Contracts Specialist

AC Transit is actively recruiting for the position of Contracts Specialist in the Procurement Department. Under direction, this position provides professional-level, analytical, and technical support for the District’s comprehensive contracts administration programs and activities; oversees contract lifecycle from formulation through the award, compliance, renewal and close-out. This is the experienced-level within the Contracts Specialist series. Incumbents at this level are expected to work independently on routine to significantly complex contracts and have the responsibility for issuing, reviewing bids, preparing contracts, and award documentation.

This is an excellent opportunity to work for the largest bus agency in California. In addition to working with some of the best in the business, AC Transit also has an excellent benefits package that includes pension, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending and a 457 savings plan.

• Facilitates the negotiation, execution, and administration of contracts and agreements ensuring that all contract terms and documents are compliant according to procedures and regulations mandated by the District, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and/or other agencies.
• Leads pre-proposal conferences with Project Managers and/or assigned staff; analyzes Statement of Work (SOW) and project plans; assists in defining products and service specifications and determining contract parameters including cost of contract, creation of performance-based criteria including performance periods and deliverables.
• Determines appropriate solicitation process and develops or guides the development of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations to Bid (ITB), Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and Requests for Information (RFI).
• Leads bids/proposal evaluation meetings and conducts vendor interviews; evaluates bids, proposals, qualifications, and quotations for conformance to specifications and suitability for required use; recommends for selection the bid most economically sufficient.
• Drafts, evaluates, and reviews contract terms and conditions for products and services to ensure the protection of the District’s interests.
• Reviews and provides input to Board Staff Reports requesting approval to initiate solicitation process or inform of contract award.
• Administers on-going contracts to ensure adherence to contract terms and provisions; monitors execution of contracts to ensure that contractual terms are met; identifies non-compliance with contractual terms and advises project managers regarding issues; formulates and implements appropriate solutions.
• Utilizes automated procurement and accounting systems to review and approve invoices for professional services.
• Negotiates settlement of contract disputes; coordinates resolution of protest claims in conjunction with management and General Counsel.
• Prepares routine to significantly complex contract amendments, revisions, terminations, and close-outs.
• Conducts routine to complex cost-price and total cost of ownership analysis and identifies potential cost savings.
• Assists management in implementing purchasing and payment policy and procedural changes.
• Prepares, edits, distributes, and posts a variety of reports, correspondence, and mandatory filings, including pre-and post-award documentation; maintains logs, records, and documentation for all contracts and projects in accordance with FTA regulations; distributes executed contracts to appropriate District personnel; edits and reviews the conformance of work prepared by staff.
• Stays abreast of new trends, technologies, and innovations in areas of procurement and contracts; monitors changes in federal, state, and local regulations, analyzes impact, and recommends and implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to District needs.
• May provide training to lower-level staff in work methods and procedures.
• Performs related duties as required.

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business or public administration or related field. Additional years of…