19-61- Contract Specialist III

Performs highly complex (senior-level) contract development, management and monitoring work. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts and grants. May train others. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Contracting and Purchasing Department.

·        Monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies.

·        Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.

·        Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds.

·        Identifies training needs and conducts training.

·        Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.

·        Provides guidance regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures.

·        Resolves audit exceptions by defining causes of errors and recommending appropriate dispositions.

·        Reviews and revises existing contracts.

·        Produces contract deliverables in coordination with business, legal and fiscal stakeholders.

·        Assists with the processing of contract renewals and amendments.

·        Complies with purchasing policies and regulations and insures agency and state procurement procedures are followed in all procurements.

·        Supports the development of contracts/grants by identifying resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by respondents/applicants, and negotiating contract specifications.

·        Supports the coordination and facilitation of contracting related meetings such as kick-off meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.

·        Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures.

·        Maintains confidential and sensitive information.

·        Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.

·        Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.

·        May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

·        Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Business Administration or a related field. 

·        Five years of experience in contract development and/or bid specification development.

·        Full-time business analysis, project administration or closely related experience may be substituted for required education on a year for year basis.

·        Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

·        Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Contracting and Purchasing department; and of the principles and practices of public administration.

·        Knowledge of state and federal contracting regulations and procurement rules.

·        Knowledge of negotiating contracts, of developing contracts.

·        Knowledge of business administration and accounting principles and practices.

·        Knowledge of policies and procedures of contract management.

·        Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.

·        Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

·        Ability to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.

·        Ability to prioritize and multi-task projects in a fast-paced work environment.

·        Ability to take initiative to effectively monitor and manage workload.

·        Ability to pay attention to details.

·        Ability to effectively handle difficult situations and provide excellent customer service.

·        Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

·        Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.

·        Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.

·        Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.

·        Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.

·        Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.

·        Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.

·        Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

·        Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.

·        Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.

·        Ability to manage multiple tasks.

·        Ability to stand/sit/move with no physical limitations or aids to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.

·        Ability and willingness to travel 5% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.

·        Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.

·        Ability to work days that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.

·        Ability to train others.