Procurement Officer I

Open to current State of Maryland employees. Grade 16 position located at Maryland Department of Agriculture Headquarters, 50 Harry S Truman Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21401.

About the role

This full-performance position supports the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s mission by procuring equipment, services, construction, supplies, information technology, and other needs. The role assists the Central Services team and the Chief Procurement Officer in completing complex, large procurements in accordance with State Procurement Regulations (COMAR Title 21), State best practices, and Departmental policies.

Responsibilities

• Determines appropriate procurement method for Departmental purchases per COMAR Title 21.
• Develops specifications for procurement of goods, services, supplies, information technology, equipment, construction, real estate, facilities maintenance, and commodities.
• Develops contracts, contract modifications, renewals, and advertisement requirements.
• Manages advertisement of procurement opportunities, solicits bids and proposals, conducts pre-bid or pre-proposal conferences, and performs site visits.
• Determines evaluation criteria and contract awards; oversees evaluation process and executes contract awards.
• Negotiates prices, terms, and conditions for non-competitive, sole source, and emergency procurements.
• Researches materials and provides testimony regarding Board of Public Works (BPW) items; prepares and submits documents for BPW contract approval.
• Confers with supervisor and Assistant Attorney General’s Office regarding bid irregularities, contract disputes, protests, vendor compliance, appeals, and Public Information Act requests.
• Evaluates contractor performance (including MBE compliance) with the Business Liaison and recommends corrective actions such as damages, withholding payment, or contract termination.
• Maintains procurement files per COMAR Title 21 and departmental record retention policy.
• Performs required State FMIS tasks for procurement.
• Ensures State purchasing card purchases comply with Procurement Regulations; reconciles monthly purchasing card statements using the Corporate Purchasing Card (CPC) program.
• Conducts annual workshops on procurement regulations, policies, and best practices for program staff.
• Provides advice and guidance to paraprofessional and program staff.
• Delivers excellent customer service aligned with State practices and policies.

Requirements

Procurement Officer I – Option 1

• Six years of experience, including two years in contract management or procurement involving duties such as soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts, and ensuring compliance with governmental procurement laws, regulations, and conditions.
• An additional four years of professional contract management or procurement experience.

Procurement Officer I – Option 2

• Five years of experience, including one year in contract management or procurement involving duties such as soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts, and ensuring compliance with governmental procurement laws, regulations, and conditions.
• An additional four years of professional contract management or procurement experience.

Substitution Notes:

• Certification as a Certified Public Manager (National Association of Purchasing Management), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (National Contract Management Association), Certified Public Purchasing Officer, or Certified Professional Public Buyer (Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council) may substitute for the additional four years of required experience.
• For Option 1: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of contract management or procurement experience may substitute for the required experience.
• For Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one year of contract management or procurement experience may substitute for the required experience.
• Additional graduate education (30 credit hours) may substitute for required experience.
• U.S. Armed Forces military service as a commissioned officer in Contracting, Industrial Management, logistics specialist classifications, or administrative support in procurement/financial management may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Procurement Officer through the Department of General Services Procurement Academy.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices per COMAR Title 21 procurement methods.
• Experience managing procurement opportunities, soliciting bids/proposals, and working under strict timelines.
• Intermediate experience with FMIS, eMMA, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.

Licenses and Certifications

• A valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license is required if assigned duties involving motor vehicle operation.
• Certification as a Procurement Professional from the Maryland Department of General Services is required within one year of appointment.

Benefits

This position is part of the State of Maryland’s bargaining unit and offers a comprehensive benefits package.