Contract Specialist

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer‑service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.

Salary Range: $66,070 - $84,240

• Plans and develops procurements, including assisting in planning, scheduling, and developing text for solicitation packages.
• Coordinates the assigned procurement efforts of departments involved throughout HRT, including but not limited to user departments, DBE office, and Risk Management.
• Analyzes requirements and recommends solicitation and contract type, including general contract terms and special provisions.
• Develops and issues solicitations in accordance with HRT’s Procurement Policies and Procedures Manual and applicable requirements of Federal, Commonwealth, and local laws and regulations.
• Conducts cost and price analyses as required for each solicitation.
• Responds to vendor questions received during the solicitation process.
• Conducts pre‑bid/pre‑proposal conferences with potential contractors; officially receives and records bids/proposals; conducts bid openings and receipt of proposals; coordinates entire bid process through award.
• Reviews, evaluates, and determines responsiveness and responsibility of offers received.
• Chairs proposal evaluation panels: leads discussions with offerors and documents all discussions; prepares contract award recommendations for staff and for the Commission agenda.
• Plans and conducts contract negotiations; serves as the negotiation team leader in assigned procurement activities.
• Prepares contract documents and coordinates award of contracts.
• Issues notices of award and notices to proceed.
• Serves as liaison among contractors, consultants, and internal customers.
• Manages contract administration from award through final closeout, which includes monitoring contractor activities to ensure compliance with the provisions of the contract, reviewing contractor change proposals and leading evaluation/negotiation activities, obtaining required levels of approval and issuing contract modifications (change orders), contract interpretation, resolution of disputes where possible, and supporting dispute resolution and/or litigation activities, as required.
• Maintains comprehensive contract files and current status.
• Initiates default or termination actions and closes out contracts including obtaining appropriate releases, acceptance certificates and warranties, manuals and authorizing final payments.
• Prepares and/or coordinates any documentation required in support of the FTA triennial reviews, drug and alcohol audits, independent audits, state audits, etc.
• Manages records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Substantial interpersonal skills to effectively communicate orally and in writing with all levels of employees, contractors, vendors, government entities and the public.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex technical materials such as contract documents and concentrate on details when preparing solicitations and contracts.
• Ability to write effective business communications.
• Knowledge and understanding of government contracting procedures and techniques.
• High level of analytical and critical thinking ability to find solutions to complex technical, financial, legal, interpersonal and administrative issues.
• Must be able to work without supervision and exercise initiative.
• Must demonstrate leadership skills to lead in pursuit of procurement tasks and activities for HRT.

• Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is required.
• Basic problem‑solving skills associated with software applications is expected.
• Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated.
• Software applications:
  Proficient using PC/software applications, to include Microsoft (Word, Excel, Access, and…