EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

From information submitted by school or office personnel, writes Requests for Proposal and Invitation for Bid solicitations for commodities and services to be purchased; edits requisitions from these sources; confers with MCPS officials regarding requirements, specifications, quantity, quality and delivery of merchandise, and delivery requirements; recommends alternative items to reduce cost or improve delivery time. Prepares Request for Proposals and Invitation for Bid invitations; solicits and analyzes quotations for new, nonstandard, or specialized items; confers with supplier representatives to insure full understanding of bid requirements and to keep familiar with new or revised products, price changes, and other information that could materially affect the purchasing of items. Maintains maximum competitive structure to insure most reasonable cost; conducts life-cycle cost analysis to determine costs over the life expectancy of products. Evaluates quotations to insure specifications of bid are met and to determine low bidder; may test or assist in testing supplies and equipment offered by suppliers; makes recommendation concerning awarding of contracts, providing background data when recommending other than the low bidder. Works with contract administrators and Project Coordinators on contract agreements and handles adjustments with suppliers involving such things as replacements of material not conforming to specifications, cancellation of orders, and insuring receipt of proper credit; prepares correspondence to suppliers to reconcile discrepancies and for other reasons. Assists in reconciling differences between MCPS and vendors. Administers complex Request for Proposals for goods and services from initial request through award; this includes analysis of all lease/purchases and handling legal and financial requirements with attorneys. Attends meetings with outside governmental agencies as needed. Assists director with hiring and training of new employees; serves as evaluator and sits with director during employee performance interviews. Advises the director of potentially controversial matters and far-reaching implications of rendered decisions. Performs related work as required.