Contract Administrator II

Marketing Statement

Are you a public procurement professional who enjoys conducting 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 II and be part of a high-performing team purchasing a wide range of goods and services to support the transportation system that keeps our nation’s capital moving.

In this role, you will act as a subject matter expert on acquisitions, conducting the entire procurement process for Invitations for Bid (IFB) and Requests for Quotation (RFQ) from receipt of request for procurement through the cycle of solicitation, contract award, administration and close-out. You will be a trusted advisor for your internal customers, ensuring solicitations proceed on schedule and troubleshooting issues quickly and efficiently.

Success in this role depends on your ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally and to conduct effective negotiations for complex contracts, contract modifications and claims. Your excellent verbal and written communications skills will enable you to prepare clear, accurate and concise specifications, contract documents, correspondence, and other written materials. If you are passionate about procurement and contracting and looking for opportunities for professional growth and development we invite you to join us and make a difference in the daily life of the national capital region.

The Contract Administrator II job involves work which includes the preparation, management, award, administration and close-out of material, equipment, supply and service, professional and technical service, construction and Architecture and Engineering (A/E) contracts for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The incumbent is assigned responsibility and accountability to administer standard procurements and provide guidance to less experienced Contract Administrators. This position provides an opportunity for career growth and development. The incumbent may exercise limited contracting officer authority (up to $250K)for a wide range of contracts.

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 bid; 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, and assists with pre-bid and proposal conferences.
• Assists with briefs and discussions of the basis of contractors’ position with General Counsel, the Chief Procurement Officer, and other senior staff with support from the Contracting Officer. Also 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 occasionally perform duties and assume responsibilities that are routinely assigned to Contract Administrators, TA-18 and TA-22, 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.

Knowledge

• 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.
• Knowledge of many different contracts, solicitations, and agreement types.

Skills

• Skilled in financial and quantitative analysis to analyze contractor financial statements and perform standard 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 standard 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

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 an additional four (4) years of experience in developing and administering requests for proposals and/or quotations, specifications, scope of work, and different types of contracts and agreements may be considered.

Minimum Experience

• Five (5) 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) or a certificate from a program sponsored by the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI), the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), or the Defense Acquisition Workforce Initiative (DAWIA) must be obtained within two (2) years of hire date and maintained thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

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.