Food & Nutrition Contract Specialist

Food & Nutrition Contract Specialist

Salary Information: B22 – $6,000.00 – $6,200.00/MO.

State Classification:
Contract Specialist IV–1984

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Posting Number: 25-58984–1

Location:

Austin, TX

Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work.

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

This position will work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment performing advanced contract management work, including contract enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts. You will be responsible for ensuring that rules and policies are well communicated with contractors. You will develop, negotiate, and process contracts and amendments for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food & Nutrition (F&N) Division;

monitor contract performance, including service delivery, fiscal monitoring, corrective actions, and investigating complaints relating to contract performance; interpret and clarify USDA regulations, standards, policies, and procedures to improve program operation and performance; review contractor billings and resolve billing rejections and/or issues. This position handles relatively complex contract applications, identifies training needs, assists with developing training materials, and provides training to contract or department staff to enhance performance and correct noncompliance issues.

This position will also be involved in the division's process improvement efforts and will carry out special assignments as required. You will work under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Assist the division in developing and managing requisitions, solicitations, contracts, renewals, extensions, and amendments; directing timeline development; leading to the development of evaluation tools for bid responses. Lead or facilitate negotiations of contracts, contract renewals, extensions, and amendments.

Participate in work groups to recommend changing contract-related documents. Monitor legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting. Handle routine reporting activities and special projects/tasks internal/external to the unit as assigned.

Perform procurement-related activities which may include but not limited to the receipts and creation of requisitions, administering the billing process by reviewing and analyzing of invoices to ensure billing; reviewing and reconciling data for invoicing; and managing the payment process.

Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with the division policy and procedures. Assist with developing contract administration best practice policies and procedures. Start, develop, negotiate, process, and manage contracts, renewals, and amendments for TDA F&N programs.

Provide technical assistance and interpretation on contract and procurement-related technical questions of regulatory compliance with applicable state and federal procurement standards and related guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to TDA F&N and Contracting Entities.

Provide consultation and technical assistance to program areas regarding contracting needs and processes. Lead first-level contract resolution efforts regarding non-compliance issues and contractor concerns. Communicate with contractors verbally and in writing regarding extensions, renewals, and remedies associated with non-compliance.

Assist the division as needed in…