Contracts Specialist 3
The ideal candidate for this position will be a great communicator, analytical thinker, and a great team player. If you're an active listener, have great leadership skills, and can think outside the box, this opportunity may be for you!
This position resides within HCA's Division of Legal Services (DLS), Office of Contracts and Procurement (OCP).
Why work for OCP at HCA?
- Modern work environment.
- Collaborative, professional and team oriented.
- A commitment to provide high quality customer service and work output.
- Dynamic, fast paced, and high-performing agency.
- Support for employee growth and development.
- Opportunities to have a statewide, positive impact.
- Work/life balance.
- Agencies commitment to be an employer of choice.
Position Objective:
Within the Central Services Administration of HCA, the Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides the people, processes, and expertise to reduce risk while meeting the agency's strategic goals. The Contracts Specialist 3 position is primarily assigned to support the Medicaid Services Administration (MSA) of HCA, but will perform services on behalf of all HCA divisions. MSA administers the Medicaid program which includes Medicaid Eligibility & Community Support (MECS), Medicaid Program Operations & Integrity (MPOI), and the Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery (DBHR). The Contracts Specialist 3 will provide advanced and specialized knowledge and application of state contracting and procurement laws, including excellent customer service and support to agency programs in their contracting and procurement activities. The Contract Specialist 3 will help HCA to ensure a healthy Washington through the delivery of quality contracts and by supporting all of the divisions within MSA, and the rest of the agency with their procurement and contracting needs.
Some of what you will do:
Leads Contract Office staff in proactively working with program staff to identify requirements for and define the scope of contracts and procurements, interpret contract terms, resolve contractual disputes, identify business risks and develop options for resolution and assist with the development and delivery of the HCA Contracts Academy and other academic classes given by the Contracts Unit.
Approves and/or develops the contents for – and manages the process of – advertising for competitive contracts.
Develops the work plan for contract solicitations.
Manages and provides oversight of appropriate solicitation processes by working in conjunction with HCA program and fiscal staff to ensure compliance with program and fiscal requirements.
Independently writes and/or provides technical advice for the Statement of Work (SOW) and other contract documents for HCA staff and external vendors using best practice contracting principles.
Negotiates (language, deliverables, time frames, and cost) contracts and agreements, verbally and in writing, by interacting with vendors, internal staff, other state agency staff to award contract for needed services.
Manages and facilitates RFP protests and debriefings with non-successful bidders.
Writes SOWs, contract deliverables, and contract amendments in coordination with the needs of internal customers.
Communicates with all levels of HCA management to ensure documentation is accurate and submitted prior to deadlines.
Independently reviews and/or approves contract requests and determines applicable regulations.
Works with the Contracts Administrator and the Contracts Manager to initiate efforts improving utilization of contracts, leases, and other agreements.
Provides technical assistance to internal and external customers and stakeholders regarding contract activities, including providing advice and resources.
Conducts trainings to agency staff to fulfill agency needs and the statutory requirements for contract managers.
Provides tailored one-on-one and group trainings as needed.
Researches and stays current on contracting laws, rules, regulations, best-practices and trends.
Here is what we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field.
AND
Three years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analysis or contract compliance administration.
NOTE:
A Master's degree in one of the above academic disciplines may be substituted for one (l) year of experience.
A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar
Association may be substituted for two (2) years of experience and the required education.
Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required education.
Desirable/Preferred Qualifications:
Three years professional experience (high level proficiency) developing, managing, and providing consultation for competitive government contracts in Washington.
One-year experience collaboratively working as a project team member in a large enterprise Contract Management Systems.
Two years professional experience monitoring and negotiating budgets and contracts.
Two years of professional experience developing, managing, and providing consultation for non-competitive and competitive grants.
Ability to provide consistent, high-quality (error free) reviews of written communications with acute attention to detail.
Ability to interpret and convey rules and regulations, and legal terminology to a broad audience.
Create clear, accurate verbal and written communication.
Have strong analytical abilities demonstrated by using data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, create accurate conclusions, and make clear and sound decisions.