Contracts Specialist 3 (Cs3/Dls)

Contracts Specialist 3 (CS3/DLS)

71090213

This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on 03/21/2024 and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

This position supports contract managers within Health Care Authority (HCA) programs in drafting and negotiating contracts and competitive solicitations. The CS3 ensures that the contract development process moves through completion by communicating needs and timelines with contract managers and negotiating with vendors. The ideal candidate will possess contract and competitive solicitation experience along with strong writing and critical thinking skills.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division and position:

Within the Central Services Administration of HCA, the Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides the people, processes, and expertise to reduce risk while meeting the agency's strategic goals. Within DLS, the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) is managed by the agency's Contracts Administrator. This position reports directly to the Contracts and Procurement Manager - Operations and may, at times, take direction directly from the Contracts Administrator or other Contracts and Procurement Managers within OCP as necessary.

This position performs complex or politically sensitive activities related to contracts and procurements related to the All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) and supports other information technology or data share contracting and procurement activities as needed.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Some of what you will do:

• Collaborates with program/project management staff on developing the contents for competitive contracts. Independently writes, and or provides technical advice for competitive solicitations including RFP's, RFQ's, RFQQ's, etc.

• Approves and/or develops the contents for - and manages the process of - advertising for competitive contracts. Develops the work plan for contract solicitations.

• Manages and provides oversight of appropriate solicitation processes by working in conjunction with program and fiscal staff to ensure compliance with program and fiscal requirements.

• Facilitates and/or provides technical advice for the Statement of Work (SOW), contract deliverables, contract amendments, and other contract documents for/with program staff and external constituents using best practice contracting principles.

• Facilitates contract negotiations, including face-to-face and written communication, with internal and external stakeholders and legal advisors while providing subject matter knowledge to general terms and conditions.

• Manages and facilitates protest debriefings with non-successful bidders.

• Communicates with program management to ensure documentation is accurate and submitted prior to deadlines.

• Independently reviews and/or approves contract requests and determines applicable regulations.

• Provides technical assistance to internal and external constituents and stakeholders regarding contract activities, including providing advice and resources.

• Conducts trainings to agency staff to fulfill agency needs and the statutory requirements for contract managers.

• Mentors junior Contract Specialists with contracting and procurement subject matter.

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will satisfy one of the following requirement options:

• Option 1:

• One year of experience as a Contracts Specialist 2 in state government or equivalent role.

• Option 2: 

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field and

• Three years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration.

• Option 3:

• Master's degree in one of the above academic disciplines and

• Two years of experience as described above.

• Option 4:

• Law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association and

• One year of experience as described above.

• Option 5:

• Seven years of experience as described above.

Note: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required education.

Preferred qualifications:

• Three years of professional experience (high level proficiency) developing, managing, and providing consultation for competitive government information technology or data share contracts in Washington.

• One year of experience collaboratively working as a project team member in a large enterprise data management system.

• Two years of professional experience developing and providing consultation for non-competitive government contracts in Washington.

• Two years of professional experience monitoring and negotiating budget and contracts.

• Two years of professional experience developing, managing, and providing consultation for non-competitive and competitive grants.

• One year of experience collaboratively working as a project team member in a large enterprise data management system.

• Independently provide consistent, high-quality (error-free) reviews of written communications, contracts, and solicitation documentation with acute attention to detail.

• Ability to interpret and convey rules and regulations, and legal terminology to broad audiences and make recommendations in the best interest of the agency.

• Ability to independently prioritize a high-volume workload and manage competing program staff priorities.

• Clear, accurate verbal and written communication.

• Strong analytical ability demonstrated by using data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, create accurate conclusions, and make clear and sound decisions.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position

• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.

• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA 

• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values

• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.

• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits

• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.

• Tuition reimbursement

• And free parking!

Notes:

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at 360-725-0945 or jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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