Program Specialist (Houston, TX, US) na METRO | Public Transit | Houston, Texas | Bus | Rail | Park & Ride

Basic Function

Responsible for contractor compliance with Davis-Bacon and City of Houston prevailing wage issues. Conducts desk and on-site audits of contractors’ payrolls, assessing fines and retrieving back wages. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Communicates current federal and state regulations, legislation and prevailing wages to Contract Administrators and Contractors.
• Maintains integrated database management systems and modifications of existing systems to enable departments to create and present reports to METRO Board, President & CEO, elected officials and general public.
• Conducts advance analysis of data for inclusion in narrative reports.
• Instructs contractors on appropriate and applicable record-keeping requirements and works with Contract Administrators to ensure contractor compliance.
• Provides technical assistance to small businesses and METRO departments on Davis-Bacon requirements.
• Updates guidelines as necessary.
• Provides needs assessment analysis and recommends computer hardware and software enhancements to upgrade and improve current systems; and implements and tests new procurement software as required.
• Assists in preparation of Triennial and State of Texas audits.
• Responsible for turn-key contracts administration process to include contracting for supplies, equipment and hardware following METRO’s standard processes from pre-contract planning to award of contract and completion through closeout.
• Responsible for pre-contract planning functions and preparation of bid documents.
• Obtains technical specifications from requiring departments and assists in writing when necessary.
• Supports METRO’s P Card Program.
• Expedites purchases to ensure timely delivery and cancels delinquent orders and re-procures requirements to meet METRO’s needs.
• Uses cost/price analysis to determine acceptable prices.
• Conducts pre-solicitation conferences and bid openings.
• Issues bid amendments and contract modifications.
• Records awards of contracts and prepares supporting files.
• Administers contracts, including contractor and METRO compliance and termination action for default or METRO convenience.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $63,200 -  $82,800

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field is preferred.
 

Years & Experience Required

Minimum five (5) years direct experience in business contract compliance, desk and on-site audits and resolutions of compliance issues.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Working knowledge of Federal and State legislation relative to labor laws, Davis-Bacon, EEO/ADA and DBE. Good working knowledge of contracts and contracting practices, uniform commercial code, state law and emphasis on federal procedures required. Ability to read specifications, plans, and knowledge of industry standards. Strong written/verbal, analytical and organization skills required. Knowledge of Supply Chain Management. Ability to achieve working relationships with other METRO departments. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, experience with contract administration computer system. Proficiency in Excel spreadsheets.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.