Contract Specialist III

Contract Specialist IIIThe Contract Specialist III assists the Contracts & Procurement Manager and the Director of Contracts, Procurement, and Accounts Payable in meeting agency contract, procurement, and service needs; Ensures that contract and procurement processes are in compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, procedures, and requirements; Coordinates and effectively carries out management duties for agency contracts and encumbrances; Coordinates procurement of goods and services including reviewing requisitions, determining method of procurement, preparing bid documents, and negotiating contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority; Participates in Procurement Management Teams; Educates agency personnel on procurement policies; Provides technical assistance to vendors and staff; Recommends internal and external policy changes and procedural improvements. Duties include: Review and analyze contract forms and procurement documents for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Establish, input, and manage contract and procurement encumbrances in MOSAIC, COMMBUYS, and HRIS systems. Review requisitions submitted by agency personnel to determine compliance and appropriate procurement methods. Obtain vendor information regarding pricing, availability, and delivery schedules. Develop and execute Requests for Responses (RFRs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and bid documents. Prepare purchase orders, contracts, scopes of work (SOWs), and related documentation. Negotiate contracts and resolve issues related to goods and services. Maintain procurement and contract databases ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Provide technical assistance to agency personnel and vendors. Participate in Procurement Management Teams and monitor compliance. Develop and improve procurement and contract procedures and training materials. Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation. Train staff on procurement systems and procedures. Ensure timely preparation and distribution of documentation. Resolve discrepancies in a timely and professional manner. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of state procurement and accounting procedures and terminology Knowledge of MOSAIC and COMMBUYSMinimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or technical experience in business administration, management or public administration, the major duties of which included contract management or contract administration and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, management, public administration or law may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, management, public administration or law may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.* *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience. Special Requirements: None.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.