CONTRACTS SPECIALIST

The Division of Administration/Disaster Recover Unit (DRU) has a vacancy. This job is Unclassified. The Louisiana Office of Community Development (LOCD) administers Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery and Mitigation (CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT) grants and other federal and state funding allocated to the State of Louisiana. These programs support long-term recovery, resilience, and mitigation for communities affected by Presidentially Declared Disasters. OCD’s grant portfolio exceeds $20 billion and encompasses multiple federal awards, each containing numerous programs, funding activities, and implementation timelines. This is a professional level position designed to implement disaster recovery programs under the Office of Community Development (OCD). This position is responsible for assisting with the administration, procurement, and management of contracts and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) necessary for program implementation, while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. The position requires working knowledge of Louisiana procurement laws and the State procurement system, as well as an understanding of contract lifecycle management, CDBG disaster recovery, Resilient Communities Infrastructure Program (RCIP) and Mitigation programs, FEMA programs, and other federal and state recovery initiatives. The position will support the Contracts Manager and internal departments’ implementation of disaster recovery programs. Preferred Competencies Communicating Effectively : The ability to convey ideas and information using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement. Displaying Professionalism : The ability to uphold workplace standards through consistent conduct and responsible communication with consideration of others. Demonstrating Initiative : The ability to achieve thoroughness and completeness of tasks and assess situations independently and take proactive steps to address them without being prompted or instructed by others. Technical Proficiency : The ability to navigate Microsoft applications and aptitude to learn new software to streamline work thus improving efficiency. The Division of Administration is the state government’s management arm and the hub of its financial operations. Division offices perform a wide variety of activities including the following: Overseeing the state’s capital construction program Working to provide state and federal grants for community development Development of the state budget Providing technology services Giving agencies guidance in the state purchasing and contracting process as they seek goods and services Administering a program that provides federal funds to help Louisiana residents recover from a series of devastating hurricane A baccalaureate degree plus two years of professional level experience in drafting and/or processing contracts, grant writing, or procurement. Substitutions Six years of full‑time professional experience in disaster recovery may substitute for degree. A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience or two (2) years for a specialized degree in related fields. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT) programs Knowledge of Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program Experience with Louisiana State procurement systems (i.e. LaGov SRM and LESA) Professional experience with Contract and RFP Development Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Essential Job Functions Draft contracts, amendments, request for proposals, memorandum of understanding, letters and other correspondence in support of department needs. Data entry into State accounting systems to create vendor accounts for contract payments. Tracking and logging the approval process of contracts as it routes through reviewing agencies; providing requested information and notifying necessary parties regarding issues and providing assisting with resolutions. Maintain contract spreadsheet for centralized tracking, data extraction and performance monitoring. Acquire and process necessary signatures and supporting documents for agency approvals. Oversee contract language and expenditures comply with state and federal rules and regulations and agency‑specific program policies. Provide highly responsible and complex technical support for program efforts to division Director or designee and OCD management. Prepare Requests for Proposal (RFP) with input from Contracts Manager, the Office of State Procurement, Program Manager, LOCD financial staff and LOCD legal staff. RFP Preparation and Submission RFP data entry into Louisiana eProcurement Solutions by Ariba (LESA) and Louisiana Procurement and Contract Network (LaPAC) platforms for advertisement. Issuance of notice of RFP. Assessment of written questions from interested parties and publication of written responses. Coordinate selection of evaluation committee and evaluation meetings to review responses to RFP. Review proposals for technical compliance with RFP. Coordination of oral presentations from responsive proposers. Notify parties regarding intentions to award contract. Coordinate with necessary parties, including program manager, LOCD Financial staff and LOCD legal staff, for contract negotiation with the successful proposer(s). Collect and verify accuracy of supporting documents to accompany executed contracts routing through the Office of Finance and Support Services (OFSS), Office of State Procurement (OSP) and other State agencies for final approval. Attend training and technical workshops relevant to procurement and contractual processes and disaster recovery efforts. Perform other program duties as assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr