Procurement Officer III

The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has the general charge, supervision, and direction of the State’s legal business, acting as legal advisors and representatives of major agencies, boards, commissions, officials, and institutions of State Government. The OAG also protects the public through civil enforcement of antitrust, civil rights, consumer protection, and securities laws and regulations, and by prosecuting organized crime, Medicaid fraud, environmental crimes, insurance fraud, state tax evasion, and other statutorily assigned matters.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Procurement Officer III to serve as the lead Procurement Officer for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG). This senior-level role coordinates the procurement of goods and services—including equipment, supplies, information technology, and other services—ensuring all acquisitions comply fully with State laws, regulations, and COMAR requirements. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and in-depth familiarity with Maryland State government procurement policies, procedures, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop contract specifications for a wide range of goods and services.
• Develop and prepare written procurement determinations for all procurements in accordance with COMAR requirements.
• Develop and prepare solicitations, including Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and other procurement vehicles.
• Conduct public bid openings and evaluate bids for responsiveness and responsibility.
• Oversee and authorize invoice payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Provide procurement technical interpretation, instruction, training, guidance, and assistance to agency staff in accordance with State laws and regulations.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for SBR, PPN, MBE, and VSBE.
• Attend State procurement training and meetings.
• Purchase supplies and equipment.
• Create Blanket Purchase Orders, Purchase Orders, and Change Orders in FMIS.
• Establish proper agency procedures, policies, and processes to ensure a premier procurement program and practice at the OAG.

Requirements

Option 1: Eight years of experience, including four years ensuring appropriate and consistent enterprise-wide interpretation of and compliance with enterprise-level procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, plus an additional four years of professional public sector procurement or private sector contracting experience (e.g., soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts; advertising procurement opportunities; distributing specifications to vendors; coordinating bidder evaluation committees; conducting vendor debriefings; monitoring contract performance; eProcurement management; professional certification; or procurement business operations).

Option 2: Seven years of experience, including three years ensuring appropriate and consistent enterprise-wide interpretation of and compliance with enterprise-level procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, plus an additional four years of professional public sector procurement or private sector contracting experience (as described above).

Substitutions:

• One year of experience in enterprise-wide procurement compliance may substitute for one year of the additional four years of required experience.
• 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 plus four years of experience in enterprise-wide procurement compliance may substitute for the required experience.
• For Option 2: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus three years of experience in enterprise-wide procurement compliance may substitute for the required experience.
• A Doctorate of Jurisprudence or Master’s degree in Business Administration may substitute for six years of the required experience.
• U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Contracting, Industrial Management, or logistics specialist classifications, or administrative support specialty codes in procurement or financial management fields, may substitute year-for-year for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of experience performing State of Maryland procurement work, including preparing procurement determinations compliant with COMAR Title 21.
• Experience developing and managing solicitations such as IFBs, RFPs, and other formal procurement documents.
• Experience conducting public bid openings and evaluating bids for responsiveness and responsibility.
• Hands-on experience using FMIS to create Purchase Orders, Blanket Purchase Orders, and Change Orders.
• Demonstrated experience preparing required State procurement reports such as SBR, MBE, VSBE, and PPN submissions.

Licenses and Certifications

• Employees in this classification may be assigned duties requiring the operation of a motor vehicle and must possess a valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Employees must obtain certification as a Procurement Professional from the Maryland Department of General Services within one year of appointment.

Benefits

• Subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage) and life insurance.
• Leave benefits, including annual (vacation), personal, sick, and paid parental leave.
• Eligibility for participation in a contributory defined benefit pension plan (vested after ten years).
• Eligibility to participate in two supplemental retirement plans: the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and the 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan.
• Free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.