Senior Contract Administrator — Public Procurement Expert

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

Job summary

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a seasoned Contract Administrator III to manage the full lifecycle of procurements, from request through close-out, and to serve as a trusted advisor to internal customers. You will lead negotiations, determine contract types, and help ensure on-time award actions for large and complex contracts.

You will mentor junior staff, coordinate with General Counsel and senior leadership, and uphold WMATA's procurement policies while

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 the laws, ordinances and regulations governing WMATA procurements.
• Broad knowledge of many different contracts, solicitations, and agreement types.
• 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.

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 and quantitative analysis

Negotiation

Relationship management

Education

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

High school diploma or GED with 4 years procurement experience (alternative)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Document management software

Personal computers

Printers

PeopleSoft ERP

Email

Job description

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a seasoned Contract Administrator III to manage the full lifecycle of procurements, from request through close-out, and to serve as a trusted advisor to internal customers. You will lead negotiations, determine contract types, and help ensure on-time award actions for large and complex contracts.

You will mentor junior staff, coordinate with General Counsel and senior leadership, and uphold WMATA's procurement policies while