TDA - FND - Contract Specialist (58984)
Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System, Austin, TX, United States
Food & Nutrition Contract Specialist
Salary:
$5,600 - $6,200 per month (Grade 22, B18/B20/B22)
State Classification:
Contract Specialist II/III/IV – 1980/1982/1984
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Posting Number:
26-58984-1R
Location:
Austin, TX (Physical attendance required; Telework not available)
How to Apply Apply online via
CAPPS . Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) must complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers Section.
Job Overview The Food & Nutrition Contract Specialist will work in a multifaceted environment and may perform complex to highly complex contract management, including advanced contract management. Responsibilities include contract enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. You will develop and process contracts and amendments for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food & Nutrition Division; monitor contract performance and administer the billing process for assigned contracts. Work under general/limited/minimal supervision with moderate/considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure rules and policies are well communicated with contractors.
Develop, negotiate, and process contracts and amendments for the TDA Food & Nutrition Division; monitor contract performance, including service delivery, fiscal monitoring, corrective actions, and investigate complaints regarding 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.
Perform procurement-related activities: receipts and creation of requisitions, administer the billing process by reviewing and analyzing invoices to ensure billing accuracy, review and reconcile invoicing and liquidation of purchase orders/requisitions, and manage the payment process.
Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with division policy and procedures.
Assist in developing contract administration best‑practice policies and procedures.
Provide technical assistance and interpretation on contract and procurement-related technical questions of regulatory compliance with state and federal procurement standards and related guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to TDA Food & Nutrition and partner organizations.
Provide consultation and technical assistance to program areas regarding contracting needs and processes.
Recommend contract resolution efforts regarding non‑compliance issues and contractor concerns.
Additional Responsibilities for Contract Specialist III
Participate in work groups to recommend changes to 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.
Negotiate contracts, renewals, and amendments for TDA Food & Nutrition programs.
Facilitate 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.
Additional Responsibilities for Contract Specialist IV
Lead first‑level contract resolution efforts regarding non‑compliance issues and contractor concerns.
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 Business Management section with procurement and contract related reviews, including Food Service Management Company (FSMC) RFPs and IFBs as needed.
Assist the division as needed in reviewing Organization submissions of Capital Expenditure Requests and Emergency/Sole Source Procurement Requests.
Prepare and/or review formal follow‑up correspondence to clarify procurement review findings, rebut responses, request additional documentation, and transmit final reports.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications for Contract Specialist II (B18)
Bachelor’s Degree (one year of related work experience may substitute for one year of college).
Work experience in procurement and contract functions.
Ability to obtain Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) within six (6) months of hire; maintain certifications throughout employment.
Minimum Qualifications for Contract Specialist III (B20)
Bachelor’s Degree (one year of related work experience may substitute for one year of college).
Two (2) years of work experience in procurement and contract functions.
Ability to obtain CTCM and CTCD within six (6) months of hire; maintain certifications throughout employment.
Minimum Qualifications for Contract Specialist IV (B22)
Bachelor’s Degree (one year of related work experience may substitute for one year of college).
Four (4) years of work experience in procurement and contract functions.
Must obtain CTCM and CTCD within six (6) months of hire; maintain certifications throughout employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in Business Administration or a related field.
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; negotiating contracts; developing contracts; business administration and accounting principles; and policies and procedures of contract management.
Skill in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements; write and edit contract requirements and specifications; negotiate features of a contract; communicate effectively.
Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others (for III and IV positions).
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work. Core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; limited customer service between 6:00–8:00 a.m. and 5:00–6:00 p.m. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Benefits
Voluntary AD&D Insurance
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 CAPPS Careers Section, you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and then selecting My Submissions.
Background Checks:
A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.
Foreign Credentials:
Upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Consider the following evaluation services:
Foreign Credential Services of America – 1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757-2411. Phone: 512-459-8428
SpanTran: The Evaluation Company – 2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451, Houston, TX 77057. Phone: 713-266-8805
Global Credential Evaluators, Inc. – P.O. Box 9203, College Station, TX 77842. Phone: 512-528-0908
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):
TDA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.
Reasonable Accommodations:
If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you or an HR representative at 512-463-7423.
Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference:
TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Contact our Human Resources‑Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$5,600 - $6,200 per month (Grade 22, B18/B20/B22)
State Classification:
Contract Specialist II/III/IV – 1980/1982/1984
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Posting Number:
26-58984-1R
Location:
Austin, TX (Physical attendance required; Telework not available)
How to Apply Apply online via
CAPPS . Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) must complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers Section.
Job Overview The Food & Nutrition Contract Specialist will work in a multifaceted environment and may perform complex to highly complex contract management, including advanced contract management. Responsibilities include contract enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. You will develop and process contracts and amendments for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food & Nutrition Division; monitor contract performance and administer the billing process for assigned contracts. Work under general/limited/minimal supervision with moderate/considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure rules and policies are well communicated with contractors.
Develop, negotiate, and process contracts and amendments for the TDA Food & Nutrition Division; monitor contract performance, including service delivery, fiscal monitoring, corrective actions, and investigate complaints regarding 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.
Perform procurement-related activities: receipts and creation of requisitions, administer the billing process by reviewing and analyzing invoices to ensure billing accuracy, review and reconcile invoicing and liquidation of purchase orders/requisitions, and manage the payment process.
Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with division policy and procedures.
Assist in developing contract administration best‑practice policies and procedures.
Provide technical assistance and interpretation on contract and procurement-related technical questions of regulatory compliance with state and federal procurement standards and related guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to TDA Food & Nutrition and partner organizations.
Provide consultation and technical assistance to program areas regarding contracting needs and processes.
Recommend contract resolution efforts regarding non‑compliance issues and contractor concerns.
Additional Responsibilities for Contract Specialist III
Participate in work groups to recommend changes to 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.
Negotiate contracts, renewals, and amendments for TDA Food & Nutrition programs.
Facilitate 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.
Additional Responsibilities for Contract Specialist IV
Lead first‑level contract resolution efforts regarding non‑compliance issues and contractor concerns.
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 Business Management section with procurement and contract related reviews, including Food Service Management Company (FSMC) RFPs and IFBs as needed.
Assist the division as needed in reviewing Organization submissions of Capital Expenditure Requests and Emergency/Sole Source Procurement Requests.
Prepare and/or review formal follow‑up correspondence to clarify procurement review findings, rebut responses, request additional documentation, and transmit final reports.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications for Contract Specialist II (B18)
Bachelor’s Degree (one year of related work experience may substitute for one year of college).
Work experience in procurement and contract functions.
Ability to obtain Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) within six (6) months of hire; maintain certifications throughout employment.
Minimum Qualifications for Contract Specialist III (B20)
Bachelor’s Degree (one year of related work experience may substitute for one year of college).
Two (2) years of work experience in procurement and contract functions.
Ability to obtain CTCM and CTCD within six (6) months of hire; maintain certifications throughout employment.
Minimum Qualifications for Contract Specialist IV (B22)
Bachelor’s Degree (one year of related work experience may substitute for one year of college).
Four (4) years of work experience in procurement and contract functions.
Must obtain CTCM and CTCD within six (6) months of hire; maintain certifications throughout employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in Business Administration or a related field.
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; negotiating contracts; developing contracts; business administration and accounting principles; and policies and procedures of contract management.
Skill in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements; write and edit contract requirements and specifications; negotiate features of a contract; communicate effectively.
Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others (for III and IV positions).
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work. Core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; limited customer service between 6:00–8:00 a.m. and 5:00–6:00 p.m. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Benefits
Voluntary AD&D Insurance
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 CAPPS Careers Section, you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and then selecting My Submissions.
Background Checks:
A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.
Foreign Credentials:
Upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Consider the following evaluation services:
Foreign Credential Services of America – 1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757-2411. Phone: 512-459-8428
SpanTran: The Evaluation Company – 2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451, Houston, TX 77057. Phone: 713-266-8805
Global Credential Evaluators, Inc. – P.O. Box 9203, College Station, TX 77842. Phone: 512-528-0908
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):
TDA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.
Reasonable Accommodations:
If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you or an HR representative at 512-463-7423.
Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference:
TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Contact our Human Resources‑Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr