TSS STATEWIDE PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Position Information

Summary

The Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS) Statewide Procurement Specialist is responsible for performing state level procurements for state agencies and institutions of higher education in a variety of commodity groups, technical and general services, and providing guidance to agency/institution procurement personnel on proper methods of procurement and procurement laws, regulations, policies, and practices. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Reviews and analyzes complex state level procurements in a variety of commodity and service groups; determines appropriateness of request, researches various commodity and service markets for current specifications, job duties, and market conditions and trends in pricing. Provides technical and legal guidance to agency/institutions procurement personnel and agency evaluation committees on proper methods of procurement in accordance with the state procurement law, regulations, policies, and practices. Conducts or assists in conducting public bid openings and evaluation of vendor bid proposals. Negotiates contract terms and conditions, awards contracts, and monitors vendor performance; reviews agency/institution request for changes to contracts and presents justification for or against changes. Administers statewide contracts that are utilized by state agencies/institutions and negotiates with vendors on terms and conditions, pricing, and vendor performance issues. Utilizes the Arkansas Administrative Statewide Information System financial and procurement modules to enter and retrieve information; researches and compiles reports to analyze information and determine agency compliance. Trains new procurement buyers and agency staff and develops training material. Participates in the review of current and development of revised and new legislation, policy, and procedure in the area of procurement. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of public and/or private sector procurement. Knowledge of commodity and service market conditions and resources. Knowledge of financial and procurement software applications. Ability to review and analyze agency specifications and write solicitation documents. Ability to conduct public bid openings and evaluate vendor proposals. Ability to negotiate contract terms and conditions, award contracts, and monitor vendor performance. Ability to utilize financial and procurement software applications to compile and analyze data. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with agency/institution procurement staff, vendors, and manufacturers. Ability to review and analyze agency procurement requirements and documents and provide guidance to agency staff, vendors, and other interested parties. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, procurement, materials management or a related field; plus four years of experience in public or private sector procurement as a buyer or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None