TDA- FND- Food amp; Nutrition Contract Specialist (58

About the role

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

The Food and Nutrition Contract Specialist will work in a multifaceted environment and may perform complex to highly complex contract management, including advanced contract management. You will be responsible for contract enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. You will develop and process contracts and amendments for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food and Nutrition (FandN) Division; monitor contract performance and administer the billing process for assigned contracts.

• Assist the division in developing and managing requisitions, solicitations, contracts, renewals, extensions, and amendments
• Directing timeline development; assisting in the development of evaluation tools for bid responses
• Perform procurement-related activities which may include but are not limited to the receipts and creation of requisitions, administering the billing process by reviewing and analyzing invoices to ensure billing
• Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with the division policy and procedures
• Provide technical assistance and interpretation on contract and procurement-related technical questions of regulatory compliance with applicable state and federal procurement standards and related guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to TDA FandN and Organizations

Requirements

The Contract Specialist will work under general/limited/minimal supervision with moderate/considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

• Ensure that rules and policies are well communicated with contractors
• Develop, negotiate, and process contracts and amendments for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Food and Nutrition (FandN) Division
• Monitor contract performance, including service delivery, fiscal monitoring, corrective actions, and investigating complaints relating to contract performance
• Interpret and clarify USDA regulations, standards, policies, and procedures to improve program operation and performance
• Review contractor billings and resolve billing rejections and/or issues

Qualifications

For the Contract Specialist III position:

• Participate in work groups to recommend changes to contract-related documents
• Monitor legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting
• Handle routine reporting activities and special projects/tasks, internal/external to the unit as assigned
• Negotiate contracts, renewals, and amendments for TDA FandN programs
• Facilitate first-level contract resolution efforts regarding non-compliance issues and contractor concerns

For the Contract Specialist IV position:

• Handles relatively complex contract applications, identifies training needs, assists with developing training materials, and provides training to contract or department staff to enhance performance and correct noncompliance issues
• Involved in the division's process improvement efforts and will carry out special assignments as required