Patricia Bride

In my role as a Senior Contracts Specialist, I have consistently demonstrated expertise in complex contract oversight and development. This involves not only the meticulous review of contracts for compliance and accuracy but also active engagement in the coordination of specialized projects and procurements. My responsibilities extend to the administration and performance functions of contracts, where I meticulously track reports and monitor procurement terms to ensure optimal outcomes. Additionally, I take charge of coordinating ongoing procurement and contracting needs, involving thorough research and analysis of contract performance and spending. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, I have successfully developed and led cross-functional teams to address program projects, including contract negotiations and ongoing support. As part of my commitment to excellence, I actively engage in the technical training of program managers and staff, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of contract management and contribute to the success of our initiatives.

Achievements:

Successfully and independently developed and deployed technology contracting terms and conditions to reduce risk exposure and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Developed technology procurement policy and procedures including risk assessment matrix to be implemented county-wide.

Responsibilities:

Work independently and cross-functionally with multiple departments to develop Request for Proposals, Indentation to Bid, and Requests for Quotes documents for routine and non-routine complex procurement and contracts. Primary focus is technology acquisition and contracting ranging in complexity from low-risk database access to high-risk record management systems. Secondary focus is training staff from multiple departments how to research, plan, and execute the procurement of technology and work strategically with departments from project inception through contract execution.

Achievements:

Successfully developed and conducted the first reverse auction for the County District Attorney Office for the DANY grant received from the New York County District Attorney, resulting in approximately $200,000 hard dollar cost savings.

As a valued team member, assisted in the development of a new method to procure technology that allows for flexibility enabling the team to move with the unique complexities of these types of procurements.

Developed and executed a blind scoring system to assist in limiting the personal bias that can be inherent in highly emotional or political procurements.

Responsibilities:

Work independently and as a team member to develop unique Request for Proposals (RFP) and Invitation to Bid (1TB) documents for non-routine complex procurements. Conduct compliance reviews for all requisitions, purchase orders and various other procurement-related documents. First point of contact for vendor questions, clarifications and protests, conducting due diligence then following up as needed. Leverage customer relationships to research and develop formal procurement specifications, requirements, industry standards and scope of services/work.

Achievements:

Started the process of reinventing the public sector's approach to formal and informal sourcing processes. I deployed a response "form" that was designed to at more like a job application than a traditional free from response formate. Each time I conducted a sourcing event using the response form, I requested feedback from both the department and the suppliers. In general, departments felt like they were getting more relevant information from the suppliers and most suppliers found the form easy to use, even if they prefer the free form response. What became more evident was that smaller businesses and minority-owned businesses felt they were given the same opportunity to win the award as the larger more dominant firms.

Responsibilities:

Hold full accountability for reviewing, executing, and administering procurements and contracts from inception through termination for the Design & Construction and Operations & Maintenance Departments. Leverage the seven-step strategic sourcing method to manage contract negotiations, competitive bidding, and vendor management for professional services contracts, short-term leasing contracts, purchasing contracts, affiliation agreements, computer/software contracts, sale of service, and capital construction contracts. Serve as a trusted resource and key advisor for all organizational levels, contractors, and third-parties / subcontractors; promptly address and resolve contracting issues while adhering to company requirements across legal sufficiency, risk management, and budgetary parameters. Handle issuance of Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Requests for Proposal (RFP).

Achievements:

Drawing on my private sector experience, refined the manner in which property calculations were conducted and introduced the financial analysis of proposed leased properties. This resulted in the recovery of and avoidance of $15 million in overpayments by the State. Developed specialized tools and trained coworkers on how to analyze past and future land agreements.

Responsibilities:

- Managed space acquisition for Department of Administrative Services to meet expansion needs and goals for state government organization with 75,000 employees. Analyzed space acquisition needs, including location requirements and budgets.

- Supported leasing and state-owned property management operations by analyzing bids, making recommendations for acquisitions, and delivering

presentations to all property stakeholders.

- Managed multi-million dollar lease portfolio and negotiated new lease contracts, renewals, and contract changes. Analyzed common area maintenance fees and reconciled taxes and CAMs.

- Completed bid analysis for contracts greater than $1M. Provided training to other agencies in tracking commercial real property expenses and

identifying potential issues.