Contract Specialist

Contract SpecialistDuration: 3 Months + Location: Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Pay Rate: $40/hr to $45/hr on W2Position SummaryThe Contracting Specialist II is responsible for managing procurement and contracting functions related to the acquisition of materials, equipment, supplies, services, and construction projects. This role supports internal departments throughout the contracting lifecycle by developing solicitation documents, administering contracts, conducting negotiations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing expert guidance on procurement policies and procedures. This is the full journey-level classification within the Contracting Specialist series. Incumbents perform a broad range of contracting activities independently and exercise sound judgment in applying procurement principles, regulations, and established policies.Key ResponsibilitiesContract Administration and Procurement Management (35%)Administer contracts and procurement activities to ensure the timely and efficient acquisition of quality goods and services.Perform contract administration duties supporting procurement operations.Conduct operational analyses and assist project managers throughout the procurement process.Interpret and apply Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for federally funded procurements.Negotiate contract terms and conditions with vendors and suppliers.Generate quarterly contract reports and provide recommendations.Assist in resolving contract-related issues and disputes.Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.Solicitation Development (15%)Conduct pre-solicitation strategy meetings with internal stakeholders.Determine the most effective procurement methods to meet organizational needs.Develop formal and informal solicitations, including Invitations for Bid (IFBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).Identify and incorporate appropriate contractual clauses and requirements.Prepare bid documents and supporting procurement materials.Solicitation and Evaluation Management (15%)Manage solicitation processes from issuance through evaluation.Conduct pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences.Facilitate public bid openings.Establish and coordinate evaluation committees.Assess bidder responsiveness and responsibility.Determine competitive ranges and request clarifications or best and final offers when appropriate.Contract Award Administration (15%)Determine the appropriate contract type for each procurement.Prepare and finalize contract documentation.Incorporate negotiated terms and conditions into agreements.Establish bonding and insurance requirements.Coordinate legal review when required.Distribute executed contracts to relevant stakeholders.Post-Award Contract Management (10%)Monitor contract performance and support departments with post-award activities.Promote ethical business practices.Provide guidance to resolve contract performance concerns.Prepare and maintain contract files for archiving and audit purposes.Compliance and Customer Support (10%)Serve as a subject matter expert on contracting matters.Provide ongoing assistance and troubleshooting to internal customers.Maintain contract and purchase order records.Research third-party contracting resources and websites.Ensure adherence to procurement regulations, policies, and procedures.Minimum QualificationsEducation Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Procurement, Finance, Law, or a related field.Experience Three (3) years of full-time professional experience in procurement, contracting, contract administration, purchasing, or a closely related field.Education and Experience Equivalency One year of relevant work experience may substitute for one year of the required education; or One year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum education requirement may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.Preferred Knowledge and SkillsKnowledge of public procurement principles and best practices. Experience developing and administering contracts and solicitations. Understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). Strong negotiation and vendor management skills. Ability to interpret laws, policies, legal documents, and contract provisions. Experience conducting bid evaluations and managing award processes. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. Leadership and Collaboration May serve as a lead worker by providing guidance, training, scheduling, and oversight of work quality. Builds effective relationships with internal departments, vendors, and external stakeholders. Exercises tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment in resolving complex issues.Work Environment Primarily office-based environment. Requires extended periods of sitting and regular use of computers and standard office equipment. May occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds.