TDA-FND-CONTRACT SPECIALIST (64123)

Job Description

FOOD & NUTRITION CONTRACT SPECIALIST

Salary Information : $5,600.00 - $6,200.00 / MO. - B22

State Classification : Contract Specialist IV-1984 (Level II, III, and IV)

FLSA Status : Exempt

Posting Number : 25-64123-1R

Location : Austin , TX

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS . Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit : https : / / capps.taleo.net / careersection / 551 / jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

This position will work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment performing highly advanced (contract management work, including contract enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts. You will be responsible for ensuring that rules and policies are well communicated with contractors. You will develop, negotiate, and process contracts and amendments for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food & Nutrition (F&N) Division; monitor contract performance, including service delivery, fiscal monitoring, corrective actions, and investigating complaints relating to contract performance; interpret and clarify USDA regulations, standards, policies, and procedures to improve program operation and performance; review contractor billings and resolve billing rejections and / or issues. This position handles relatively complex contract applications, identifies training needs, assists with developing training materials, and provides training to contract or department staff to enhance performance and correct noncompliance issues. This position will also be involved in the division's process improvement efforts and will carry out special assignments as required. You will work under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the division in developing and managing requisitions, solicitations, contracts, renewals, extensions, and amendments; directing timeline development; leading to the development of evaluation tools for bid responses. Lead or facilitate negotiations of contracts, contract renewals, extensions, and amendments.

Participate in work groups to recommend changing contract-related documents. Monitor legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting. Handle routine reporting activities and special projects / tasks internal / external to the unit as assigned.

Performs procurement related activities which may include but not limited to the receipts and creation of requisitions, administering the billing process by reviewing and analyzing of invoices to ensure billing; reviewing and reconciling data for invoicing; and managing the payment process.

Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with the division policy and procedures. Assist with developing contract administration best practice policies and procedures. Start, develop, negotiate, process, and manage contracts, renewals, and amendments for TDA F&N programs.

Provide technical assistance and interpretation on contract and procurement-related technical questions of regulatory compliance with applicable state and federal procurement standards and related guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to TDA F&N and Contracting Entities.

Provide consultation and technical assistance to program areas regarding contracting needs and processes. Lead first-level contract resolution efforts regarding non-compliance issues and contractor concerns. Communicate with contractors verbally and in writing regarding extensions, renewals, and remedies associated with non-compliance.

Assist the division as needed in reviewing CE submissions of Capital Expenditure Requests and Emergency / Sole Source Procurement Requests. Prepare and / or review formal follow-up correspondence as necessary to further explain or clarify procurement review findings, rebut responses to findings, request additional documentation required of CEs, and transmit final reports.

Assist with developing and executing statewide procurement and contracting education, training workshops, and use of effective and efficient tools and resources.

Conduct training related to contract management processes and procedures and support the compliance section with procurement and contract related reviews, to include FSMCs, on a limited basis, as needed to assist with division workflow.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONTRACT SPECIALIST IV - LEVEL II ($5,600 - $5,750 / MO.)

Bachelor's Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum two (2) years' work experience in procurement and with contract functions.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONTRACT SPECIALIST IV - LEVEL III ($5,800 - $5,950 / MO.)

Bachelor's Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum three (3) years' work experience in procurement and with contract functions.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONTRACT SPECIALIST IV - LEVEL IV ($6,000 - $6,200 / MO.)

Bachelor's Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Minimum four (4) years' work experience in procurement and with contract functions.

Requirement for all Levels (II-IV) : Ability to obtain Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD, formerly Certified Texas Procurement Manager - CTPM) within six (6) months of hire. Certifications must be kept current / valid throughout employment with the agency.

PREFERRED

Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in business administration or a related field.

Current Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification).

Current Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD certification).

Work experience with the Texas Centralized Accounting and Payroll / Personnel System (CAPPS).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, regulations, and best practices; of negotiating contracts; of developing contracts; of business administration and accounting principles and practices; and of policies and procedures of contract management.

Skill in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers; and the use of a computer and applicable software, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements; to write and edit contract requirements and specifications; to negotiate features of a contract; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will work in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 1 5%

• of the work period), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two ( 2 ) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth by F&N Division and in the agency's Telework Policy.

H-1B VISA SPONSORSHIP

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include :

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) : The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference : TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https : / / texasskillstowork.com / , https : / / www.onetonline.org / , or http : / / www.careeronestop.org / for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications / requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Program Management and Procurement MOS Codes.

Salary : $5,600 - $6,200