Contracts Specialist

Contracts Specialist Public Procurement Career Opportunity

Salary: $62,624.34 to $73,448.30 annually

Location: 1201 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33602

Employment: Full time

Closing date: Until filled

Requisition: 26-051

Certification: Professional procurement certification preferred

HART is seeking a procurement and contracting professional to manage procurements from planning through solicitation, negotiation, award, administration and closeout. Working independently and with minimal direction, this position develops solicitations and administers contracts of varying complexity in accordance with HART policies and applicable federal, state and local requirements.

You will work with departments throughout HART, lead formal procurement activities, advise internal customers and maintain productive vendor relationships. Your work will help HART obtain the services and supplies needed to operate responsibly, efficiently and in compliance with federal, state and local requirements.

Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive employment package that may include:

• Full responsibility for procurements from initial planning through contract closeout.
• Experience across procurement planning, competitive solicitations, negotiation, contract administration and closeout.
• Regular collaboration with HART leaders, technical departments, vendors and evaluation teams.
• Medical, dental and vision plan options and participation in the Florida Retirement System.
• Access to a 457(b) deferred compensation plan, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Free HART transportation and opportunities for professional development, industry participation and career growth.

Eligibility, coverage, accruals and other benefit provisions are governed by official plan documents and HART policies.

• Plan and administer procurements of varying complexity, working with HART departments and vendors to obtain services and supplies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Work with internal departments to clarify requirements, specifications, schedules, deliverables and procurement strategy.
• Develop solicitations in accordance with the HART Procurement Manual, sound procurement practices and applicable federal, state and local requirements.
• Select appropriate contract types and prepare terms and conditions that address the needs and risks of each procurement.
• Conduct pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences, bid openings and other public procurement meetings.
• Coordinate evaluations with departmental technical representatives and determine vendor responsiveness and responsibility.
• Develop pre-negotiation positions, lead negotiations and, when appropriate, chair technical evaluations of proposals and plans. Control discussions with offerors and document all discussions.
• Perform cost and price analyses and prepare negotiation memoranda and determinations of price reasonableness.
• Recommend contract awards or no awards, finalize contract documents and coordinate contract execution.
• Administer contracts from award through closeout, monitor contractor compliance, approve payments and address contract interpretation, disputes, modifications and change orders.
• Initiate default, termination or additional negotiation procedures when required and maintain effective communication with contractors and HART technical staff.
• Enter awarded contracts in the contract database, maintain complete files and current contract status, and perform assigned self-audits of contract and solicitation files. Conduct routine contract compliance audits and report findings to the Department Director. Close out contracts by obtaining releases, acceptance certificates and warranties and arranging disposition of retained payments.
• Serve as backup for purchasing inventory and non-inventory supplies and services, including quotations, pricing, purchase orders and tabulation sheets.
• Maintain liaison with HART technical departments and industry contacts. Serve as an organizational spokesperson on contract matters and represent HART at trade shows, conferences and other industry events.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

An equivalent combination of related education and experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications below, excluding a high school diploma, GED, licenses or certifications.

• An associate's degree from an accredited college or university in…