TDA- FND- Contract Specialist (Internal Posting – Open to Current TDA Employees Only – 5 Day Posting) (58984) (00043485)
Organization: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Primary Location: Texas-Austin
Work Locations: SFA OFFICES AUSTIN - 10 FLOOR 1700 N. Congress Ste. 1100 Austin 78701
Job: Office and Administrative Support
Schedule: Full-time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Salary (Pay Basis): 4,500.00 - 5,200.00 (Monthly)
Job Posting: Jul 3, 2024, 5:14:24 PM
Closing Date: Jul 12, 2024, 11:59:00 PM
Description
FOOD & NUTRITION CONTRACT SPECIALIST
(Internal Posting – Open to Current TDA Employees Only – 5 Day Posting)
Salary Information: B20, $4,500.00 - $5,200.00/MO.
State Classification: Contract Specialist III - 1982
FLSA Status: Exempt
Posting Number: 24-58984-1
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/551jobsearch.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
The Contract Specialist works in a fast paced, multi-faceted environment performing highly complex (senior-level) contract management work, including contract review, maintenance, and monitoring. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts. Develop, negotiate, and process contracts and amendments for contracting entities (CEs) and Education Service Centers (ESCs) for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food & Nutrition (F&N) Division; monitor contract performance, including service delivery, fiscal monitoring, corrective actions/sanctions, 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. Participate in identifying training needs, assists with developing training materials, and provides training to contract or department staff to enhance performance and correct noncompliance issues. Involved in divisions’ process improvement efforts and will carry out special assignments as required. You will work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Participate in TDA F&N activities for solicitations, contracts, and amendments, including developing solicitation activities; managing the development of solicitations, contract renewals, extensions, and amendments; and directing timeline development. Participate in or facilitate negotiations of contracts, contract renewals, extensions, and amendments.
Participate in work groups to make recommendations to change contract-related documents. Monitor legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting. Handles routine reporting activities and special projects/tasks internal/external to the unit as assigned
Administer the billing process for contractors by reviewing and analyzing invoices to ensure appropriate billing by the contractor; reviews and reconciles data for invoicing contractors; and manage the payment process.
Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with policy and procedures. Assist with developing contract administration policies and procedures. Initiate, develop, negotiate, process, and manage contracts, renewals, and amendments for TDA F&N programs.
Provide orientation, 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, CEs, and Food Service Management (FSMC).
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 with developing and executing statewide procurement and contracting education, training workshops, and use of effective and efficient tools and resources.
Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION
Bachelor’s Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).
Two (2) years of work experience in procurement, contracting functions, and/or reviewing vendor invoices.
Certified Texas Procurement Manager (CTPM) or ability to obtain within 90 days.
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS
Work experience with the Texas Centralized Accounting, Personnel & Payroll 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.
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 communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & 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 10%*), 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 in the Telework Policy.
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 Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees
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.
- A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day.
Equal Employment Oppo10tunity (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 Property Management and Procurement MOS Codes.