Purchasing Agent.

At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy—working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About the role

The Procurement and Contracts Section in the Administration Division supports all purchasing and contract requirements for an agency of approximately 1,250 employees. This fully delegated work unit has complete purchasing authority and manages all goods and services with a total cost over $50,000 through purchase orders and contracts. The unit ensures compliance with appropriation acts, federal grants, state procurement and fiscal rules, and state contracting requirements. It also provides training and guidance to department staff on procurement and contracting matters, and works directly with state offices such as the Department of Personnel and Administration, the Office of the State Controller, and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.

Responsibilities

• Acquire all necessary goods and services for CDPHE in a timely and cost-effective manner by analyzing needs, specifications, and circumstances.
• Develop, prepare, and evaluate documented quotes, formal invitations for bids, and requests for proposals.
• Negotiate purchases, issue awards, and resolve vendor claims and disputes.
• Counsel CDPHE staff and develop purchasing procedures and guidelines.
• Prepare and administer purchase orders, making decisions and judgments in all procurement activities.
• Provide guidance to staff on procurement and contracting issues, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Code, State Fiscal Rules, and best practices.
• Serve as the department’s authority on OIT projects, interpreting state and departmental OIT purchasing and contracting laws, rules, policies, and guidelines.
• Determine the optimal method of procurement in accordance with the Colorado Procurement Code and Rules.
• Develop, review, publish, facilitate evaluation, and award all solicitation methods, including RFPs, DQs, IFBs, RFQs, and RFAs.
• Key areas of responsibility include purchase requests, staff authority for solicitations and OIT projects, education and technical assistance, and administration.

Requirements

• This position is open only to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of application.
• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in procurement or purchasing for information technology services or other goods and services, or a combination of related education in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a closely related field and relevant experience totaling seven (7) years.
• Experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of the application; "See Resume" will not be accepted.
• A pre-employment background check is required as part of the selection process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience drafting and posting solicitations including RFPs, DQs, IFBs, RFAs, and Sole Sources.
• Experience planning, developing, and managing multiple solicitations in various stages simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of State Fiscal and Procurement Rules.
• Experience related to the legal aspects of contracting or procurement.
• Understanding of the components of a Scope of Work.

Benefits

• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Flexible working arrangements (hybrid workplace options available at the discretion of the supervisor).
• Retirement options through PERA (Defined Benefit Plan or Defined Contribution Plan), plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off.
• Tuition assistance and wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects.
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.