OVERVIEW:
The Northwest Native APEX Accelerator (NN APEX) supports Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian-owned businesses entering the government marketplace to sell their goods and services to government agencies.
We are seeking a Procurement Counselor on a one-year, grant-funded contract (with potential renewal pending continued federal funding). This position will play a critical role in delivering technical assistance, training, and outreach to Native-owned businesses across our tri-state service area.
The Procurement Counselor will guide clients through federal, state, local, and tribal procurement processes, including registrations, certifications, bid preparation, and contract performance. This position is part of the integrated Technical Assistance (TA) team at NWNC, ensuring clients receive wraparound support for procurement, business development, capital readiness, and workforce needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide direct client advising and technical assistance by supporting Native-owned businesses with government contracting topics, including registrations, certifications, proposal development, pricing strategies, and post-award compliance.
- Provide one-on-one advising to Native-owned businesses on government contracting topics, including registrations, certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB), proposal development, pricing strategies, and post-award compliance.
- Guide clients through federal and state procurement databases (e.g., SAM.gov, OMWESB, SBA certifications), ensuring readiness to compete for contracts.
- Conduct tailored assessments of client readiness and create individualized action plans for entering or expanding in government markets.
Plan, design, and deliver training, outreach, and education through workshops, webinars, procurement fairs, and culturally responsive content aligned with NWNC’s integrated Technical Assistance model.
- Plan, design, and deliver training workshops and webinars on procurement processes, compliance, certifications, and business development strategies.
- Organize and participate in procurement fairs, industry days, and networking events, representing NN APEX and expanding visibility for Native-owned businesses.
- Create culturally responsive training content aligned with NWNC’s integrated Technical Assistance (TA) model, ensuring holistic support for Native entrepreneurs.
Identify and support bid opportunities by conducting market research, assisting clients with solicitation reviews, bid decisions, and providing post-award technical assistance.
- Conduct market research and bid matching to identify contract and subcontract opportunities that align with client capabilities.
- Review solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs) with clients and support them in bid/no-bid decisions.
- Provide post-award technical assistance, including compliance and performance support.
Develop and maintain partnerships and stakeholder engagement to expand client access to contracting opportunities and represent NN APEX and NWNC at procurement-related forums.
- Build and maintain relationships with federal agencies, prime contractors, state/local procurement officials, and tribal government entities to expand client access to opportunities.
- Represent NN APEX and NWNC at regional and national procurement-related forums, increasing visibility and advocacy for Native-owned firms.
Ensure program compliance, reporting, and data management by maintaining accurate client records, tracking outcomes, and supporting audits in alignment with grant requirements and organizational policies.
- Maintain accurate client data and case notes in the CRM system to ensure compliance with federal award metrics and reporting standards.
- Track and report program outcomes (e.g., contracts won, clients served) for submission to DLA and NWNC leadership.
- Support internal and external audits, ensuring alignment with grant requirements and NWNC policies.
Collaborate across programs and support organizational initiatives by working with NWNC’s Technical Assistance team to integrate services and contribute to Native-owned business growth.
- Collaborate with NWNC’s Technical Assistance (TA) team to coordinate client referrals and integrate procurement counseling into broader business development services (capital readiness, workforce, etc.).
- Contribute to organizational initiatives that advance NWNC’s mission of supporting Native-owned business growth.
Participate in other duties as assigned, including professional development, special projects, event support, and emerging program priorities under the direction of leadership.
- Participate in professional development to remain current on government procurement trends, regulations, and tools.
- Assist with special projects, event staffing, or emerging program priorities at the direction of the Program Manager or NWNC leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in government contracting, procurement counseling, or related federal award management.
- Prior experience advising small businesses on federal, state, and local contracting requirements.
- Strong familiarity with SAM.gov, certification programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB), and procurement regulations.
- Experience working with Native-owned or tribally affiliated businesses preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and facilitation.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.
- Proficiency with Google Suite and CRM/database systems; ability to learn new platforms quickly.
- Willingness to travel frequently within the tri-state region, including overnight travel and occasional evening/weekend events.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Hybrid Remote work environment, with extensive travel required across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
- Frequent use of computer and phone for advising sessions, virtual trainings, and reporting.
- Ability to lift/move up to 10 lbs regularly and occasionally up to 25 lbs.
HIRING STATEMENT:
This is a one-year contractual position, with potential renewal contingent upon continued federal funding. This role reflects NWNC’s new integrated model, combining APEX procurement services into our broader Technical Assistance program to better serve Native-owned businesses.
Qualified enrolled citizens of federally recognized Tribes or Native Alaskans are highly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a cover letter (including your experience with federal contracting or procurement programs), resume, and three professional references.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, OR 97239
