Contract Specialist

This position is responsible for contracting of goods and services through the development of effective solicitations, competitive negotiation, and contract administration.

Performs work of considerable difficulty with minimal supervision in management of competitive procurement process, both formal and informal, in compliance with the laws, regulations and institutional policies and procedures.

Develops and prepares Request for Proposals (RFPs), Invitation for Bids (IFBs), Request for Quotations (RFQs) and resultant contracts for materials and services needed by the institution.

Coordinate, assist, research, analyze, and develop scope of work, specifications, evaluation methods, and criteria.

Administer the solicitation process. Plan, coordinate, and conduct pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences.

Provide leadership, guidance, educate and advise using departments and evaluation committee through the entire RFP/IFB process of evaluating bids and proposals.

Reviewing bids from vendors for conformity with contract requirements; determining acceptable bids; negotiating contracts and amendments.

Review and analyze justifications for award/non-award to insure the integrity of procurement policies and procedures.

Identify, evaluate the benefits and participation of state contracts, cooperative procurements and GPOs.

Serve as a mediator between contractors, firm's legal counsel, and institution's general counsel's office during the development of contracts, and bid/contract disputes.

Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with representative of business, industry and other institutions to agree on terms of contract and to assure fulfillment of these terms to obtain timely delivery of goods or performance of services at the most reasonable price.

Experienced in the utilization of computerized purchasing systems and microcomputers and application software. Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and the Internet for research.

Ability to prepare accurate reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. This position works with people at all levels of the organization.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management or related field, or equivalent years of experience.

Three (3) years experience in procurement contract administration including complex bids and professional services contracts required. Prefer CPM certification and experience in the higher education and healthcare environment.