GA - DHS Contract Development Specialist

Contract Development Specialist

Legal or paralegal experience, preferably working directly with contract law. Required 2 Years

Level 3 Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C). Required

Knowledge of current and legally binding contractual language and terminology. Required

Knowledge of negotiation best practices, both in person and in written form, that considers cultural norms and the clients best interests. Required

Experience with DocuSign CLM System. Required 2 Years

Hybrid role, MUST be local to Metro Atlanta

Within the new Office of Contract Administration (OCA), each team will include Contract Development Specialists (CDS). The CDS will be responsible for utilizing the newly implemented DocuSign contract management system to develop or review contracting documents associated with each New Contracting Request (NCR) submitted. Contracts will be developed or reviewed using pre-loaded templates or a vendor-prepared agreement.

If pre-loaded DHS templates are used to prepare the contracting agreements, the assigned CDS will be responsible for developing and reviewing system-generated draft documents using the pre-selected template. Their review will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Validate inclusion of all necessary clauses and annexes in the contract documents.
• Validate essential budget information and payment provisions are included, align with the information provided by the Requesting Office, and are consistent throughout the contract; and,
• Ensure all preliminary internal approvals (Procurement, Legal Consultation, Initial Budget Review) have been completed, and factor in commentary or suggestions provided by other processing teams into the contracting documents (if applicable).

For vendor-prepared agreements, the CDS will conduct an initial review to ensure inclusion of all necessary components (e.g., deliverables, contact information for parties responsible for contract management, payment terms) and attachments (if applicable). If anything is missing or needs correction, the CDS will make note of items to be addressed and tag the requesting office in the system for correction. Once CDS review is complete, the draft agreement will be forwarded to the assigned Contracts Attorney for full legal review. Once legal review is complete, if any needed alterations result from the Contracts Attorneys review, the CDS will facilitate those changes being communicated to the requesting office for the vendor to address.

Additionally, while the State is transitioning from PeopleSoft to WorkDay, the CDS will assist with approving requisitions within TeamWorks for contracts that will have invoices paid by the DHS Accounts Payable team.

The CDS will be responsible for completing similar tasks to facilitate the processing of amendments, extensions, or renewals during the life or end term of contracts.

Responsibilities for Contract Development Specialist (CDS):

• Prepare contractual agreements using the DocuSign CLM System, knowing the clients needs and the ability to fulfil its requirements.
• Collaborate with legal team of attorneys for completion of the contract process.
• Choose prepared language appropriate for agreements processed for review.
• Assure that all necessary clauses and details are in the contract.
• Self-monitor the progress of contract formation according to the schedule of completion and submit drafts and documents in a timely manner.
• Proofread and edit legal agreements for accuracy and consistency according to a preapproved legal template.

Qualifications for Contract Development Specialist (CDS):

• 2+ years of legal or paralegal experience, preferably working directly with contract law.
• 3 level Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C)
• Knowledge of current and legally binding contractual language and terminology.
• Willingness to work virtually or in an office setting.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and suggest solutions for problems, customer complaints, and client concerns.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including an impeccable mastery of the English language.
• Clear adherence to company policies and procurement rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of negotiation best practices, both in person and in written form, that considers cultural norms and the clients best interests.