Procurement Contracts Officer

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Nebraska, Department of Health and Human Services, is hiring a Procurement Contracts Officer in Lincoln to support the Rural Health Transformation Program. This on-site role develops RFAs, RFPs, RFIs, and SOWs, ensures compliance with federal and state rules, and manages complex contracts and subawards throughout their lifecycle.

You will collaborate with program staff, legal counsel, and vendors; review invoices and budgets; and help implement sourcing strategies to achieve best

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field AND five years procurement experience.
• Preferred qualifications: Experience with federal grants, scope of work, service contracts, government contracting, and applying policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and administration of RFAs, draft and execute SOWs, direct service contracts, and subawards for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• Prepare RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs as needed.
• Research and develop complex scopes of services; ensure compliance with federal grant terms and state regulations.
• Manage portfolio and lifecycle of contracts and subawards from pre-award to closeout.
• Support contract/subaward negotiations, vendor/subrecipient selection, and regulatory monitoring.
• Implement sourcing strategies to achieve cost savings and best value across obligations.
• Coordinate with program staff, legal counsel, contract managers, and subrecipients to meet milestones and deadlines.
• Review invoices, expenditure reports, and budgets; facilitate closeout processes.
• Other duties within the classification scope.

Skills

Procurement management

Contract negotiation

Policy compliance

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

SharePoint

JD Edwards EnterpriseOne

Job description

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $29.859

The State of Nebraska, Department of Health and Human Services, is hiring for our next Procurement Contracts Officer in Lincoln! This position is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a significant federal initiative focused on strengthening and improving health care services in rural communities across the nation. This program provides a unique opportunity to modernize rural health care, expand access to services, and create more sustainable health care systems for the future. Nebraska is among the states selected to participate in this initiative through funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Working for the State of Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is more than just a job—it's a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow Nebraskans. Public service provides an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the state. At DHHS, we take pride in our mission of "Helping People Live Better Lives," and every team member plays a vital role in delivering programs and services. Choosing a career in public service means embracing a purpose-driven path, fostering positive change, and upholding the values that make Nebraska a great place to live and thrive.

Examples of Work

• Oversee the development and administration of Request for Applications (RFAs), draft and execute Statements of Work (SOWs), Direct Service contracts, and subawards related to the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) may also be included.
• Research and development of complex scope of services for a number of contracts and subawards, ensuring compliance with federal grant terms (such as Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200), State Statutes, rules, regulations, and departmental policies.
• Portfolio management of contract and subaward bases, tracking the lifecycle from pre-award execution to closeout.
• Provide research for and facilitate contract/subaward negotiations, aid in vendor and subrecipient selection, monitor legal and regulatory requirements, and coordinate procurement and pass-through award activities for complex projects.
• Assist in implementing sourcing strategies to ensure sustainable cost and/or cost avoidance savings, fiscal responsibility, and best value across all contractual obligations.
• Interact with program staff, legal counsel, contract managers, and subrecipients to ensure deliverables, performance milestones, and deadlines are met.
• Review of invoices, expenditure reports, and supporting documentation against approved budgets.
• Facilitate the subaward and contract closeout process.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations or related field AND five years procurement experience. Experience can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with federal grants, scope of work, service contracts, especially government contracting, or other procurement activities. Experience in recommending and applying policies, and procedures, problem resolution, coordinating projects.

Other: Regular and reliable attendance required.

Position is located on-site at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge and proper execution of the State’s policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic accounting, and procurement practices; Ability to read and comprehend state statutes, rules and regulations, and standard operating procedures, and apply as applicable.
• Ability to investigate, analyze and document information to draw conclusions and solve problems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret various documents as well as the ability to train others in performing duties and tasks.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in various forms.
• Ability to apply logic to understand and interpret agency business processes.
• Ability to make decisions in a timely manner and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment, utilizing input from others, as appropriate.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, highly motivated, and thrives in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Human Relation Skills: Establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with employees, customers, and vendors.
• Candidates should possess and demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, effective listening skills, be detail-oriented and able to work with a wide variety of people and programs.

Computer Skills

• Knowledge of computer systems including, but not limited to time and attendance system, information systems, financial and purchasing systems, and policies/regulations.
• Experience with the following programs: MS Word and Excel, and other purchasing specific software programs.
• SharePoint and knowledge of JD Edwards Enterprise 1 system is helpful, but not essential.
• Knowledge of purchasing practices, organization structures, functions, policies and procedures, communications, and objectives as they relate to the management of programs and contracts; and state contracting regulations.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you.

Contact [e-mail] for additional support. Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!