This is the first class in the Transportation Contract Administrator Series. Positions in this class are located in Central or residency office locations. Positions in the Central Office review and analyze roadway construction and maintenance contracts, work orders and claims, evaluate low bid documentation, and make recommendations to accept or reject bids and contracts for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program based on federal and state compliance regulations. Positions in a residency office develop roadway construction projects to the advertisement phase that includes preparing pre-construction contract forms and reports. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Contract Administrator Senior class by the latter’s responsibility for administering all contracts within a district and by its signatory authority for expenditure of funds and entire program administration.

Complexity of Work: Positions in this class which are located in the Central Office perform work of moderate difficulty which requires the application of independent judgment in the review and analysis of roadway construction and maintenance contracts, work orders and claims in order to ensure contractual compliance to state and federal regulations. Positions compile data, monitor and analyze roadway construction/maintenance field project activities to secure minority participation in construction projects and to provide policy and procedural information to field units. Positions research and analyze contractors’ claims and work orders to determine accuracy and to make recommendations for resolution to Construction Division Management; prepare letters of settlement for signature; compile, analyze, and manipulate data to formulate construction activity reports; administer the Pre-qualification Program to certify contractors’ eligibility by assessing such factors as financial stability, legitimacy of ownership, past performance with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on construction projects, and assessing construction capabilities of DBE contractors. Monitor state wage rates and assure appropriate federal minimum wage rates are contained in bid documents; certify pre-qualification status of low bidder; establish project computer files and monitor the monthly generation of contractors’ estimates and progress reports by which contractors receive payments; advise field personnel in district and residency offices regarding reports and monthly payment estimates; provide assistance to the public, contractors, and agency staff regarding guidelines, policies, procedures, special provisions, and specifications pertaining to the DBE program; set minority participation goals for individual projects based upon availability and capabilities a of minority firms; monitor progress of minority participation; and measure the impact of agency participation goals.

Positions located in residency offices perform work of moderate difficulty that requires the application of independent judgment in administering roadway construction and maintenance contracts and by providing administrative support to Transportation resident Engineers. Positions develop less complex roadway projects such as safety improvement projects, widening existing roadways, installing guardrails, and straightening existing curves to the advertisement phase which includes preparing pre-construction contract forms and reports such as cost estimates, sketches, and drawings; obtaining donated right of way; setting tentative advertisement dates through district and Central Office Construction, Maintenance, and Secondary Roads divisions; conducting and preparing roadway construction reports by analyzing various types of data. Positions in the residencies relieve the Transportation Resident Engineer by performing various administrative duties such as preparing annual and six-year road improvement plans for maintenance and construction projects; compiling information for residency budgets; investigating contractor and public claims against the Department; investigating injuries and fatal accidents; preparing permits and subdivision documents; and answering questions on roadway and maintenance projects from the public.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a Transportation Engineer and/or Transportation Engineer Senior in the Central Office and from a Transportation Resident Engineer or Transportation Assistant Resident Engineer in residency offices.

Scope: Administrative actions encompass the review, analysis, and approval of contract documents in Central and Residency Offices.

Impact of Actions: Decisions and work actions directly impact the DBE program, and awarding DBE, maintenance and construction contracts through contract acceptance or rejection actions and payments of work orders and claims. Inadequate work actions may result in excessive time delays, additional expenses incurred by the state, and inaccuracies in data used by management.

Personal Contacts: Contacts are frequent internally and externally with agency personnel at all levels and with contractors in the performance of administrative duties related to roadway or DBE roadway construction projects.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of roadway and/or DBE construction and maintenance contracts to include the preparation of pre-construction contract forms and reports; and of roadway construction plans, specifications, technology, methods, procedures and policies.

Skills: Working skill in the operation of calculators and personal computers.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to read and interpret roadway construction plans, contracts, specifications and regulations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and work with public contractors and local government officials.

OUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent with course work related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in roadway construction and maintenance work relating to contract specifications and contract compliance.

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

This class was revised in July 1989 as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It was formerly titled Highway Contract Administrator A.