employee.
- Submit a two-page maximum resume.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $77,785 to $101,126 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Generous retirement planning via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Paid leave and federal holidays.
- Access to continuous professional development.
Application Tips
Applying for federal roles requires precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer, as longer documents are automatically rejected. Clearly state your hours worked per week for every position to ensure your experience is credited correctly. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your submission aligns with current federal formatting standards.
If you have a background in procurement and a passion for supporting our nation’s veterans, this role offers the perfect blend of professional challenge and public service. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Acquisition & Utilization Specialist Job Matters
Drive excellence in veteran healthcare by managing critical procurement and clinical service acquisitions at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.
Acquisition & Utilization Specialist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an Acquisition & Utilization Specialist to join the Cincinnati VA Medical Center team. This role serves as a vital liaison and advisor, coordinating complex procurement packages, contracts, and clinical service agreements. You will work within a mission-driven environment dedicated to providing comprehensive care to those who have served in our nation's military. This position is central to ensuring that clinical and support services are effectively resourced to meet the needs of our veterans across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Requirements for Acquisition & Utilization Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- One full year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent) in federal service.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-09 level) for current or former federal employees.
- Ability to provide documentation (SF-50) demonstrating time-in-grade eligibility.
- Completion of all required application steps, including online questionnaires and assessments.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Submission of a two-page maximum resume.
Preferred Qualifications for Acquisition & Utilization Specialist
- Experience in handling contract-related services and product procurement within a healthcare environment.
- Proficiency in developing and managing performance work statements and objectives.
- Expertise in market research, cost-benefit analysis, and sole-source justifications.
- Strong negotiation skills regarding contract administration and modifications.
- Educational background including a Ph.D. or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Supportive work environment focused on whole-health care
💡 How to Apply Acquisition & Utilization Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Acquisition & Utilization Specialist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement for specific documentation requirements.
- Prepare your resume according to the strict two-page limit and upload as a PDF.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of 11/03/2026.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessment if notified after submission.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly documents your hours worked per week; a full year is considered 35-40 hours per week.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting and length requirements.
- When uploading SF-50 forms, ensure they clearly show your grade and tenure to prove time-in-grade eligibility.
- Avoid overstating qualifications; the agency does not make assumptions about skills not clearly listed.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting, and keep it under 5MB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resume length limit?
As of September 2025, federal agencies require resumes to be a maximum of two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in automatic ineligibility.
Can I qualify with education alone?
Yes, you may qualify with a Ph.D., three years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or a combination of education and specialized experience.
What if I need a reasonable accommodation for the assessment?
You may request a reasonable accommodation within the online application process before beginning the USA Hire assessments.
Is there a degree requirement?
While experience is often preferred, you can qualify with a Ph.D. or three years of graduate education.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is an on-site position at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By working at the Cincinnati VA, you become part of a Whole Health System that empowers both patients and staff to prioritize well-being.