System Contracting Attorney

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

80d•$9,717 - $10,677•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a Procurement and Contracts Attorney in the System Contracting Department. The System Contracting Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). System Contracting provides legal support related to HHS procurement and contract activities, including: reviewing, drafting, and negotiating solicitation documents, contracts, amendments, memoranda of understanding, and interagency agreements; interpreting state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; and rendering legal advice and counsel to HHS agency personnel on procurement and contracting issues. This position performs highly complex legal work with respect to the HHS system’s procurements, grants, contracting, and enforcement of contracts to ensure agency and contractor compliance with state and federal laws and regulations regarding contracts. Duties include legal review, drafting, advice and opinions on contracts, grants, and procurement matters. System Contracting attorneys represent the HHS system in procurement matters, contract negotiations and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by leadership. System Contracting attorneys also participate in assigned projects that may include development of policies, rules, procedures and forms, together with review and implementation of legislative changes. The successful candidate will collaborate with program managers and procurement professionals on a wide variety of healthcare contracts that impact the daily lives of Texans.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
Must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the State Bar of Texas and five years’ experience in the practice of law required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with contract drafting, review and negotiation preferred.
Experience with IT contracting, government procurement, and federally funded contracts preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews, revises and drafts complex contracts and solicitation documents (including, but not limited to, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Offers, Requests for Qualifications, Requests for Applications, and Invitations for Bids) in accordance with the HHS system’s legal authority and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to contracts and contract management.
Supports HHS staff in negotiations with vendors and advises agency staff as necessary on such contracts.
Advises HHS staff on federal and state contract laws and regulations. Reviews and drafts legal instruments and regulations and provides legal advice regarding contracting, procurement, and enforcement. Provides legal assistance on adverse actions involving contracts. Consults with management concerning legal ramifications of possible changes in overall contract practices and procedures. Represents the HHS system in procurement matters, contract negotiations, and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by leadership. Assists in representing the HHS system in administrative or contested case hearings.
Performs additional duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, drafting substantive legal documents, including opinions, briefs, and memoranda that include analysis of HHS system authority under state and federal law; and both proposed and enacted state and federal legislation.