KRISTINA L. KOLLAJA

• As Director of Procurement and Contracts, I spearheaded the establishment of the organization’s first centralized procurement department and a foundational contracts management team, providing high-level oversight, training, and tools. I also shaped governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Additionally, I monitor regulations and legislation while staying current on industry best practices and changes.
• Over the past decade, my leadership has supported an annual spend that has grown to exceed $40 million in direct and pass-through funds. I lead a team of 10 professionals managing over 80 RFPs, 1,800 contracts, and 700 purchase orders annually. I built the Procurement and Contracts department from the ground up, and my team now supports agency procurement across all departments, more than 53 major programs, and additional projects that cover the work of the agency from 100 to over 500 employees. Our support includes procurement for the following departments: Community and Environmental Planning, Public Services, Transportation, Data/Imagery, Research, Transportation Planning, and Cooperative Purchasing (H-GACBuy).
• I have overseen the transition from a manual contracts repository to a full contracts management system, as well as the implementation of an e-procurement platform, successfully moving the department from paper-based to paperless processes. Additionally, I developed a project management tool using Asana to efficiently track and process RFPs and purchase orders. I also created and implemented an agency-wide strategic planning calendar to align organizational needs with department resources.
• My expertise in complex strategic procurement, contract management, and risk mitigation has enabled the organization to align procurement processes with long-term goals. I am proficient in procurement solicitation and project management, contract administration, and grant management. I emphasize fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, delivering solutions that address complex procurement challenges while enhancing operational efficiency.
• My leadership has ensured the agency maintains clean internal and external audits for over a decade and remains compliant with diverse funding sources, including TxDOT, TCEQ, FEMA, Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas General Land Office. I possess deep knowledge of 2 CFR 200 Federal Regulations, state of Texas statutes, Texas Grant Management Standards, and other relevant legislation and regulations.
• During my tenure at H-GAC, I have held multiple progressive roles, earning promotions while working to build a fully functioning procurement and contracts department. I have also trained and mentored staff and formalized policies and procedures to support sustainable organizational growth.

2020-2023 Senior Manager of Procurement

2017-2020 Manager of Procurement

2015-2017 Procurement Administrator

• Extensive experience developing, executing, and administering contracts for complex high-technology services and equipment, with a strong focus on ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and legal requirements. Skilled in leading discussions with technical end-users to develop detailed technical specifications, scopes of work, submittal requirements, and proposal evaluation criteria, while staying current on industry standards and best practices to support high-quality procurement outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead pre-proposal conferences and facilitate clear communication of technical specifications to vendors, internal stakeholders, and executive leadership. Experienced in preparing and executing a wide range of competitive solicitations, including Invitations to Bid (ITBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Requests for Contract Action (RCAs).
• Adept at reviewing bid submissions for compliance with technical and contractual requirements and partnering with legal counsel to negotiate, develop, and execute complex contracts and service agreements.
• Strong background in contract administration for light-technology services and supplies, including vendor performance management, compliance evaluation, and resolution of disputes, complaints, and bid protests. Experienced in conducting cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the financial impact of procurement decisions on departmental budgets, and in preparing detailed financial reports, forecasting tools, and budget-to-actual analyses to support informed decision-making and long-term planning.
• Demonstrated leadership in long-range purchasing strategy and needs analysis, focusing on simplifying and standardizing services and commodities to reduce costs and increase efficiencies. Skilled in developing and revising departmental procurement policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with state laws, local regulations, and organizational goals.
• SAP Super-User and subject matter expert in FI-MM modules, providing training, technical support, and guidance on error resolution, mobile testing, and system implementation. Served as a team leader for process improvement initiatives, staff training programs, and cost reduction strategies, successfully leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles to enhance operational efficiency and deliver measurable results.

• Extensive experience in the strategic procurement of complex, high-value commodities and services from both local and international vendors through fixed-price contracts and competitive solicitations, ensuring compliance with all applicable State and Federal statutes, funding requirements, and technical specifications. Skilled in developing and executing procurement strategies, including receipt, review, and processing of requisitions, bid specification development, and preparation and execution of RFQs, RFPs, and RCAs to support operational and project-based purchasing needs.
• Experienced in contract administration for goods and services, including price negotiation, compliance verification, and vendor performance management. Adept at analyzing purchasing trends and preparing detailed financial reports for cost savings and efficiencies through strategic procurement activities and contract development.
• Proficient in developing detailed financial reports and tools to support informed decision-making, budget forecasting, and analysis of sensitive, high-level procurement activities and ensuring confidentiality and compliance with security protocols.
• Proficient in developing detailed financial reports and tools to support informed decision-making, budget forecasting, budget-to-actual analysis, and general ledger verification, as well as managing capital asset purchasing and project administration. Led fiscal year-end close activities, accounts receivable functions, petty cash management, purchasing card reconciliation, and administration, and JIT commodity code development to ensure operational and financial accuracy.
• Demonstrated leadership as a team lead for lower-level purchasing staff and administrative support personnel, providing oversight, training, and guidance. SAP Super-User with expertise in FI-MM modules, serving as departmental trainer and consultant on system error resolution, mobile testing, and implementation. Experienced in developing purchasing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and leading process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

• Skilled in the strategic procurement of lower-level commodities and services from both local and international vendors through fixed-price contracts and competitive solicitations, ensuring compliance with State and Federal statutes and organizational specifications. Experienced in receiving, reviewing, and processing requisitions, preparing bids and RFPs, and analyzing purchasing trends to identify opportunities for efficiencies and operational contract development.
• Proficient in contract administration for goods and services, including price negotiation, compliance verification, and vendor performance management. Adept at budget forecasting, variance analysis, general ledger fund verification, and supporting financial accuracy through asset development, tracking, and management of purchasing records.
• Experienced in accounts receivable, vendor registration and certification processes, and purchase order records management. Contributed to fiscal year-end close activities and provided support in materials management and inventory control to ensure accurate reporting and effective resource utilization.

• Experienced in capital asset purchasing and project administration, with responsibility for ensuring accuracy in budget forecasting, budget-to-actual analysis, and general ledger fund verification to support sound financial management and compliance.
• Skilled in comprehensive asset management, including asset tracking, disposition, and replacement planning, as well as maintaining accurate and detailed asset records. Proficient in asset cost accounting functions, including depreciation and gain calculations, and in managing inventory control processes for surplus and salvage materials.
• Experienced in tracking donated assets and preparing detailed asset funding allocation reports and analysis to inform financial planning and operational decision-making. Contributed as a key team member to fiscal year-end close activities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting in alignment with accounting standards and organizational policies.