Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Technology Contract Specialist or Sr.
Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
Technology Contract Specialist or Sr.
Location:
4655 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas, 78723, United States
Requisition ID:
req1310 Employment Type:
Unclassified Regular Full-Time (URF)
Division:
Procurement and Contracts Compensation:
$67,081.00 - 107,000.00, Annual Salary Job Closing:
December 4th at 5:00 pm, CST
WHO WE ARE Service, Respect, and Connection are core to the individual and collective TRS experience. We know that great service rests on a foundation of relationships that connect us all to an empowering and rewarding career. At TRS, we’re inspired by our community who bring authenticity and commitment to our mission to improve the retirement security of public education employees and retirees throughout Texas. As a group of achievers, we tap collaboration and innovation to raise the bar in performance, administering and counseling pensions and healthcare benefits to ensure certainty for the future of our members. We invite you to join us, where both personal and career growth are respected and where you can make a difference in our members’ lives every day.
POSITION OVERVIEW The Technology Contract Specialist performs professional contract development and solicitation work related to the procurement of automated information systems (AIS) and other technology. The incumbent will develop and monitor purchase orders and contracts, facilitate contract managers through the contracting process, and provide reporting and special project coordination. This position will proactively work with the IT Procurement Team, Contract Management Office, Business Unit staff, Procurement and Contracts (P&C) staff, and agency employees. The Technology Contract Specialist Senior performs complex professional contract development and solicitation work related to the procurement of automated information systems (AIS) and other technology through the contract execution. The incumbent will develop and monitor purchase orders and contracts, facilitate contract managers through the contracting process, and provide reporting and special project coordination. This position will proactively work with the IT Procurement Team, Contract Management Office, Business Unit staff, Procurement and Contracts (P&C) staff, and agency employees.
This is an onsite position at our Austin TX office, with the opportunity to work from home one day a week. This vacancy will be filled at one of two levels - Technology Contract Specialist or Technology Contract Specialist Sr. Selected applicant will be offered the position that most closely matches their education and experience. Salary Range Technology Contract Specialist: $67,081.00 – $90,000.00 Technology Contract Specialist Sr: $81,168.00 – $107,000.00
WHAT YOU WILL DO Contracting Process
Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, evaluation scorings, etc.
Coordinates or advises with purchasing and contracts staff, contract managers, and management to help resolve complaints involving contractors and/or prospective contractors.
Develops or evaluates specifications, statements of work and solicitation documents, including Invitations for Bid (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Offers (RFOs), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).
Develops or evaluates specifications, including conferring with vendors and agency staff, to ensure items to be purchased are accurately and completely described.
Prepares and signs purchase orders and/or contracts for goods and services; coordinates with Legal Services and/or the to evaluate service delivery, coordinate corrective actions with vendors, and negotiate extensions or modifications to contracts; and enters information into state and/or agency purchasing systems.
Prepares formal solicitation documents (including Invitation for Bid, Requests for Offer, Requests for Proposal, and Requests for Qualifications, DIR solicitations) and distributes to appropriate vendors, including Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) vendors.
Facilitates the evaluation of vendor responses to determine best value, negotiates with vendors to develop best offer/proposal, and awards purchases.
Monitors the procurement and contracting process to ensure that contractors are fairly and objectively selected.
Evaluates or negotiates contract terms, conditions, specifications, and provisions in accordance with applicable procurement law and the agency's best interests.
Works with legal staff and contractors to finalize contract and purchase order documents.
Serves as a primary point of contact for agency contract managers within assigned business unit(s) to facilitate new and existing contracts; and coordinates with L&C, purchasing staff (including the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Coordinator), accounting, management, and others as needed to ensure successful solicitation and awarding of contracts.
Advises agency managers and staff on contract-related regulations, policies, procedures, systems, best practices, issues, trends, and developments.
Participates or provides input or assists in the development of standards for contract administration activities.
Reviews requisitions for completeness and compliance prior to processing the solicitation.
May processes ProCard purchases according to TRS ProCard rules and regulations and serves as a TRS ProCard holder.
May provide guidance or assistance to other purchasing and contracts staff.
Provides guidance and expertise to other purchasing and contracts staff regarding the contracting process.
Senior
Contract Compliance
Collaborates or assists the Contract Management Office with developing a contractor oversight process, including risk assessment, monitoring plan, and evaluation criteria to ensure that contractors consistently provide quality services and that funds are spent effectively and efficiently.
Assists or maintains with the maintenance of systems for contract administration tracking, record keeping, and reporting.
Consults with contract managers in the development of bid and contract specifications and/or contract renewals and amendments.
Ensures that contracts comply with all state and agency regulations and policies, and adequately address expected deliverables, performance measures, payment methodology, and consequences for non-performance.
Assists in researching and resolving audit exceptions by defining causes of errors and recommending appropriate dispositions.
Participates in internal and external audits; research and reconciles audit exceptions; and recommends and/or implements solutions.
Senior
Reports and Special Projects
Collaborates with purchasing and contracts staff and management to research, analyze, and evaluate current agency contract administration practices, policies, procedures, guidelines, processes, systems, and forms; and develops recommendations for improvements.
Develops and delivers reports and presentations to agency management and staff regarding contract administration plans, operations, activities, achievements, and related issues.
Prepares and submits regularly scheduled and ad hoc reports.
Participates on special projects, task forces, and committees.
Provides technical assistance to procurement & contracts staff, other agency staff, and vendors regarding state and agency purchasing regulations, policies, and processes.
Performs related work as assigned.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING Required Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in supply chain management, business administration, finance, or a closely related field.
High school diploma or equivalent and additional full-time experience in contract management, development, administration, negotiations, or related experience may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Required Experience
Three (3) years of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience in contract management, development, administration, negotiations or related experience.
One (1) year of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience working with automated information systems (AIS) technology procurements, Department of Information Resource (DIR) procurements, and Request for Offers (RFO) solicitations, or related experience.
Five (5) years of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience in contract management, development, administration, negotiations, or related experience.
Senior
Two (2) year of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience working with automated information systems (AIS) technology procurements, Department of Information Resource (DIR) procurements, and Request for Offers (RFO) solicitations, or related experience.
Senior
Experience may be concurrent.
A master's degree or doctoral degree in a directly related field may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Required Registration, Certification, or Licensure
Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or equivalent, or must be obtained within six (6) months of employment if not already certified; AND:
Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) must be obtained within one (1) year of employment if not already certified.
Preferred Qualifications
One (1) year of experience with contract development and negotiations at a State of Texas governmental entity or similar setting.
One (1) year of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience using the formal solicitation process for awarding technology procurements or related experience.
Experience assisting with budget and expenditure administration, supply chain management, purchasing, or related functions.
Two (2) year of experience with contract development and negotiations at a State of Texas governmental entity or similar setting.
Senior
Two (2) years of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience using the formal solicitation process for awarding technology procurements or related experience.
Senior
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of:
State of Texas contracting, purchasing and procurement rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and processes, including the HUB program.
Texas Smart Buy.
Department of Information Resources process for IT contracts and services.
Contract administration theories, practices, techniques, rules, regulations, and related technology.
Relevant agency policies and procedures.
Skills in:
Writing contract specifications, deliverables, and terms and conditions.
Negotiating contract terms and requirements, balancing departmental and provider requirements, and resolving related issues.
Evaluating contracts and contractor performance and recommending future actions.
Collecting and evaluating complex statistical data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
Planning and project management, including planning, organizing, and coordinating work assignments to effectively meet frequent and/or multiple deadlines; handling multiple tasks simultaneously; and managing conflicting priorities and demands.
Effective and professional written and verbal communications, including preparing and delivering complex reports, presentations, bid proposals and specifications, and policies.
Using a computer in a Windows environment with word processing, spreadsheet, and other business software, including contract tracking and management systems.
Analyzing problems and devising effective solutions.
Ability to:
Provide quality customer service.
Analyze contracts to identify desirable terms and assess compliance with established standards.
Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, agency staff, and external contacts.
Work effectively in a professional team environment.
Advise staff on technical and administrative aspects of contract development and administration.
Senior
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Codes Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with experience in the Military Occupational Specialty at https://www.trs.texas.gov/files/trs-military-crosswalk.xlsx along with the minimum qualifications listed above may meet the minimum requirements and are highly encouraged to apply. Please contact Talent Acquisition at careers@trs.texas.gov with questions or for additional information.
To view all job vacancies, visit www.trs.texas.gov/careers or www.trs.csod.com/careersite.
For more information, visit www.trs.texas.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
4655 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas, 78723, United States
Requisition ID:
req1310 Employment Type:
Unclassified Regular Full-Time (URF)
Division:
Procurement and Contracts Compensation:
$67,081.00 - 107,000.00, Annual Salary Job Closing:
December 4th at 5:00 pm, CST
WHO WE ARE Service, Respect, and Connection are core to the individual and collective TRS experience. We know that great service rests on a foundation of relationships that connect us all to an empowering and rewarding career. At TRS, we’re inspired by our community who bring authenticity and commitment to our mission to improve the retirement security of public education employees and retirees throughout Texas. As a group of achievers, we tap collaboration and innovation to raise the bar in performance, administering and counseling pensions and healthcare benefits to ensure certainty for the future of our members. We invite you to join us, where both personal and career growth are respected and where you can make a difference in our members’ lives every day.
POSITION OVERVIEW The Technology Contract Specialist performs professional contract development and solicitation work related to the procurement of automated information systems (AIS) and other technology. The incumbent will develop and monitor purchase orders and contracts, facilitate contract managers through the contracting process, and provide reporting and special project coordination. This position will proactively work with the IT Procurement Team, Contract Management Office, Business Unit staff, Procurement and Contracts (P&C) staff, and agency employees. The Technology Contract Specialist Senior performs complex professional contract development and solicitation work related to the procurement of automated information systems (AIS) and other technology through the contract execution. The incumbent will develop and monitor purchase orders and contracts, facilitate contract managers through the contracting process, and provide reporting and special project coordination. This position will proactively work with the IT Procurement Team, Contract Management Office, Business Unit staff, Procurement and Contracts (P&C) staff, and agency employees.
This is an onsite position at our Austin TX office, with the opportunity to work from home one day a week. This vacancy will be filled at one of two levels - Technology Contract Specialist or Technology Contract Specialist Sr. Selected applicant will be offered the position that most closely matches their education and experience. Salary Range Technology Contract Specialist: $67,081.00 – $90,000.00 Technology Contract Specialist Sr: $81,168.00 – $107,000.00
WHAT YOU WILL DO Contracting Process
Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, evaluation scorings, etc.
Coordinates or advises with purchasing and contracts staff, contract managers, and management to help resolve complaints involving contractors and/or prospective contractors.
Develops or evaluates specifications, statements of work and solicitation documents, including Invitations for Bid (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Offers (RFOs), and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).
Develops or evaluates specifications, including conferring with vendors and agency staff, to ensure items to be purchased are accurately and completely described.
Prepares and signs purchase orders and/or contracts for goods and services; coordinates with Legal Services and/or the to evaluate service delivery, coordinate corrective actions with vendors, and negotiate extensions or modifications to contracts; and enters information into state and/or agency purchasing systems.
Prepares formal solicitation documents (including Invitation for Bid, Requests for Offer, Requests for Proposal, and Requests for Qualifications, DIR solicitations) and distributes to appropriate vendors, including Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) vendors.
Facilitates the evaluation of vendor responses to determine best value, negotiates with vendors to develop best offer/proposal, and awards purchases.
Monitors the procurement and contracting process to ensure that contractors are fairly and objectively selected.
Evaluates or negotiates contract terms, conditions, specifications, and provisions in accordance with applicable procurement law and the agency's best interests.
Works with legal staff and contractors to finalize contract and purchase order documents.
Serves as a primary point of contact for agency contract managers within assigned business unit(s) to facilitate new and existing contracts; and coordinates with L&C, purchasing staff (including the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Coordinator), accounting, management, and others as needed to ensure successful solicitation and awarding of contracts.
Advises agency managers and staff on contract-related regulations, policies, procedures, systems, best practices, issues, trends, and developments.
Participates or provides input or assists in the development of standards for contract administration activities.
Reviews requisitions for completeness and compliance prior to processing the solicitation.
May processes ProCard purchases according to TRS ProCard rules and regulations and serves as a TRS ProCard holder.
May provide guidance or assistance to other purchasing and contracts staff.
Provides guidance and expertise to other purchasing and contracts staff regarding the contracting process.
Senior
Contract Compliance
Collaborates or assists the Contract Management Office with developing a contractor oversight process, including risk assessment, monitoring plan, and evaluation criteria to ensure that contractors consistently provide quality services and that funds are spent effectively and efficiently.
Assists or maintains with the maintenance of systems for contract administration tracking, record keeping, and reporting.
Consults with contract managers in the development of bid and contract specifications and/or contract renewals and amendments.
Ensures that contracts comply with all state and agency regulations and policies, and adequately address expected deliverables, performance measures, payment methodology, and consequences for non-performance.
Assists in researching and resolving audit exceptions by defining causes of errors and recommending appropriate dispositions.
Participates in internal and external audits; research and reconciles audit exceptions; and recommends and/or implements solutions.
Senior
Reports and Special Projects
Collaborates with purchasing and contracts staff and management to research, analyze, and evaluate current agency contract administration practices, policies, procedures, guidelines, processes, systems, and forms; and develops recommendations for improvements.
Develops and delivers reports and presentations to agency management and staff regarding contract administration plans, operations, activities, achievements, and related issues.
Prepares and submits regularly scheduled and ad hoc reports.
Participates on special projects, task forces, and committees.
Provides technical assistance to procurement & contracts staff, other agency staff, and vendors regarding state and agency purchasing regulations, policies, and processes.
Performs related work as assigned.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING Required Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in supply chain management, business administration, finance, or a closely related field.
High school diploma or equivalent and additional full-time experience in contract management, development, administration, negotiations, or related experience may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Required Experience
Three (3) years of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience in contract management, development, administration, negotiations or related experience.
One (1) year of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience working with automated information systems (AIS) technology procurements, Department of Information Resource (DIR) procurements, and Request for Offers (RFO) solicitations, or related experience.
Five (5) years of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience in contract management, development, administration, negotiations, or related experience.
Senior
Two (2) year of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience working with automated information systems (AIS) technology procurements, Department of Information Resource (DIR) procurements, and Request for Offers (RFO) solicitations, or related experience.
Senior
Experience may be concurrent.
A master's degree or doctoral degree in a directly related field may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Required Registration, Certification, or Licensure
Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or equivalent, or must be obtained within six (6) months of employment if not already certified; AND:
Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) must be obtained within one (1) year of employment if not already certified.
Preferred Qualifications
One (1) year of experience with contract development and negotiations at a State of Texas governmental entity or similar setting.
One (1) year of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience using the formal solicitation process for awarding technology procurements or related experience.
Experience assisting with budget and expenditure administration, supply chain management, purchasing, or related functions.
Two (2) year of experience with contract development and negotiations at a State of Texas governmental entity or similar setting.
Senior
Two (2) years of full-time directly related, progressively responsible experience using the formal solicitation process for awarding technology procurements or related experience.
Senior
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of:
State of Texas contracting, purchasing and procurement rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and processes, including the HUB program.
Texas Smart Buy.
Department of Information Resources process for IT contracts and services.
Contract administration theories, practices, techniques, rules, regulations, and related technology.
Relevant agency policies and procedures.
Skills in:
Writing contract specifications, deliverables, and terms and conditions.
Negotiating contract terms and requirements, balancing departmental and provider requirements, and resolving related issues.
Evaluating contracts and contractor performance and recommending future actions.
Collecting and evaluating complex statistical data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
Planning and project management, including planning, organizing, and coordinating work assignments to effectively meet frequent and/or multiple deadlines; handling multiple tasks simultaneously; and managing conflicting priorities and demands.
Effective and professional written and verbal communications, including preparing and delivering complex reports, presentations, bid proposals and specifications, and policies.
Using a computer in a Windows environment with word processing, spreadsheet, and other business software, including contract tracking and management systems.
Analyzing problems and devising effective solutions.
Ability to:
Provide quality customer service.
Analyze contracts to identify desirable terms and assess compliance with established standards.
Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, agency staff, and external contacts.
Work effectively in a professional team environment.
Advise staff on technical and administrative aspects of contract development and administration.
Senior
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Codes Veterans, Reservists or Guardsmen with experience in the Military Occupational Specialty at https://www.trs.texas.gov/files/trs-military-crosswalk.xlsx along with the minimum qualifications listed above may meet the minimum requirements and are highly encouraged to apply. Please contact Talent Acquisition at careers@trs.texas.gov with questions or for additional information.
To view all job vacancies, visit www.trs.texas.gov/careers or www.trs.csod.com/careersite.
For more information, visit www.trs.texas.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr