Division Overview: TheJustice Information Technology Services Division(JITS) serves the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) Attorney General and provides vital Information Technology (IT) infrastructure upon which Montanans and local and state law enforcement agencies rely for timely, accurate information. JITS manages the IT systems, services, and interfaces to support approximately 900 DOJ employees, 325 statewide county motor vehicle system users, and over 3,000 Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) users across the state. The work of JITS directly supports the citizens of Montana and the DOJ staff who are involved in legal cases involving the State and its people to include missing persons, victim services, children’s justice, consumer protection, criminal investigations, highway safety, motor vehicle operations, gambling control, criminal history information, and forensic laboratory services. Our mission to enhance operations and efficiency with IT in the pursuit of the DOJ mission is challenging, exciting, and rewarding, both professionally and personally. Job Overview: TheContracts Officeris responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the procurement lifecycle within DOJ with a focus on Information Technology procurements. This includes support and assistance in the development of the scope and specifications, drafts and reviews Invitation for Bids (IFB) and Requests for Proposal (RFP), reviews, and compares vendor documents; evaluates proposals and bids; drafts, edits, negotiates, reviews, interprets and clarifies contract provisions, legal requirements, terms, conditions, specifications, and quotations; recommends contracts for award; supports divisions in monitoring contracts/agreements for statutory and terms compliance; responds to inquiries in regards to contract management. This position is also responsible for ensuring that all contracts comply with the organization's internal policies and procedures. The contracts officer works closely with various departments within the organization, including IT, legal, procurement, and finance, to ensure that contracts are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives and budgetary constraints. Overall, the contracts officer plays a critical role in ensuring that contracts are executed effectively and efficiently, while also managing the organization's contractual relationships with external vendors and service providers. * Analyze and research goods and services to determine reasonable prices. * Research and collaborate with agency staff to obtain and maintain a working technical knowledge about goods and services in order to develop specifications and contract terms. * Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, to determine need for contract modification and recommend appropriate remedies for non-compliance. * Ensure compliance with laws, rules, policy, and processes related to procurement. * Prepare purchase orders, contracts, solicit bid and proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services for restrictive requirements. * Ensure compliance with conditions of grants by monitoring and analyzing agreements, contracts, expenses, and activities. * Supports and assists the planning, creation, writing, and negotiating for hardware, software licensing, and service level agreements. * Support divisions in monitoring IT contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, to determine need for contract modification and recommend appropriate remedies for non-compliance. * Ensures contract compliance with internal and external requirements and supports negotiations on needed amendments or change orders Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, communication, or related field. * Two years of purchasing, technical writing, project management, contract administration, or other applicable experience * Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted. Special Instructions: * The selection procedures to be used in evaluating the applicant's qualification may include but are not limited to an evaluation of the résumé, structured interview, performance test, academic transcripts, reference/background checks and fingerprint checks. Additional materials, references or information submitted by the applicant, but not requested, will not be considered. Successful applicant(s) will be subject to: * Criminal History Fingerprint Check * Driving History *REAL ID Compliant Credential Required and/or Passport: State employees are required to present legally binding photo identification at the time of hire. Generally, this is a valid driver license, U.S. Passport or Employment Authorization ID (Form I-766). All DOJ positions require a valid REAL ID or U.S. Passport within 60 days of hire, effective May 3, 2025. For further information go tohttps://mtrealid.govorhttps://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions. HOW TO APPLY: * /To be considered for this position, you must attach a résumé at the time of application/. Tip: When attaching your resume, you must mark the attachment as a “Relevant File”. _Your Résumé_: Please include all work experience as well as job duties that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. Include dates of employment (month & year- start & end) and the reason you left each job. A complete online state application is not required. To initiate an application, attach the résumé to be considered for this position. Failure to attach résumé will result in an incomplete application that will not be considered further. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. Please submit preference documentation to Terri Christianson atTerese.Christianson@mt.govviaFile Transfer Service. To request an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office. Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generousState of Montana Benefits. * Medical, dental and vision coverage * Retirement plans * Generous paid vacation, sick and holidays * Pre-tax Flexibility Spending Accounts * Employee Assistance Program State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This Organization Participates inE-Verify. Minorities are under-represented in this position and are encouraged to apply. This position is/may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA). Title: *Contracts Officer Location: Helena Requisition ID: 24141874