TWDB - 26-38: Information Technology Contract Specialist (Contract Specialist IV)

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these benefits and more visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. 

**Must meet agency in-office requirements**

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

General Description

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is seeking a motivated and qualified Information Technology (IT) Contract Specialist to join the Information Technology Division. This role requires expertise in state procurement laws, Department of Information Resources (DIR) rules and programs, and technology contracting, including licensing, service agreements, cybersecurity, data handling, and compliance.

Performs advanced (senior-level) contract management work with a specialized focus on information technology procurements, services, and contracts. Manages the agency’s participation in the DIR Shared Technology Services (STS) program through coordination of related contract activities. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of technology-related contracts and amendments, including software, hardware, cloud services, IT staffing services, DIR cooperative contracts, and deliverables-based technology engagements. May train others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Information Technology Division.

Essential Job Functions

• Manages the agency's Shared Technology Services (STS) contract activities, reviewing the monthly STS invoice, and monitoring contract renewals.
• Serves as a liaison between the Information Technology (IT) Division and the Procurement and Contract Services Division, particularly for technology procurements and Department of Information Resources (DIR) cooperative contract usage.
• Monitors and/or tracks contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with contract terms, service level agreements, and agency policies.
• Coordinates and develops contracts, amendments, and bid solicitations.
• Identifies providers, defining services, evaluating bidder information, and negotiating specifications for software, hardware, cloud services, and IT engagements.
• Provides guidance regarding IT contract administration, policies, and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with state procurement laws and DIR rules and programs.
• Assists with contract reporting, deliverables acceptance, and contract-related records management.
• Tracks the status of related tasks using the agency’s information systems.
• Tracks IT contract renewals, related requisitions, and board approvals.
• Assists in developing bid evaluation scoring instruments for IT solicitations, including deliverables-based technology services procurements.
• Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.
• Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds. 
• May assist IT leadership with contract-related budget forecasting.
• Complies with purchasing policies and regulations and ensures agency and state procurement procedures are followed in all IT procurements.
• Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
• Assists with evaluating vendor performance using the Vendor Performance Tracking System (VPTS).
• Reviews contract invoices for accuracy and alignment with contract terms, service levels, and deliverables.
• Verifies eligibility of expenses prior to payment processing, may work directly with the IT Contract Manager on invoice review and resolution of discrepancies.
• Assists with developing IT contract administration policies and procedures.
• May processes contract payments by comparing invoices against contract payment terms to verify eligibility.
• Supports the coordination and facilitation of contracting related meetings such as kick-off meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.
• May recommend changes to solicitation and contract boilerplate documents and other contract-related documents.
• Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• Five years of relevant work experience in contract development, negotiations, monitoring, management, invoicing, or payment processing.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) OR ability to obtain certification within six months after hire date.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of experience in contracting, procurement, accounting, bookkeeping, reconciliations, budgeting, data analysis, and/or preparing financial statements.
• Three years of contracting experience for the State of Texas or other governmental entity using the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD).
• Experience with the Department of Information Resources (DIR) Shared Technology Services (STS) programs.
• Experience with the DIR cooperative contracts and Deliverables-Based IT Services (DBITS).
• Experience with the DIR cooperative contracts and IT Staffing Services.
• Familiarity with TWDB agency programs, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Information Technology (IT) Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, regulations, and best practices.
• Knowledge of state procurement laws.
• Knowledge of Department of Information Resources (DIR) rules and programs.
• Knowledge of technology contracting considerations such as licensing, service level agreements, cybersecurity, data handling, and contract compliance.
• Knowledge of negotiating contracts, developing contracts, and the policies and procedures of contract management.
• Knowledge of business administration and accounting principles and practices, 
• Knowledge of contract development reporting, deliverables, and payment processes.
• Knowledge of the State of Texas Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Knowledge of the DIR Shared Technology Services (STS) programs.
• Knowledge of technology-specific contract considerations, including software licensing, service level agreements, cloud services, cybersecurity requirements, data-handling provisions, and vendor performance requirements.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in formatting contracts or legal documents.
• Skills in reviewing and interpreting complex technology contracts, including licensing models, cloud service terms, and performance metrics.
• Skills in analyzing invoices and expenditure data for accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Skills in coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, including DIR, vendors, and internal program staff.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
• Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.
• Ability to negotiate features of a contract and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to support IT leadership in monitoring contract expenditures and aligning contract financial commitments with budgeted resources.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.

Additional Information

All interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building

1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701

Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.

Phone: (512) 475-2142

Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov

About the Company

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.