TWDB - 27-11 IT Contract Specialist (Contract Specialist IV)

Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas., * Coordinates and/or develops contracts, amendments and bid solicitations by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders, and negotiating contract specifications for software, hardware, cloudservices, and ITrelated engagements.

• Provides guidance regarding IT contract administration, policies, and procedures, ensuring compliance with state procurement laws and DIR rules and programs.
• Assists with contract reporting, deliverables acceptance, and contractrelated records management. Tracks the status of related tasks using the agency’s information systems.
• Responsible for tracking IT contract renewals, related requisitions, and board approvals.
• Serves as a liaison between the Information Technology Division and the Procurement and Contract Services division, particularly for technology procurements and DIR cooperative contract usage.
• Monitors and/or tracks contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with contract terms, service level agreements, and agency policies.
• Assists in developing bid evaluation scoring instruments for IT solicitations, including deliverablesbased technology services procurements.
• Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.
• Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds, may assist IT leadership with contractrelated budget forecasting.
• Complies with purchasing policies and regulations and ensures agency and state procurement procedures are followed in all IT procurements.
• Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
• Assists with evaluating vendor performance using the Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS).
• Reviews contract invoices for accuracy and alignment with contract terms, service levels, and deliverables, and verifies eligibility of expenses prior to payment processing; may work directly with the IT Contract Manager on invoice review and resolution of discrepancies.
• Assists with developing IT contract administration policies and procedures.
• Supports the agency’s participation in the DIR Shared Technology Services program by coordinating STS contract activities, reviewing the monthly STS invoice, and monitoring contract renewals.
• May process contract payments by reviewing invoices against contract payment terms and verifies eligibility of expenses.
• Supports the coordination and facilitation of contracting related meetings such as kickoff meetings, postaward conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.
• May recommend changes to solicitation and contract boilerplate documents and other contractrelated documents.
• Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned., * A copy of required academic transcripts and/or licensures and driving record must be submitted at the time of hire. Failure to provide required documentation will result in no further consideration for employment.
• Important Notice: Otherwise qualified candidates who are ultimately considered for potential employment with the Texas Water Development Board may be the subject of a request for any criminal history record information maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Evidence of a criminal conviction or other relevant information obtained from the DPS shall not automatically disqualify an individual from employment with the Texas Water Development Board.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS

• Work In Texas (WIT) applicants should complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS to register or login and access your profile.

REFERENCE CHECKS

• Reference checks will be conducted on top candidate for the position and may include outreach to current and/or former supervisors. Reference checks for top candidates currently employed by the TWDB will include outreach to current supervisors.

CONSENT OF CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS

• All interviewed candidates must complete the HR101 Consent to Obtain Criminal History Record Information and the GA48 Consent form to obtain continuous criminal history and review forms once extended an offer to interview. The consent forms will be sent by Human Resources (HR) and retained with HR. Only candidates extended a conditional offer will have their criminal history checked in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) system. Candidates who refuse to complete both consent forms will no longer be considered for the vacancy with the Texas Water Development Board. If adverse findings are found, candidates will be afforded 10 business days to provide a response prior to a final determination on hiring eligibility.

• Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• Nine years of relevant work experience in contract development, negotiations, monitoring, management, invoicing, or payment processing.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or ability to obtain certification within six months after hire date.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a yearforyear basis., * Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD).
• More than nine years of experience in contracting, procurement, accounting, bookkeeping, reconciliations, budgeting, data analysis, and/or preparing financial statements.
• Three years of contracting experience for the State of Texas or other governmental entity using the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Experience with the Department of Information Resources (DIR) Shared Technology Services (STS) programs.
• Experience with the Department of Information Resources (DIR) cooperative contracts and DeliverablesBased IT Services (DBITS).
• Experience with the Department of Information Resources (DIR) cooperative contracts and IT Staff Augmentation Contracts (ITSAC) .
• Familiarity with TWDB agency programs, policies, and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Information Technology Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, regulations, and best practices,
• Knowledge of negotiating contracts, developing contracts, business administration and accounting principles and practices, and policies and procedures of contract management.
• Knowledge of contract development reporting, deliverables, and payment processes.
• Knowledge of the State of Texas Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Knowledge of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) Shared Technology Services (STS) program and IT Staff Augmentation Contract (ITSAC).
• Knowledge of technologyspecific contract considerations, including software licensing, service level agreements, cloud services, cybersecurity requirements, datahandling provisions, and vendor performance requirements.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in formatting contracts or legal documents.
• Skills in reviewing and interpreting complex technology contracts, including licensing models, cloud service terms, and performance metrics.
• Skills in analyzing invoices and expenditure data for accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Skills in coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, including DIR, vendors, and program staff.
• Skills in creating, reviewing, and issuing a Statement of Work (SOW).
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency inoffice requirements.
• Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
• Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.
• Ability to negotiate features of a contract and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to support IT leadership in monitoring contract expenditures and aligning contract financial commitments with budgeted resources.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and nonroutine work assignments accurately and ontime with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others., * Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these benefits and more visit