Procurement Contracts Officer

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is hiring a Procurement Contracts Officer in Lincoln, Nebraska. The role is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a federal initiative intended to strengthen and improve rural health care services. Nebraska participates in the program through funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The position oversees procurement, contract, and subaward activities supporting the program, from development and negotiation through monitoring and closeout. The position is located on-site at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln. The successful candidate will apply state and federal requirements, manage a portfolio of contracts and subawards, coordinate with program staff and other stakeholders, and support fiscal responsibility and best value. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations, or a related field, and five years of procurement experience; experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of and ability to properly execute the State’s policies and procedures.
Knowledge of basic accounting and procurement practices.
Ability to read and understand state statutes, rules and regulations, and standard operating procedures, and apply them as applicable.
Ability to investigate, analyze, and document information to draw conclusions and solve problems.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents, and train others in performing duties and tasks.
Ability to use critical thinking and common-sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in various forms.
Ability to apply logic to understand and interpret agency business processes.
Ability to make timely decisions and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, using input from others as appropriate.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, be highly motivated, and thrive in a team-oriented atmosphere.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with employees, customers, and vendors.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and effective listening skills.
Detail-oriented and able to work with a wide variety of people and programs.
Knowledge of computer systems, including time and attendance, information, financial, and purchasing systems, and related policies and regulations.
Experience with MS Word, MS Excel, and other purchasing-specific software programs.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with federal grants, scopes of work, service contracts, government contracting, or other procurement activities.
Experience recommending and applying policies and procedures, resolving problems, and coordinating projects.
SharePoint experience and knowledge of JD Edwards Enterprise 1 are helpful but not essential.
Knowledge of purchasing practices, organizational structures, functions, policies and procedures, communications, and objectives as they relate to program and contract management, as well as state contracting regulations.

Responsibilities

Oversee development and administration of Requests for Applications (RFAs), and draft and execute Statements of Work (SOWs), Direct Service contracts, and subawards related to the Rural Health Transformation Program; work may also include RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs.
Research and develop complex scopes of services for contracts and subawards, ensuring compliance with federal grant terms, including Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, state statutes, rules, regulations, and departmental policies.
Manage a portfolio of contracts and subawards throughout their lifecycle, from pre-award execution to closeout.
Research and facilitate contract and subaward negotiations; assist with vendor and subrecipient selection; monitor legal and regulatory requirements; and coordinate procurement and pass-through award activities for complex projects.
Assist in implementing sourcing strategies that support sustainable cost savings or cost avoidance, fiscal responsibility, and best value.
Work with program staff, legal counsel, contract managers, and subrecipients to ensure deliverables, performance milestones, and deadlines are met.
Review invoices, expenditure reports, and supporting documentation against approved budgets.
Facilitate contract and subaward closeout.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.