Contract Manager

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

2d•$5,425 - $7,156•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Manager provides leadership and technical support for contract management activities within the Contract Management Section (CMS), from contract development through closeout. Under the supervision of the Branch Manager, the role participates in solicitation and RFP development, budget review and funding decisions, quality management, extensive contract monitoring, and other activities required by DSHS policy. The position uses initiative and independent judgment to oversee daily contract management operations, advise on enforcement and sanctions, and support compliance with applicable requirements. The Contract Manager serves as the primary point of contact for contractual accountability between the State and contractors and facilitates collaboration among contractors, program staff, Procurement and Contracting Services, and Contract Oversight and Support Section staff. The role reviews expenditure and performance data, develops and implements contract guidelines and procedures, monitors compliance with federal and state requirements, and coordinates changes arising from new laws, regulations, and agency policies. It also provides guidance to staff, supports contract development and administration, monitors performance and expenditures, provides technical assistance, and completes contract closeout. The position provides customer service to internal and external customers, including program managers, staff, contractors, stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies. Hybrid teleworking is available to applicants who reside within 50 miles of the DSHS Central Office in Austin. Travel is up to 5%.

Requirements

Experience writing reports or contract requirements.
Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience with contract-management activities, such as contract development or solicitation development.
Knowledge of contracting regulations, contract development, business administration and accounting principles, and contract-management and administration policies and procedures.
Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, quality management, competitive solicitations, state procurement, Texas budgeting and financial policies, organizational planning and development, legislative processes, and public accountability systems.
Knowledge of DSHS programs and mission, health objectives, and applicable state and federal laws, regulations, rules, policies, standards, and requirements.
Skills in management, project management, prioritization, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, preparing analyses and reports, evaluating administrative reports, and leading or coordinating diverse personnel across divisions.
Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications; interpret policies and develop operating procedures; evaluate and monitor contractor performance; and provide recommendations.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies, and procedures related to contracts.
Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
Ability to make independent technical judgments, analyze new situations, manage multiple priorities, work as part of a team, and deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.
Applicants must reside within 50 miles of the DSHS Central Office at 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, to be eligible for hybrid teleworking.
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification must be obtained within the first year of employment if the employee is not certified at hire.

Nice To Haves

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification at the time of hire.

Responsibilities

Participate in and oversee contracting activities, including RFP development, planning meetings, solicitation timelines, application development, solicitation and contract-type decisions, provider-resource identification, service descriptions, evaluation criteria, bidder questions, bidders conferences, and proposal reviews.
Coordinate and negotiate contract budget reviews, funding allocations, revised budgets, and performance measures; obtain clarifications and supplemental information from applicants; prepare work plans when appropriate; and coordinate scopes of work with the Office of General Counsel.
Monitor contract performance and compliance by examining billings, fiscal data, eligibility determinations, supporting billing documentation, expenditure and performance data, and contract deliverables; project expenditures and communicate findings and recommended actions.
Serve as the single point of contact for contractor accountability, communicate with contractors, facilitate financial and programmatic technical assistance and training, provide guidance on contract administration, and identify training needs.
Coordinate risk assessments and contract-monitoring plans, participate in coordinated onsite reviews, and work with relevant parties to resolve audit findings and recommend dispositions.
Resolve contractor issues; initiate and negotiate amendments, terminations, and sanctions; obtain required approvals; communicate changes; ensure sanctions are implemented and resolved; and complete contract closeout in accordance with DSHS policy.
Coordinate with DSHS and HHSC senior management, Contract Oversight and Support, and Contract Liaisons regarding contractor performance; maintain contractor files; hold routine planning and forecasting meetings with program staff; and support continuity of operations during emergencies.
Participate in developing contract-administration policies and procedures, support agency strategic goals, serve as a contract-management subject matter expert on workgroups, analyze contracting systems and activities, recommend improvements, manage special projects, and prepare correspondence, reports, analyses, and statistical materials.
Perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activation, which may require an alternate shift pattern or location.