Contract Administrator III

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WMATA's Office of Procurement and Materials seeks a Contract Administrator III to manage a broad contract portfolio across goods and services supporting Metro's transportation network. The role spans public solicitations, negotiations, and contract administration in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in government procurement, four years of experience, and a NCMA/CPCM/UPPCC/ISM/NIGP certification, with ability to negotiate and mentor others.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of government procurement, contract prep and admin for bids and negotiations.
• NCMA/CPCM/UPPCC/ISM/NIGP certification required within 2 years of hire.
• Experience developing and administering RFPs/quotations, specs and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the contract life cycle from proposal to contract close-out.
• Plans procurement from request through solicitation, negotiation, award, and administration.
• Leads award processes including documentation, bid/proposal evaluation, and Board approval.
• Advises customers on contract types and pricing and participates in source selection plans.
• Mentors junior Contract Administrators in procurement actions.

Skills

Cost/Price analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Engineering

High school diploma + 4 years relevant contracting experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Document management software

Personal computers

Printers

PeopleSoft ERP

E-mail

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Marketing Statement:

Are you a public procurement professional who enjoys conducting complex solicitations from beginning to end, providing exceptional customer service, and working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment? Join WMATA’s Office of Procurement and Materials as a Contract Administrator III and be part of a high-performing team purchasing a wide range of goods and services to support the transportation system at the heart of our nation’s capital.

Principal Job Duties

• Performs activities and responsibilities for the entire contract life cycle from proposal to close-out on all assigned contracts.

• Plans the entire procurement process from receipt of request for procurement through the cycle of solicitation, negotiation, contract award, administration and close-out.

• Conducts the award process for assigned contracts including: preparing and/or coordinating all documentation and correspondence from publicizing procurements through award of contract; opening bids or receiving proposals; evaluation; determination of responsiveness and responsibility; resolution of bid protests and mistakes in bids; determination of price reasonableness; and preparation of award action documentation for Board of Directors approval.

• Works with customers to select the appropriate contract type for a specified effort and assists in source selection plan development.

• Explains acquisition requirements, holds discussions with customers and industry representatives concerning contract pricing and other contractual matters

• Briefs and discusses the basis of contractors' position with General Counsel, the Chief Procurement Officer, and other senior staff with support from the Contracting Officer. Advises customers on policies, business practices and contract interpretation.

• Develops technically and contractually sound pre-negotiation positions. Conducts negotiations for change orders and claims with contractors. Leads negotiations for minor modifications.

Other Duties

• May chair pre-bid and proposal conferences.

• May occasionally perform duties and assume responsibilities that are routinely assigned to Contract Administrators, TA-20 and TA-24, based on the operational needs of the department.

• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Government procurement, including contract preparation and administration for formally advertised bids, negotiated proposals, contract modification, contract law, and cost/price analysis and profit analysis.

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local, laws ordinances and regulations.

• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing WMATA procurements.

• Broad knowledge of many different contracts, solicitations, and agreement types.

Skills

• Skilled in financial and quantitative analysis to analyze contractor financial statements and perform extensive computations on cost/price data.

Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

• Ability to conduct effective negotiations for complex contracts, contract modifications and claims.

• Ability to identify and select the appropriate contract type for every specified effort.

• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise specifications, contract documents, correspondence and other written materials.

• Ability to mentor junior Contract Administrators in the effective and efficient conduct of assigned procurement actions and activities.

• Ability to interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local, laws ordinances and regulations.

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Document management software

• Personal computers

• Printers

• PeopleSoft Enterprise Resource Software

• E-mail

Supervisory Responsibility

Not responsible for supervising others.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• In lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a high school diploma or GED and four (4) years of experience in developing and administering requests for proposals/quotations, specifications, scope of work, and different types of contracts and agreements, in addition to experience stated below will be considered.

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in developing and administering requests for proposals/quotations, specifications, scope of work, and different types of contracts and agreements.

Minimum Certification/Licensure

• Certification from an accredited procurement program such as the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), the Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), must be obtained within two (2) years of hire date and maintained thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• N/A

ABOUT US

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation’s busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment

• Personal interview

• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)

• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)

• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)

• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.