Principal Contract Administrator/Contract Administrator

The Procurement Department in the Metropolitan Council's Regional Administration Division has two (2) vacancies for a Principal Contract Administrator/Contract Administrator. These vacancies may be filled at either classification based on the candidate's qualifications and business needs.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Procurement Department assists internal Council units to buy goods and services needed to conduct Council business. In carrying out this purpose, the department complies with Council policies and procedures, laws of federal, state, and local governments, and requirements of grants the Council receives.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Principal Contract Administrator/Contract Administrator provides oversight in the development of solicitations for Specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents; runs solicitations publicly, formally and informally; manages bid openings and facilitates evaluation panels for RFPs; awards and executes contracts and prepares and negotiates contracts. Types of contracts are architecture and engineering, major construction, small scope construction, non-construction/general services, professional/technical services, and goods. This position is also responsible for administering Council contract procurement policies, procedures, and state and federal laws for all contracts.

This position does NOT manage the contracts once executed and is NOT construction site management.

This position requires the ability and willingness to travel to multiple locations in the seven (7) county metropolitan area, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation.

• Administer contract procurement procedures for service contracts in the areas of construction, goods, architectural/engineering, and professional/technical contracts.
• Work with project managers to understand project needs and provide information on procurement procedures that are required to comply with Council policy, procedure, and law.
• Coordinate the review of contracts and proposed changes with the Contract Negotiators, Office of the General Counsel, Information Services, Risk Management, and Office of Equal Opportunity.
• Facilitate contract negotiations including interviews, request for classifications, demonstrations, best and final offers, and modifications to standard contract language.
• Create and document proposal evaluation criteria including multi-phase evaluations.
• Organize and facilitate pre-proposal and bid meetings, and proposal evaluation meetings where evaluation committee members may include community representatives.
• Create contract procurement process documents such as Statement of Qualification (SOQ) for pre-qualification of contractors, Scope of Work (SOW) for Request for Proposal (RFP), Specifications for Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Quotes (RFQ), Request for Information (RFI), proposal evaluation forms, bid documentation, and draft contracts.
• Manage bid openings and bid tabulations and prepare correspondence documenting contract awards.
• Facilitate evaluation panel trainings and consensus meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Principal Contract Administrator
Any of the following combinations of completed education (in business, finance, public administration, or a closely related field) and experience (in contract administration):

• Bachelor's degree or higher with five (5) years of experience
• Associate degree with seven (7) years of experience
• High school diploma/GED with nine (9) years of experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher with three (3) years of experience
• Associate degree with five (5) years of experience
• High school diploma/GED with seven (7) years of experience

• Contract development project management or procurement experience with a government entity or in a large complex private company where regulations were applicable.
• Experience working with federal or state regulations.
• Experience in the development of procurement and contracting solicitation documents.
• Certification as a Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or Purchasing Manager (CPM), or National Institute Government Procurement-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), or Project Manager Development Program (PMDP).
• Experience procuring technology, Software as a Service (SaaS) projects.
• Experience collaborating and outreach during project solicitations with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Targeted Group Business (TGB).
• Professional experience working with small business inclusion programs, equity, diversity, affirmative action, equal opportunity, legal, community outreach, contract administration, and contract compliance implementation.

• Knowledge of contract and/or procurement services which includes purchasing goods and services in accordance with procurement procedures and contract specifications.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Word and Excel, Electronic Calendar and Internet.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from diverse groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to calculate figures in amounts such as discounts, interest and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to work under high-pressure situations with all levels of the organization while adhering to procurement policies and procedures.
• Skilled in project management and the ability to lead teams and communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Skilled in dealing with others, both inside and outside of the department. Interactions with others generally require influencing, instructing and negotiating with individuals to gain their understanding, cooperation and action.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Principial Contract Administrator
Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
Full Salary Range: $40.56 - $61.20 hourly; $84,365 - $127,296

Contract Administrator
Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade G
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
Full Salary Range: $34.70 - $52.36 hourly; $72,176 - $108,909

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.