Senior Prime Administrator (Term-limited)

State of Colorado; Colorado; Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Colorado in Denver is seeking an experienced Senior Prime Contract Administrator to provide executive-level governance, oversight, and strategic planning for a complex multi-state contract spanning seven states and multiple military installations. You will coordinate with subcontractors, Blind Vendors, and state agencies to ensure compliance and performance.

The role requires leading governance structures, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to meet contract objectives while

Qualifications

• Experience in contract administration or contract compliance monitoring.
• Experience with government contracting and large multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Program management experience for complex contracts and governance structures.
• Knowledge of contract compliance, performance monitoring, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Staff Authority for contract oversight and performance governance.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, FAR-like standards, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate governance among multiple SLAs, Blind Vendors, and subcontractors.
• Monitor performance using operational, financial, and quality metrics; implement improvements.
• Respond to phone calls beyond normal hours as required by schedule.

Skills

Contract administration

Government contracting

Program management

Contract compliance monitoring

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Leadership

Education

Seven years combined education/experience

Tools

Performance dashboards

Job description

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT COLORADO RESIDENTS ONLY

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 5:00 PM ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH

Position is term-limited and set to expired 9/30/2027.

This position will have hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to their designated DVR office (the DVR office nearest to the employee) 1 to 2 time per week and at the discretion of the supervisor and according to business need.

This posting does not accept resumes, cover letters, or attachments of any kind. Please be as thorough as possible in detailing your work history, education, and training in the application form.

The Department of Labor and Employment keeps Colorado strong and competitive. We connect workers with great jobs and assist those who have been injured on the job. We help people who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary wage replacement and we ensure fair labor practices. We provide an up-to-date and accurate picture of the economy that helps in decision making. And we protect the workplace – and Colorado communities – with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.

This is a values-driven organization, committed to accountability, agility, collaboration, and respect.

We believe in outstanding customer service, an inclusive culture, continued process improvement and in our role as a trusted and strategic partner. Recognizing that knowledgeable employees drive our success, we are seeking dedicated individuals who exhibit our shared values and our passion for quality and excellence in all we do.

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellent benefits:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• MotivateMe employee wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces
• RTD EcoPass Commuter Program
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go to https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs

Our agency website: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

CDLE has implemented a pilot program on March 1st, 2022 which will award Disability Hiring Preference Points similar to the Veterans’ Preference Points program. During your application process you will be asked if you would like to be considered for either of these programs for additional points in the hiring process. To learn more about Disability Hiring Preference and what will be required to participate, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/disability-hiring-preference/home

PLEASE NOTE: With the beginning of this program, CDLE will no longer accept attachments of any kind with applications. Please be as thorough as possible in documenting your education and work history in the application system. Attachments will not be accepted or considered during any phase of the hiring process including minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis, or interviews.

The salary range for this position is:

HOURLY $34.74 - $51.58

BIWEEKLY $2,779.38 - $4,126.40

MONTHLY $6,022.00 - $8,940.53

As the representative of the Lead State Licensing Agency (SLA) and Prime Contractor, the Senior Prime Contract Administrator provides executive-level leadership, governance, and oversight for the United States Marine Corps Garrison Food Service Contract (GFSC), a complex multi-state Randolph-Sheppard Act operation spanning seven states, multiple military installations, participating State Licensing Agencies, Blind Vendors, and contracted teaming partners.

The position serves as the designated executive authority responsible for contract governance, strategic planning, performance oversight, compliance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and the risk management necessary to ensure successful contract execution and fulfillment of the State's responsibilities as the Prime Contractor. The incumbent establishes and implements the governance, accountability, performance management, and oversight framework required to coordinate activities among participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, military stakeholders, subcontractors, and corporate teaming partners.

While contracted teaming partners are responsible for day-to-day food service operations and participating SLAs retain their statutory authority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, this position exercises substantial independent judgment and decision-making authority to ensure coordinated execution of contractual responsibilities, achievement of performance objectives, compliance with federal and state requirements, and meaningful Blind Vendor participation throughout the contract. The position is accountable for identifying, assessing, and mitigating contractual, operational, financial, compliance, and stakeholder risks that may impact contract performance, mission readiness, customer satisfaction, or the State's interests.

DUTIES

Program Governance and Contract Authority

• Serve as the Lead State Licensing Agency's designated Staff Authority for overall contract oversight, administration, and performance oversight.
• Ensure compliance with the contract Performance Work Statement (PWS), Randolph-Sheppard Act requirements, federal regulations, military directives, AbilityOne requirements, and applicable state policies.
• Recommend, implement, and maintain the program governance structure, including oversight of the Prime Authority, Joint Program Management Office (PMO), participating State Licensing Agencies (SLAs), Blind Vendors, teaming partners, and subcontractors.
• Monitor performance across all contract locations through operational, financial, staffing, quality assurance, and compliance metrics.
• Lead implementation of contract requirements, strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and post-award performance enhancement activities.
• Review corrective action plans and monitor resolution of contract deficiencies and performance issues, i.e. late/inaccurate invoicing, inaccurate material planning leading to food waste or running out of food, equipment neglect, headcount and cash collection discrepancies, labor law violations, lack of oversight/mentoring of Blind Vendors, improper inventory rotation leading to spoiled food, menu and recipe non-compliance, substandard sanitation and food handling.
• Provide technical support of procurement activities, subcontractor performance, small business participation, and contractual compliance requirements.
• Ensure contract objectives, customer expectations, and mission requirements are achieved while maintaining full regulatory and contractual compliance.
• ***This duty may require that the incumbent respond to phone calls beyond normal working hours as mandated by a division schedule.

Government Relations and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the Lead State Licensing Agency's official representative and primary contractual interface with military contracting officials, Contracting Officers (Os), Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), installation leadership, and other government officials.
• Represent the SLA during executive meetings, contract reviews, performance evaluations, negotiations, and strategic planning discussions.
• Maintain effective relationships with federal agencies, military customers, participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, Joint PMO personnel, teaming partner leadership, and subcontractors.
• Coordinate responses to customer concerns, operational challenges, performance deficiencies, contract modifications, and service delivery issues.
• Facilitate collaboration among military representatives, State Licensing Agencies, Blind Vendors, and teaming partners to resolve issues, mitigate risk, and ensure successful contract execution.
• ***This duty may require that the incumbent respond to phone calls beyond normal working hours as mandated by a division schedule.

Randolph-Sheppard Program & Blind Vendor Administration

• Provide technical guidance and oversight for Blind Vendor participation in accordance with Randolph-Sheppard Act requirements and Business Enterprise Program objectives.
• Collaborate with participating SLAs to identify, onboard, support, and develop qualified Blind Vendors and State Set-Aside Business Arrangements (SSBAs).
• Ensure meaningful participation of Blind Vendors through effective governance, accountability measures, and operational integration within the contract structure.
• Oversee implementation and effectiveness of training, mentorship, and professional development activities designed to promote operational readiness, entrepreneurial growth, and long-term vendor success.
• Monitor vendor participation, operational performance, and developmental outcomes using established program metrics.
• Resolve participation issues, performance concerns, role-definition conflicts, and multi-state coordination challenges involving Blind Vendors, SLAs, military stakeholders, and teaming partners.
• Review and approve corrective action plans issued to Blind Vendors.
• ***This duty may require that the incumbent respond to phone calls beyond normal working hours as mandated by a division schedule.

Multi-State Governance and Coordination

• Coordinate participation and collaboration among multiple State Licensing Agencies operating under the contract.
• Facilitate governance meetings, executive reviews, and interstate coordination activities.
• Develop and maintain communication structures, decision-making processes, and accountability measures among participating states and stakeholders.
• Recommend standardized policies, procedures, and operating practices to ensure consistent contract execution across participating states.
• Provide technical guidance to help resolve disputes, operational challenges, role-definition conflicts, and governance issues involving participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, teaming partners, and other stakeholders.

Ensure effective coordination between the Joint PMO, participating SLAs, Blind Vendors, military stakeholders, and subcontractors.

Classification

ADMINISTRATOR IV (H1B4XX)

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only

• Contract administration or contract compliance monitoring.
• Government contracting.
• Program management of large, complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Contract compliance, performance monitoring, and risk management.
• Working with federal agencies, military organizations, or government customers.
• Managing relationships with contractors, subcontractors, vendors, or partner organizations.
• Strategic planning, policy implementation, and organizational governance.
• Financial oversight, budgeting, or operational performance management.

Or

Education and Experience

A combination of related education (acceptable fields of study include: Business Administration, Public Administration, Government Administration, Contract Management, Finance, Legal Studies, Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Compliance, Organizational Leadership, or closely related field of study) and/or relevant work experience in an occupation related to the work assigned (following the criteria stated above) equal to seven (7) years

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience interpreting laws, regulations, contracts, and policy.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense, military installation, or defense-related contracts.
• Experience using operational, financial, or quality metrics to evaluate program performance.
• Randolph Sheppard experience.
• Experience performing similar duties as a State of Colorado classified employee.

Required Competencies

• Federal Contract Expertise: Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), contract clauses, and federal contract administration.
• Randolph-Sheppard Program Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, Blind Vendor business models, priority requirements, and State Licensing Agency (SLA) responsibilities.
• Dispute Resolution: Ability to resolve complex contractual disputes through contract interpretation, stakeholder collaboration, negotiation, and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic Governance: Ability to oversee and manage large corporate subcontractors and ensure alignment with contractual and organizational objectives.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Ability to interpret and analyze data from complex management tools, including Task Order Trackers, APL Performance Dashboards, and Inventory/Procurement Logs.
• Crisis Management: Ability to make timely, sound decisions in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations.
• Performance Monitoring: Ability to evaluate contract performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
• Regulatory Research: Ability to research, interpret, and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and contractual requirements.
• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability