This is the second class in a series performing advanced work in a central state agency responsible for the procurement of goods and services and conduct of procurement related support activities that serve all state agencies and institutions. Positions in this class purchase and contract for a wide variety of goods and services that allows for independent decision making, writing of complex specifications, and insuring of customer and vendor compliance with state laws and regulations. Persons in this class deal with a greater variety and complexity of contract codes requiring longer evaluation periods, product listing and contract processing. They also exercise more independence and may specialize in such support areas as specification writing and compliance administration exclusively. They are permitted higher purchase expenditure ceilings than are allowed the State Procurement Specialist.

Complexity of Work: The work is of moderate difficulty and involves spot purchasing, contracting on a spot, term, scheduled, developmental or requirements basis by means of sealed bids, two-step competitive sealed bids or competitive negotiating. Evaluating and revising specifications, preparing and evaluating requests for bids/proposals, negotiating and awarding contracts, administering contracts, analyzing market conditions, developing supply sources, determining methods of procurement, ensuring adherence to state laws and regulations, assisting state agencies in service contracting and conducting training for agencies are typical duties performed by members of this class. Written specifications developed in support of procurement activities require emphasis on market research, analysis, vendor contact, and product evaluations in order to accurately describe item and service contract purchases. This class may be used as either procurement and specification generalists or concentrate on specialty areas such as printing, high technology items or high dollar value items that require concentrated attention and more detailed product knowledge. Activities involving reviews of state and agency purchasing, investigating vendor and agency complaints, conducting pre-award and post-award surveys, providing procurement management advice and assisting agencies, and reviewing agency procurement activities are performed to assure compliance to contractual obligations contained in law and regulation. Positions engaged in a state surplus property program that requires administering bidding and contracting and other relatable procurement procedures may also be included in this class.

Supervision Given: Positions in this class may act as lead workers for State Procurement Specialists by providing advice and guidance.

Supervision Received: Performs work under the general supervision of a State Procurement Unit Supervisor or higher level manager in the Division.

Scope: Agencies and vendors are affected in large measure by positions in this class as they rely on them for resolution of more complex issues and consult more frequently for technical advice and assistance.

Impact of Actions: The impact on budgeting, operations and customer relations can be serious because of the variety and higher dollar value items administered. Legal actions resulting from contracting and purchasing error can be costly to the state.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with vendors and customers is experienced.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge in volume commodity purchasing under commodity sealed bidding. Working knowledge of state procurement laws and regulations. Working knowledge in developing, awarding and administering contracts. Some knowledge of product technical features in assigned specialty areas. Some knowledge of materials management procedures.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to analyze and evaluate. Demonstrated ability to supervise and coordinate work of others as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from college with degree in business administration, marketing or related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in public or private sector preferably in government procurement operations.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this training and experience.

This is the second class in a series designed to function in a centralized state agency having responsibility for statewide procurement, storage, distribution and regulation of the state’s procurement and materials handling activities. The class replaces the agency’s usage of several generic classes that did not adequately explain the statewide role.