Role Description This Contracts Specialist 3 role offers remote flexibility, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to support public health by managing essential employee and retiree benefit contracts. This position is responsible for the development of contracts and procurements to support the State’s employee and retiree benefits purchasing goals. You will build specialized expertise in Washington state procurement laws while working on high-visibility, politically sensitive projects. You will provide meaningful contributions to your community by directly supporting programs like the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and the School Employee Benefits Board (SEBB), which provide healthcare to nearly 800,000 public employees, retirees, and their families. All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes. The Contracts Specialist 3 will provide specialized knowledge and application of state contract/procurement laws, including support to agency programs in their contract/procurement activities, to ensure a healthy Washington through the delivery of HCA contracts supporting PEBB and SEBB through ERB. This position performs complex and/or politically sensitive activities related to contracts and procurements that support the agency, which include employee and retiree benefit contracts. This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location. Duties Some of what you will do: - Collaborates with ERB program/project management staff on developing the contents for competitive contracts. - Independently writes and provides technical advice for RFP’s, RFQ’s, RFQQ’s, etc. - Develops the work plan for contract solicitations. - Approves and/or develops the contents for – and manages the process of – advertising for competitive contracts via the agency Internet and WEBS. - Manages and provides oversight of appropriate solicitation processes by working in conjunction with ERB program, clinical, and fiscal staff to ensure compliance with program and fiscal requirements. - Independently writes and/or provides technical advice for the Statement of Work (SOW), contract deliverables, contract amendments, and other contract documents for/with ERB staff and external constituents using best practice contracting principles. - Negotiates (language, deliverables, time frames, and cost) contracts and agreements verbally and in writing by interacting with vendors, internal staff and other state agency staff to award contract for needed services. - Manages and facilitates protest debriefings with non-successful bidders. - Communicates with ERB management to ensure documentation is accurate and submitted prior to deadlines. - Independently reviews and/or approves contract requests and determines applicable regulations. - Provides technical assistance to internal and external constituents and stakeholders regarding contract activities, including providing advice and resources. - Provides tailored one-on-one and group trainings as needed. - Researches and stays current on contracting laws, rules, regulations, best-practices and trends. - Advises junior Contract Specialists on contracting and procurement subject matter. Qualifications - Consistent with Procurement Reform Law (RCW 39.26.110), this position requires the completion of the following DES contracts training courses within 90 days of hire: - All courses required for School of Procurement Professionals. - Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options: - Option 1: A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association and one (1) year of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration. - Option 2: Master's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field and two (2) years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration. - Option 3: Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field and three (3) years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration. - Option 4: Seven (7) years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration. - Option 5: One (1) year of experience as a Contracts Specialist 2 in state government or equivalent role. Requirements - The ability to take action to learn and grow. - The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. - Demonstrates above average knowledge and skills regarding government contracting. - Demonstrated skills in providing leadership to co-workers and stakeholders. - Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively (oral and written) with internal and external stakeholders with diverse and divergent needs. - Demonstrated ability to deliver presentations and participate in meetings with other staff and stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications - Three (3) years professional experience (high level proficiency) developing, managing, and providing consultation for competitive government contracts in Washington. - One (1) year experience collaboratively working as a project team member in a large enterprise data management system. - Two (2) years’ professional experience developing, managing, and providing consultation for non-competitive government contracts in Washington. - Two (2) years’ professional experience monitoring and negotiating budget and contracts. - Provide consistent, high-quality (error free) reviews of written communications with acute attention to detail. - Ability to interpret and convey rules and regulations, and legal terminology to broad audiences. - Clear, accurate verbal and written communication. - Strong analytical ability demonstrated by using data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, create accurate conclusions, and make clear and sound decisions. - Demonstrate above average knowledge and skills regarding government contracting. How to Apply - Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. - A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position. - Current resume. - To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following: - Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. - Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. Notes - Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment. - HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. - Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. - Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. - Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Angelic Matthews at Angelic.Matthews@HCA.WA.Gov. - The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.