The Contract Specialist I position assists assigned customers with the development of procurement documents, provides business advice on best procurement/contract strategies, manages vendor engagement and proposal receipt and evaluation and ensures contract awards are in compliance with NC Administrative Code and Statutes. The incumbent drafts Requests for Proposals/Quotations and Invitations for Bids as required to meet internal customer procurement needs.

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  Ensure compliance with procurement statutes, administrative codes, and the purchasing manual including procuring goods and services in accordance with State law, State Purchase and Contract rules and regulations
• Provide guidance, advice and support to ensure procurement processes are effective, efficient, and ethical and provide the best possible value
• Provide advice, training and guidance to senior management on procurement matters
• Coach end users on relevant processes (i.e. Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotations (RFQ), bid evaluation criteria other competitive procurement tools) to ensure customers’ needs are met, the state and department obtains best value, and to ensure procurement processes are perceived by suppliers as fair, open and ethical
• Plan, organize and lead the bid solicitation process within OPCG including drafting and issuing RFQ, IFB, RFP, developing bid evaluation criteria and guiding customers on processes involved
• Oversee and monitor bid evaluation committees, ensure the integrity of the competitive process, facilitate bidder debriefings, and exercise appropriate judgment and tact while ensuring to protect confidential information
• Analyze, negotiate and prepare contractual agreements, ensuring appropriate terms and conditions are included to protect the interests of the state and department

About NC Department of Health and Human Services:
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves the needs of the most vulnerable of North Carolinians and to accomplish this, we hire only the most dedicated and caring individuals. Finding qualified clinical professionals to treat and care for our clients is a continual challenge as demand for services grows and the availability of providers struggles to keep pace. We are seeking a motivated individual who is up for this challenge and is dedicated to our mission of providing North Carolinians with the very best in clinical care.

About the DHHS Office if Procurement, Contracts, and Grants
The Office of Procurement, Contracts and Grants (OPCG) located within the Department of Health and Human Services handles approximately $900 million dollars annually in procurements of good and services for our internal customers (other divisions within DHHS). The unit manages the Department's contracting activities to support a wide range of health and social services provided to the people of North Carolina.

Compensation & Benefits:
The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
Visit website for State Benefits

23-04000 OPCG 60037742

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following:

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  Thorough knowledge of accepted procurement practices, principles, methods and procedures, including the preparation of a variety of contract/procurement documents
• Thorough knowledge of laws, rules and regulations affecting state procurement processes
• Demonstrated knowledge of procuring and negotiating highly technical and complex services both IT and non-IT
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, senior management, program staff and other external and internal customers
• Detail oriented with strong quantitative analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor s degree in business or related area from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive procurement or contract administration experience
Or
Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements:
Completion of the North Carolina Contract Management Certification Program within one year of hire into the position.