The person in this position will develop solicitations prior to posting to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures and the guidelines of the Consolidated Procurement Code, regulations. Develop and review solicitation documents including scope, instructions to offerors, technical, and functional specifications/statements of work, qualifications, award criteria, terms and conditions, bidding schedules and all necessary attachments. Work with the end user and other procurement managers, apply knowledge of procurement practices, and conduct market analysis. Perform reviews of the Procurement Manager I solicitations as assigned. Evaluate responses to procurements to ensure that offers are responsive and responsible. Award contracts appropriately based on source selection method, ensuring that awards are in compliance with South Carolina (SC) Procurement Code and all South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) policies. When using a panel to evaluate offers, instruct and guide the panel through the procurement process by managing discussion and providing appropriate tools and information to facilitate the process. Consolidate individual panel member evaluations and provide proper documentation for award determination. Negotiate terms and draft final contract documents. Assist other procurement managers with procurements as directed by management. Provide on-going contract administration by working with end users and other procurement staff to ensure that contractor fully performs their contractual obligations. Resolve issues by working with all parties (contractors and end-users) to clarify requirements and resolve misunderstandings. Determine need to escalate issues and keep management informed on sensitive issues or issues that may result in termination. Serve as a consultant to SCDE departments and other procurement staff by assisting and providing guidance with purchasing methods, sources of supply, policies and procedures, negotiations, and compliance with SC Consolidated Procurement Code. Work with contractors and other vendors to maintain current information on products and services, business standards and practices, and market conditions. Keep current the prices of goods and services that are used or needed by the agency. Deal directly with manufacturers concerning prices and products. Assist with offices and vendors with questions/concerns relating to contract awards. Update agency file to reflect current contract details to maintain good contract administration. Follow up with end users, appropriate offices and vendors in contract controversy or during times when procurements are protested. Coordinate with South Carolina State Fiscal Accountability Authority (SFAA) Division of Procurement Services (DPS) on large, complex procurements, responding to DPS on bid or request for proposal (RFP) specifications from the agency. Work directly with SFAA Division of Procurement Services (DPS) with regard to solicitations issued for SCDE by DPS. Analyze agency bids and make recommendations concerning the awarding. Follow up with DPS on contract concerns. Provide training for agency staff on procurement procedures and assist in the update of procurement policies and guidelines as needed. Direct procurement operations in absence of the Procurement Director. Use South Carolina Enterprise Information System (SCEIS) to review shopping carts, make necessary changes by validating the source of supply, vendor number, delivery address, and supporting documentation to create Purchase Order. Verify information for State agency compliance of purchases that do not require shopping carts. Perform other duties as assigned.
This position is located in the Office of Procurement.
A bachelor's degree and experience in procurement and contract management.