Enhancing the Professionalism of Purchasing Agents (GS 1105s) within the Department of the Army

摘要

This thesis reviews current efforts to enhance the professionalism of U.S. Army purchasing agents (GS 1105s) assigned in the Forces Command, Training and Doctrine Command and the Aviation Systems Command. Objectives of this study are to characterize these efforts and to provide recommendations, where appropriate, on how to improve the status of this workforce in view of their purchasing transactions and contracting procedures used to affect such procurements. In summary, recent efforts to promote the status of purchasing agents have been substantive; however, further development of the series is still needed. Recommendations include redesignating current AVSCOM GS 1105 positions to contract specialist (GS 1102) positions and implementing the researcher's Proposed Career Plan for U.S. Army GS 1105s for FORSCOM and TRADOC purchasing agents. This career plan both promotes the use of career bridging by GS 1105s to occupationally progress into the GS 1102 series and recommends that GS 1105s be required to attain an associate degree in order to remain in their current position. (Theses)