IT Sourcing Specialist

IT Sourcing Specialist

This position is responsible for walking public bodies through the COV Ramp process and specifically working with public bodies to negotiate Cloud terms and conditions to meet their IT/Cloud hosted needs. IT Review solicitations and contracts of varying degrees of complexity and risk that are Cloud-based or Software as a Service (SaaS).

• Review and analyze IT solicitations and contracts for compliance with applicable laws, policies and guidelines such as the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and VITA's Security policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Revise solicitations and contracts, in collaboration with customer agencies, to ensure conformity with the Commonwealth's and VITA's applicable laws and policies and the customer's needs.
• Negotiate Cloud terms and conditions with suppliers in collaboration with the customer agency and VITA Security.
• Address complex contract problems and providing resolution for contract negotiations.
• Assist with the development and/or revision of Cloud terms and conditions as needed.
• Propose alternate language for problematic clauses in standard vendor service terms and service level agreements.
• Influence public bodies to make informed decisions by providing insights into contract terms and conditions, identifying potential risks associated with accepting alternate contract language, and mitigating identified risks using alternate language and appropriate contractual provisions.
• Work with autonomy to include spotting legal issues and knowing when to consult the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for legal advice and/or executive leadership for guidance.
• Assist with the development and/or revision of Cloud process documentation, resources, and guidance.
• Log and track each public body's Cloud Terms request from submission of the request form by the agency to final approval.
• Submit weekly Cloud metrics to leadership.
• Identify new developments in IT Contracting and/or Cloud-based procurements and partner with teammates and internal stakeholders to adjust processes and/or contractual terms to reflect the current market.
• Participate in the development and delivery of IT Procurement training including training on the procurement process for Cloud (COV Ramp).

Skills:

• Superior written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally
• Knowledge of various contract types and procurement methods
• Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements while identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems that arise.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and time management skills
• Ability to adapt to changing high-volume environments while maintaining a focus on the needs of the public bodies
• Strong ability to make balanced decisions under tight time sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to partner and collaborate effectively with colleagues (e.g., public bodies, leadership, stakeholders)
• Ability to plan, monitor, gather, and coordinate information, and prioritize between multiple requirements, objectives, projects, and tasks
• Deep knowledge and understanding of procurement, specifically Cloud/SaaS procurements, and the contracting process
• Ability to recognize and weigh risks in contact terms and conditions
• Expertise in interpreting and applying applicable policies and documenting contractual arrangements
• Dedicated to the highest standards of honesty, quality, and integrity
• Organized in managing documents and information with a logical, analytical approach to attain conclusions and recommendations
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to resolve complex problems
• Experience in Information Technology procurements and contracting
• Preferred experience in experience in state or local government procurement (Nice to have)
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, public administration, business management or equivalent experience (Nice to have)
• Working knowledge of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and VITA policies, guidelines, and standards (Nice to have)