Complex Procurement - Contract Specialist IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

2d•$4,801 - $5,667

About The Position

The Contract Specialist IV performs purchasing activities before contract execution for the Complex Procurement Section of the Procurement and Contracting Services Division at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The team solicits moderately complex health care services using RFP and RFQ methods. The role works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude to use initiative and independent judgment, and collaborates with stakeholders to complete procurement tasks within established timelines. Responsibilities include receiving requisitions; reviewing scopes of work; selecting procurement methods; preparing evaluation criteria and solicitation documents; advertising solicitations; processing responses; and coordinating respondent proposal evaluations. The position also develops, reviews, and tracks solicitation and contract documents; coordinates procurement timelines with program staff; supports compliance with state purchasing laws and HHSC policies; monitors correspondence and action items, including Open Records requests; represents PCS at procurement-related meetings; and maintains procurement files. The position may support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation. It is based in Austin, Texas, and may be eligible for telework, subject to agency policy, supervisor discretion, and business needs. A Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) credential is required within six months of hire.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in work related to purchasing, solicitation development, project management, contract management, or case management.
Obtain Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification within six months of hire.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing.
Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures.
Knowledge of Texas procurement principles and practices.
Problem-solving skills, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain information.
Critical-thinking skills.
Ability to prioritize and schedule work in a fast-paced environment and multitask under tight timelines.
Attention to detail.
Ability to logically assemble and evaluate information.
Ability to work effectively on a team and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to provide good customer service.
Ability to train others.
Ability to use a computer and applicable software, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the State of Texas.
Project management experience.
Basic SharePoint skills.
Basic Microsoft Project skills.

Responsibilities

Develop, review, and track solicitation and contract documents, ensuring compliance throughout the procurement cycle.
Coordinate the development and implementation of solicitation timelines with program staff, revise timelines as necessary, and communicate changes.
Ensure agency procurements comply with state purchasing laws and HHSC policies and procedures.
Monitor correspondence, issues, and action items to facilitate timely responses and resolution, including processing Open Records requests.
Represent Procurement and Contracting Services at meetings related to anticipated or in-flight procurements.
Maintain procurement files in compliance with state purchasing, records-retention, HHSC, and PCS requirements.
Perform other assigned duties, including supporting agency disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activation.
Provide customer service aligned with PCS principles, including responsiveness, clear expectations, transparency, courtesy, consistency, resourcefulness, receptiveness to complaints, and continuous improvement.
Attend work regularly according to the agreed schedule and agency leave policy.
Receive requisitions, review scopes of work, select procurement methods, prepare evaluation criteria and solicitation documents, advertise solicitations, process responses, and coordinate proposal evaluations.