TWDB - 26-38: Information Technology Contract Specialist (Contract Specialist IV)

TWDB•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking a motivated and qualified Information Technology (IT) Contract Specialist to join the Information Technology Division. This role requires expertise in state procurement laws, Department of Information Resources (DIR) rules and programs, and technology contracting, including licensing, service agreements, cybersecurity, data handling, and compliance. Performs advanced (senior-level) contract management work with a specialized focus on information technology procurements, services, and contracts. Manages the agency’s participation in the DIR Shared Technology Services (STS) program through coordination of related contract activities. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of technology-related contracts and amendments, including software, hardware, cloud services, IT staffing services, DIR cooperative contracts, and deliverables-based technology engagements. May train others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Information Technology Division.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
Five years of relevant work experience in contract development, negotiations, monitoring, management, invoicing, or payment processing.
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) OR ability to obtain certification within six months after hire date.
Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience in contracting, procurement, accounting, bookkeeping, reconciliations, budgeting, data analysis, and/or preparing financial statements.
Three years of contracting experience for the State of Texas or other governmental entity using the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD).
Experience with the Department of Information Resources (DIR) Shared Technology Services (STS) programs.
Experience with the DIR cooperative contracts and Deliverables-Based IT Services (DBITS).
Experience with the DIR cooperative contracts and IT Staffing Services.
Familiarity with TWDB agency programs, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Manages the agency's Shared Technology Services (STS) contract activities, reviewing the monthly STS invoice, and monitoring contract renewals.
Serves as a liaison between the Information Technology (IT) Division and the Procurement and Contract Services Division, particularly for technology procurements and Department of Information Resources (DIR) cooperative contract usage.
Monitors and/or tracks contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with contract terms, service level agreements, and agency policies.
Coordinates and develops contracts, amendments, and bid solicitations.
Identifies providers, defining services, evaluating bidder information, and negotiating specifications for software, hardware, cloud services, and IT engagements.
Provides guidance regarding IT contract administration, policies, and procedures.
Ensures compliance with state procurement laws and DIR rules and programs.
Assists with contract reporting, deliverables acceptance, and contract-related records management.
Tracks the status of related tasks using the agency’s information systems.
Tracks IT contract renewals, related requisitions, and board approvals.
Assists in developing bid evaluation scoring instruments for IT solicitations, including deliverables-based technology services procurements.
Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.
Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds.
May assist IT leadership with contract-related budget forecasting.
Complies with purchasing policies and regulations and ensures agency and state procurement procedures are followed in all IT procurements.
Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
Assists with evaluating vendor performance using the Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS).
Reviews contract invoices for accuracy and alignment with contract terms, service levels, and deliverables.
Verifies eligibility of expenses prior to payment processing, may work directly with the IT Contract Manager on invoice review and resolution of discrepancies.
Assists with developing IT contract administration policies and procedures.
May processes contract payments by comparing invoices against contract payment terms to verify eligibility.
Supports the coordination and facilitation of contracting related meetings such as kick-off meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.
May recommend changes to solicitation and contract boilerplate documents and other contract-related documents.
Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures.
Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance!

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