IT Procurement Officer

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health & Human Services (DHHS), Office of Procurement and Grants in Operations, is seeking an IT Procurement Officer. This role involves navigating complex negotiations, managing contracts, and optimizing purchasing processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, with a specific focus on IT purchasing and contracts. DHHS provides comprehensive training, development opportunities, and career pathing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field AND three years procurement related experience.
• Experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Knowledge of software and hardware licensing technical specifications and features.
• Knowledge of state purchasing regulations, methods, procedures, and business practices to make purchases involving specialized requirements.
• Knowledge of solicitation or purchasing methods.
• Knowledge of price analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of various procurement clauses.
• Knowledge of post award procedures.
• Skill in analyzing descriptions that have unique aspects and many critical characteristics.
• Skill in maintaining effective work relationships with internal and external entities.
• Skill in researching and evaluating products, services, productivity and processes.
• Skill in writing bid specifications/service contracts.
• Skill in evaluating bids.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to develop and enforce purchasing procedures, regulations, and statutes.
• Possess and demonstrate effective oral, written and listening skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret various documents.
• Ability to train others in performing duties and tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Fundamental knowledge and/or experience with information technology specifications, systems, design or analysis, including but not limited to experience procuring informal technology services through direct agreements or competitive proposals.
• Working knowledge of JD Edwards or similar integrated ERP system.
• Experience with public sector contract, procurement, or purchasing experience – federal, state, or local.
• Experience with planning, developing, and drafting/managing contracts.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing of complex and highly technical information technology hardware and software, including establishing and negotiating agreements, sourcing to resellers or new contracts, and receiving proper approvals.
• Performing detailed review of purchase requests for highly technical, scientific, large volume and high cost goods, equipment, services in terms of adequacy, consistency, restrictiveness of specifications or descriptions, compliance with administrative requirements, and availability of funds.
• Performing contract management functions, including ensuring deliverables are received, specifications are met, management of licensing agreements, and processing of payments for hardware and software purchases, meeting with contractors and agency personnel when vendor performance issues arise on purchase orders and/or contracts.
• Preparing detailed quote requests, incorporating the technical description of product required, the delivery requirements, and when applicable, the terms and conditions of anticipated contract.
• Reviewing quotes for price reasonableness and determining if requirements for competition have been met.
• Evaluating quotes in terms of price, item, discount, transportation, costs, and delivery time and determining the offer most advantageous to the government.
• Negotiating with vendors on a variety of procurement issues.
• Preparing purchase orders and performing post-award follow-up.
• Selecting and using the appropriate method to confirm or place the order primarily by using a purchase order against an established contract.
• Directing the development and implementation of agency-wide procurement regulations and procedures, in accordance with statutes and regulations administered by the State Material Administrator.
• Meeting/interacting with vendors, contractors, DAS State Purchasing and agency end-users.
• Providing guidance regarding the State Procurement Bureau policies, procedures, and regulations concerning products and services.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training and development opportunities
• Career pathing
• Comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level