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

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=102821andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationThe Texas Department of Agricultures 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.Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. The agencys 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. Job DescriptionWHAT YOULL DO: 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. You will work under general/limited/minimal supervision with moderate/considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.In addition, the following apply to the Contract Specialist III position:You will be responsible for ensuring that rules and policies are well communicated with contractors. You will 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.In addition, the following apply to the Contract Specialist IV position:You will be responsible for ensuring that rules and policies are well communicated with contractors. You will 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. This 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. This position will also be involved in the divisions process improvement efforts and will carry out special assignments as required. Essential Job DutiesAssist 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; reviewing and reconciling data for invoicing and liquidation of purchase orders/requisitions; and managing the payment process.Prepare and maintain contract documents in accordance with the division policy and procedures. Assist in developing contract admini tration best-practice policies and procedures. Start, develop, process, and manage contracts, renewals, and amendments for TDA FandN programs.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.Provide consultation and technical assistance to program areas regarding contracting needs and processes. Recommend contract resolution efforts regarding non-compliance issues and contractor concerns. Recommend communication with contractors verbally and in writing regarding extensions, renewals, and remedies associated with non-compliance.Follow all TDA policies and procedures.Perform other duties as assigned.The following additional responsibilities are applicable to 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.Provide consultation and technical assistance to program areas regarding contracting needs and processes. Facilitate first-level contract resolution efforts regarding non-compliance issues and contractor concerns. Communicate with contractors verbally and in writing regarding extensions, renewals, and remedies associated with non-compliance.Assist the division as needed in reviewing Organization submissions of Capital Expenditure Requests and Emergency/Sole Source Procurement Requests. Prepare and/or review formal follow-up correspondence as necessary to further explain or clarify procurement review findings, rebut responses to findings, request additional documentation required of Organizations, and transmit final reports.The fo