Contract Administrator III: End-to-End Procurement & Negotiations

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a Contract Administrator III to manage the full contract life cycle for a wide range of goods and services supporting our transportation system in the DC area.

You will plan procurements, coordinate bids and proposals, evaluate offers, and advise on contract interpretation. The role requires strong negotiation, legal awareness, and the ability to coach junior staff in procurement best practices.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma + 4 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Document management software

Personal computers

Printers

PeopleSoft ERP

E-mail

Job description

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a Contract Administrator III to manage the full contract life cycle for a wide range of goods and services supporting our transportation system in the DC area.

You will plan procurements, coordinate bids and proposals, evaluate offers, and advise on contract interpretation. The role requires strong negotiation, legal awareness, and the ability to coach junior staff in procurement best practices.