Contract Evaluator/Negotiator (CEN)

Position Overview

Under general supervision from contract evaluator/negotiator supervisor or other higher-level supervisor, independently survey, monitor, evaluate and inspect public child care programs, group home and residential programs, agencies, caregivers, operations, facilities; writes and develops contracts, analyzes proposed contracts, evaluates contract provisions, determines appropriateness of contract for intended purposes, determines contracts legal compliance and negotiates contract with providers of goods and services according to established procedures, policies and regulations. The Contract Evaluator is responsible for preparing various reports including vouchers, bid specifications, Requests for Proposals and Requests for Quotes.

Summary of Job Duties

Evaluates, writes and develops contracts and other related agency documents, reviews and analyzes proposed contracts and invoices for accuracy and for adherence to applicable agency, state and/or federal statutes, regulations, rules, policies and/or procedures prior to negotiations, ensures that provisions from administrative costs conform to federal guidelines, prepares correspondence for local office and/or inter-office communications regarding changes and adjustments indicated by review and evaluation, negotiates changes, approves contract and prepares legal binding contract for signature. Independently survey, monitor, evaluate and inspect public childcare programs, group home and residential programs, agencies, caregivers, operations and facilities to assess that developmentally appropriate services are rendered to children in compliance with applicable safety and health standards licensing and/or certification standards and regulations and recommend licensure/certification and/or enforcement. Independently survey, monitor, evaluate and inspect Work Experience (WEP) sites for placement.

Provides technical assistance to contracted services at all stages of program to ensure continuing compliance, develops and assists in development of procedures and forms for systematic review of grant proposal, reviews reports submitted on expenditures, communicates by telephone or makes on-site visits to verify compliance with contract provisions, assists grantee in maintaining fiscal control and ensuring compliance with federal accounting procedures, makes contract budget decisions and reviews, records and processes contractual invoices for payment.

Assist other units in the MCDJFS units with field investigations, vouchering procedures and financial reports. Provides technical assistance to staff members prior to, during and after contract negotiations regarding most effective means of complying with state and federal laws and regulations; prepares reports for use by staff members in maintaining fiscal control over use of funds; provides technical assistance to staff of related units regarding contract implementation, vouchering procedures and computer information analysis; provides summaries and reports of possible misuse of funds under contract arrangements to program compliance and service delivery staff for further investigation; assists in continual review of state and federal laws, regulations and policies affecting contracted services. Assists in development and maintenance of records control systems for contracts, reports and related supporting documentation and cooperates with other units or departments for system implementation; prepares reports for management concerning amendments, cancellations or renewals, assists in training of personnel engaged in entering contract data to computer bank and trains local offices in use and capability of current computer system; assists in preparation of financial reports.

(Performs Related Duties as Required)

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements