Obituary for Mike Purdy

Michael Edward Purdy finished his 69-year journey on this planet when his Creator called him home on August 2, 2023, at his home in Seattle, Washington. Despite a lifetime of excellent health, stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer eventually ended his grand adventure, following a May 2019 diagnosis.

As a husband, father, grandfather, manager, historian, and writer, Mike had a profound impact on those around him. He was kind and gentle, an optimist, a deep listener, intelligent, and found humor in life. He saw all of life as ultimately theological and sought daily to live out his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mike was born to Allen Roger Kirschner and Louise Anne (Lynch Winter) Kirschner, in Akron, Colorado, where his father taught English at the local high school. A little over a month after his birth, the family, including his older brother Stephen Allen, moved to New York for a few months to be closer to Mike’s paternal grandparents (Jack and Frances Kirschner), then to Greenwich, Connecticut until 1961, when they moved to Princeton, New Jersey where Mike’s father took a position as chairman of the English department at Princeton High School. In May of 1964, with his parents’ marriage disintegrating, his mother moved with Mike and Steve to California, where she had grown up.

Mike graduated from San Marino High School where he served as ASB president. After graduation in 1972, Mike attended the University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA), where he was elected student body president. He served as a congressional intern in Washington, DC in the summer of 1973 during the Watergate scandal and sat in on hearings of the Senate Watergate Committee. He graduated in 1976 with a double major in business administration and public administration.

After graduating, he met his wife, Catherine, and they were married in May 1978. He obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Puget Sound in 1979. Upon graduation, he embarked on what would become a 30-year career managing government contracts, first for the City of Seattle for more than 21 years, then the Seattle Housing Authority, and finally the University of Washington (UW).

Mike and Catherine moved to West Seattle in 1980, where they bought a house and started their family. They had two children, Janet (1982) and David (1985). During the 1980s, with significant support from Catherine, he also obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Mike retired as contracts manager from the UW in February 2010 and launched a successful public contracting consulting business for the next decade, advising government agencies, providing training, and writing a popular industry blog.

In retirement, Mike also launched another career as a U.S. presidential historian, starting a web site (presidentialhistory.com), authoring two books, writing articles, and participating in media interviews.

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, he struggled with the emotional and spiritual roller-coaster of terminal illness. With the support of his wife Catherine, other family members, and many friends, he sought to find joy on the journey while pondering his legacy in the world. In 2022, he wrote a candid memoir about his “uncertain journey.”   

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Catherine; daughter Janet Purdy of Jordanville, NY; son David Purdy (Melissa) of Seattle, WA; grandson Michael Purdy; brother Steve Kirschner of Oceano, CA; sister Tambra Faezeli of Portland, OR; other relatives, and a host of dear friends with whom he was privileged to walk through this life.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle on Saturday, August 26 at 3:00 p.m. and will be live streamed. More details at mpurdy.com/memorial.

2 New Books I've Written

 

Public Works Resource Guide: I have written a Public Works Resource Guide for Washington state's Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC). The online book is being edited now and hopefully will be available by late spring or early summer at mrsc.org. It is a best practices guide to everything about public construction contracting. The main sections of the book are as follows:

Foundations
Competition
Bidding
Documents
Implementation
Compliance
Resources

Memoir: I have also written a candid and vulnerable memoir titled Reflections of an Uncertain Journey about my now almost four-year journey dealing with a lethal and incurable cancer (metastatic prostate cancer).

The book will be released by the publisher on March 17, 2023, but is now available for preorder. Paperback or eBook. Amazon link.

The following is the table of contents for the book:

Preface

Introduction

My Journey Past

1. Health History
2. Vocational History
3. Faith History
4. Emotional History

 

Physical Journey

5. Diagnosis
6. Traditional Treatments
7. Alternative Treatments
8. Advocacy
9. Co-Healing
10. Pain
11. Waiting

Emotional Journey

12. Sadness
13. Unfairness
14. Grief
15. Despair
16. Tears
17. Future-Tripping
18. Counseling

Spiritual Journey

19. Equilibrium
20. Submission
21. Heaven
22. Dreams

Companions for the Journey

23. Deepening Friendships
24. No Regrets
25. Cultivating Friendships
26. Rotating Friends
27. Friends Ease Loneliness
28. Tangible Tokens
29. The Fire Pit
30. Support Groups

My Journey Remembered

31. Legacy
32. Legacy of Lives
33. Legacy of Words
34. Legacy of Possessions

The Journey Ahead

35. Relief
36. Joy on the Journey
37. An Uncertain Journey
38. Onward in Faith

Resources

Acknowledgements

Notes

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2023 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

Construction Bid Issues: Virtual Training on April 30th

NIGP is sponsoring an all day class I've developed and will be teaching this coming Thursday, April 30, 2020 entitled "When Bad Things Happen to Bids: Strategies for Ensuring a Successful Public Construction Project."

The course was originally scheduled to be an in-person class in Florida, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been switched to a virtual Zoom training, thus making it available to people across the country.

The class will run from 8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern time. So, if you're on the west coast (like I am), it will be an early start to the day!

Click here to go to NIGP's webpage about the class and how to register for it. The registration fee is $410.

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2020 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Projects

As our nation and the world grapple with managing the impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are witnessing an unprecedented upheaval of the foundations of society. How should public agencies and contractors be responding and how does it impact construction projects? 

Resources: I want to share a couple of articles posted online by Seattle law firms that have good discussions on the concept of force majeure (also known as acts of God), other legal concepts, and how this impacts contractual relationships. I hope these articles help provide a framework as you address the impacts of COVID-19. 

Read Your Contract: Be sure to check the specific language of your contract and consult with your attorneys. 

Links: Here are the links:

• COVID-19 and Impacts on Construction (from Oles Morrison law firm)

• How the Coronavirus Will Affect Government Contractors (by Emily Yohiwara of Oles Morrison law firm)

• COVID-19 - a Force Majeure Event (Carney Badley Spellman law firm)

Social Distancing Resource: Need a good book to read as you're practicing social distancing? A friend of mine recently bought 15 copies of my book, and had me sign each one for her to give as gifts to family, friends, colleagues, and mentors. It's an easy, shocking, and fun read. You can buy it online at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1543963749/ 
 

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2020 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

Insurance and Insults

Insurance and insults? How do they go together? Well...they don't. In this blog, I want to share two separate things. 

Does a Certificate of Insurance protect you? In a recent court case, the court found that a certificate of insurance by itself does not give a party additional insured rights and does not change or modify the underlying insurance policy. In order to be covered and protected as an additional insured, you must obtain an endorsement (or amendment) to the contractor's insurance policy that names your entity as an additional insured, either by specifically naming your entity, or through a blanket endorsement adding the additional insured protection to your entity. Jay Rossiter of the Perkins Coie law firm has written a brief and very readable summary of the issues. Click here to read the summary. 

101 Presidential Insults: I’m excited to announce the publication of my new book about our presidents – how they’ve historically insulted one another – and what this lack of civility means to us in our current political environment.

101 Presidential Insults: What They Really Thought About Each Other – and What It Means to Us peeks behind the political curtain – exposing that our presidents have dished out acerbic insults about other presidents from the founding fathers to the age of Trump. Meticulously researched, the book is a significant contribution to our understanding of the character of the 44 characters who have served as president. In it, I challenge us and our leaders, despite our sordid history, to rise to "the better angels of our nature" and reject the acidic politics of personal demonization.

101 Presidential Insults is a quick and fun read, shocking at times, sobering, and thought-provoking. It is a must read for anyone interested in history and concerned about the current lack of civility in politics. 

How you can help: I be grateful if you’d help get the word out about the book.

Buy the book now by pre-ordering it from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Any bookstore can order the book as well for you as it will be available through the main distributors that bookstores use to buy their books. The book will be released on June 7, 2019. The more pre-orders for the book, the more Amazon and Barnes and Noble will promote the book. 

Forward this email to your family, friends, colleagues, co-workers, acquaintances, and others who may be interested in it.

Share information about the book (a link to the Amazon or Barnes and Noble addresses noted above or other information) on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, and other social media platforms. 

Write a review of the book after you receive it and post it to Amazon by June 25. The more reviews the book has early on, the more Amazon will promote the book. Your review doesn’t have to be long. Just some quick and positive thoughts about the book.

Speaking: I’d be grateful if you would pass my name on to people if you know of opportunities to speak to a group or organization with which you are associated. 

More about 101 Presidential Insults:

Private and Public Insults: Sometimes in private letters, diaries, and conversations, they let their guard down on what they really thought about a former, deceased, current, or future president. At other times, these insults have been audaciously proclaimed in public speeches, books, and to the media. By their own words, our presidents have demonstrated their flawed humanity with insults that are often humorous and sometimes shocking for their lack of decorum. We may laugh or perhaps wince as we read these 101 presidential insults.

Examples of Insults: The presidents have labeled one another as dangerous, ignorant, liars, obstinate, selfish, unfit, vain, and weak. And these are just some of the commonplace words. They have also used biting and bitter phrases such as gibbering idiot, little schmuck, and young whippersnapper. Some bizarre insults require research and a dictionary to understand, such as "Byzantine logothete."

Book Contents: The book includes:

- Introduction: A thoughtful and challenging introduction calling for increased civility in our private lives and the public square.

- Quotations: 101 humorous, shocking, and sobering quotes by the presidents about other presidents that includes a brief description of the occasion, source (letter, diary, speech, etc.), and date for each insult. There is at least one quotation about each president, demonstrating that such behavior has been around since the nation's founding and occurs regardless of political party affiliation.

- Glossary: A glossary of the obscure terms used by presidents about other presidents such as "honeyfuggler," "bungalow mind," and “puzzlewit.”

- Lists: Three lists (alphabetical by insult, about/by list, and numerical analysis by source of insults) help the reader to view these caustic comments from different angles. 

- End notes citing primary sources for the quotes (when known), or reliable secondary sources that reference primary sources. The end notes are a significant contribution to documenting these quotes. I chose not to include some quotes that I could not track down.

2020 Challenges: The upcoming presidential election will be a test of our national character and the character of the candidates. Ultimately, our survival as a nation depends on our ability to treat others with respect, and to promote civility, consensus, and compromise.

Praise for 101 Presidential Insults

"Mike Purdy has written a terrific book. As a presidential historian, he has a gift for discovering just the right anecdotes that help us understand our presidents better. Really well done."

- PAUL BRANDUS

White House bureau chief, West Wing Reports,

USA Today columnist,

Author of Under This Roof: The White House and Presidency

“Filthy, disgraced, lying, cheating, calculating bastard, schemer, a dangerous man, a little schmuck, unfit to serve...Mike Purdy brings us into the political locker room, where nothing is left unsaid. This book is a statement on the dark humanity of American presidents—sad and hilarious, at the same time.”

– A.J. BAIME

New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental President

“Mike Purdy provides a picture of these presidents as flawed or, rather, human leaders—prone to the pettiness, anger, and incivility that even the best of us exhibit. This book should be required reading for those concerned about the current political climate. Perhaps in knowing the past we can chart a new, more civil course. It’s also great reading for those who enjoy a good laugh!”

– DR. MICHAEL ARTIME

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science at

Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, Washington)

“Anyone reading this book will have reactions of laughter, shock, and amazement as they learn more about the personalities of our 44 Presidents. This book is highly recommended to all who follow and love the institution of the American Presidency.”

– DR. RONALD L. FEINMAN

Author of Assassinations, Threats, and the American Presidency

“Mike Purdy's track on 101 Presidential Insults reveals a side of presidential politics that is at once delightful and shocking. We will see plenty of mudslinging going into the 2020 election, but 101 Presidential Insults reminds us that it really has always been that way.”

– THE HONORABLE DON BONKER

Former Member of Congress

I hope you pre-order the book today and enjoy it! Thanks!!

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2019 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

The Problem with Bid Prices in Numbers and Words

Tennessee construction attorney Matthew DeVries has described the outcome of an Alabama court case in which a bidder left out the word "thousand" in a bid price and was held to the significantly lower bid amount by the public agency. The contractor refused to execute the contract because they would loose too much money and the public agency collected from their bid bond.

Allow withdrawal of bid if error is made:  Public agencies should generally allow a contractor who has made a mistake to withdraw their bid.  It is not in either the contractor's or the public agency's best interest to enter into a contract in which the contractor will loose money.

Request bid prices in numbers only: Public agencies should also not require bid prices in words, but only numbers. It's a way to make the bid process simpler and eliminate yet another area for non-responsiveness and ambiguity. In the event you can't read a contractor's bid price in numbers, language in your bid documents allowing rejection of the bid as non-responsive can resolve the lack of clarity in the bid amount.  

Click here to read Mr. DeVries brief blog post on this court case.

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2018 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

Leadership Lessons from the Presidents (for Public Procurement Employees)

On November 16, 2017, I had the privilege of speaking before approximately 125 public procurement officials at the annual luncheon of the Central Ohio Organization of Public Purchasers in Columbus, Ohio.  Click here to listen to my talk.

I spoke on the topic of "Leadership Lessons from the Presidents." Whether it's leadership from the Oval Office or leadership in adding value to the procurement process, there are common styles and principles that make for successful leaders. My 53 minute talk takes us back in history to examine successful and unsuccessful leadership styles of a handful of presidents, and how we can apply those practices to the management of public procurement and contracting.

By way of summary, I suggested there are four characteristics of good leaders.  Under each category, I had sub-points as noted below:

• CHARACTER
• Moral Leadership
• Empathy

• CHARISMA
• Style
• Humor
• Communication

• COLLABORATION
• Compromise
• Listening
• Civility

• CREATIVITY
• The Art of Possibility
• Bold Leadership
• Thirst for Information

Click here to listen to my talk.

Please contact me if you're interested in having me deliver this talk at your agency, association, or conference.

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2017 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

Bid Form Signature Block

This is a follow-up to my recent blog posting about the new Washington state law adding compliance with the state's minimum wage laws as a mandatory bidder responsibility criterion.

Bidder's Place of Signing Bid Form:  I noted that that one option for obtaining the documentation of the bidder's compliance is to include a statement on the bid form.  The bidder would then just sign one document.  Such a signature must be accompanied by a statement that the bidder is signing the bid form under the penalty of perjury.  The revision to RCW 39.04.350 requires compliance with RCW 9A.72.085 which, in addition to the perjury statement requires that the signature block must note the place of signing by the bidder.

Sample Signature Block:  I've included below a signature block that I've used in the past that includes both the perjury statement and place of signing.

Consult With Your Attorney:  Review your bid form and check with your attorney to ensure that your bid form is in compliance with state law, especially if you are including the sworn statement for compliance with minimum wage laws on your bid form.

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2017 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

New Mandatory Public Works Bidder Responsibility Criteria Effective July 23, 2017

The Washington Legislature adopted a new law (Senate Bill 5301) that adds an additional criterion to the list of mandatory bidder responsibility criteria that public agencies must verify and document before awarding any public works project, regardless of cost.  

Effective Date:  The new law became effective on July 23, 2017.  This means that public agencies must ensure that the required sworn statement is obtained prior to award of the public works project. 

Minimum Wage Compliance by Bidder:  The new law establishes a new criterion relating to the contractor's compliance with the state's minimum wage laws.  It also dictates that, prior to award, the contractor must sign a statement that they have not violated the law within a three year period.

• Criterion:  Here's the language from the law: "Within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of the bid solicitation, not have been determined by a final and binding citation and notice of assessment issued by the department of labor and industries or through a civil judgment entered by a court of limited or general jurisdiction to have willfully violated, as defined in RCW 49.48.082, any provision of chapter 49.46, 49.48, or 49.52 RCW."

• Documentation:  Here's the language from the law on what is required for documentation: "Before award of a public works contract, a bidder shall submit to the contracting agency a signed statement in accordance with RCW 9A.72.085 verifying under penalty of perjury that the bidder is in compliance with the responsible bidder criteria requirement of subsection (1)(g) of this section.  A contracting agency may award a contract in reasonable reliance upon such a sworn statement." The reference to subsection (1)(g) refers to the "criterion" paragraph above.

Methods for Verifying Bidder's Compliance:  There are a number of options, some better than others, for how a public agency can obtain the required sworn statement from the bidder whose bid is under consideration by the public agency for award. I recommend use of the first option listed below.

  Include Sworn Statement on Bid Form:  This option is the easiest administrative method and least risky option.  I recommend use of this option.  Under this option, a public agency would include the following statement as part of the Bid Form:  "The undersigned Bidder hereby certifies that, within the three-year period immediately preceding the bid solicitation date for this Project, the bidder is not a “willful” violator, as defined in RCW 49.48.082, of any provision of chapters 49.46, 49.48, or 49.52 RCW, as determined by a final and binding citation and notice of assessment issued by the Department of Labor and Industries or through a civil judgment entered by a court of limited or general jurisdiction."  In addition, the following language would need to be part of the signature block for the Bid Form: "I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing is true and correct."  This statement is necessary to comply with the provisions of the new law that dictates that the sworn statement must be in compliance with RCW 9A.72.085.

  Request Sworn Statement from Low Bidder:  Under this option, after bid opening, the public agency would request the low bidder submit the sworn statement after bid opening.  The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) has developed a sworn statement for this purpose.  Click here to visit MRSC's website where you can click on the link for "model certification form."  This is an additional step for the public agency that can be eliminated by including the sworn statement on the Bid Form (see option above). While I don't recommend this option because it is an additional step, there is nothing inherently wrong with this option.

  Include Sample Sworn Statement in Bid Documents:  Under this option, a public agency would include MRSC's model certification form as a sample in the bid documents.  The public agency would still be required to obtain the signed form from the low bidder prior to award, which represents an additional step like the option immediately above. It could be confusing for bidders whether they are required to submit the sample with the bid or after bid opening.  I do not recommend this option.

  Require Separate Sworn Statement be Submitted with the Bid:  Using MRSC's model certification form, under this option, the bid documents would require that the signed sworn statement be submitted with the bid.  This is not a good option, as it increases the risk that a bidder (the low bidder) will fail to submit the sworn statement with the bid, thereby rendering the entire bid non-responsive and unable to be considered further.  Using best practices for public works bidding, public agencies should limit the number of documents submitted with the bid to the Bid Form, bid guaranty, subcontractors list if the project is estimated to cost $1 million or more, and any documents required by federal or state grant provisions. I strongly recommend that public agencies not use this option. 

Other Mandatory Bidder Responsibility Criteria:  The new law adds compliance with minimum wage laws to the existing list of mandatory bidder responsibility criteria that public agencies must verify and document prior to award of any public works project.  The other criteria may be found in RCW 39.04.350.  Review your agency's practices to ensure that you have a process to verify and document the mandatory bidder responsibility criteria for all public works projects. 

Other New Public Works Laws:  See my blog from April 17, 2017 for a description of five new public works laws that do the following:

• Increases the dollar threshold for when a payment/performance bond may be waived
• Grants subcontractors additional rights to have retainage released early through a retainage bond
• Adds an additional criterion to the list of mandatory bidder responsibility criteria
• Authorizes Public Utility Districts to contract for on-call public works projects
• Authorizes transit agencies (public transportation benefit area authorities) to use Job Order Contracting

Presidential History Blog:  Check out my Presidential History Blog at PresidentialHistory.com and sign up for a free email subscription to it.

 

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2017 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

Job Opening: Purchasing Manager

City of Bellingham

• Position: Purchasing Manager

• Location:  Bellingham, Washington

• Closing Date:  Friday, August 11, 2017 at 4:30 pm Pacific Time

• Interview Schedule:  The most qualified candidates will be asked to participate in a panel interview on August 31, 2017.

• Salary: $80,244 - $95,832 annually

• Job Summary: The Public Works Purchasing Manager oversees city-wide procurement processes that ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and City policies and procedures. Performs complex administrative and technical purchasing work and provides procurement expertise in managing and coordinating a centralized procurement system of contracts, goods and services as well as asset storage, recovery and disposal.

• Essential Functions of the Job: 
  

1. Recommends, implements and maintains City purchasing systems for maximum efficiency and to achieve optimum life-cycle cost for all goods and services purchased.   Oversees the analysis of cost, performance, quality, service and delivery.  Provides input and makes recommendations to City Administration on purchasing and procurement policies and procedures.  Implements city wide policies and procedures, oversees the creation of manuals, forms, charts, informational materials, related training programs and briefings. Using various analytical methods evaluates City's current purchasing patterns and practices; develops and continuously improves centralized purchasing systems and procedures.
2. Oversees all City procurement processing, monitoring, bids, solicitations, addenda, administration, clarifications, modification, compliance, negotiations, changing conditions, coordination of legal review, terminations, and purchase orders. Provides responsive support to City Departments regarding complex procurement issues, including Revenue Contracts, Technology, Architect services, Engineering services, Construction, and Public Works Contracts, and Systems contracts.  Provides training and technical guidance as needed.
3. Oversees and directs staff on development of contracting forms and contracting documents.  Provides recommendations to and collaborates with Assistant City Attorneys and Public Works executive team on standards, processes, risk assessment, liability and insurance requirements.  Directs work of purchasing staff in carrying out and executing contracts. 
4. Prepares and presents recommendations to City administration regarding standards for competitive purchasing of professional services, trains departments on procedures for acquiring professional services, monitors compliance with City standards, and recommends corrective action as needed.
5. Manages and oversees the central procurement system to maintain the integrity of the public procurement process and guard against ethical challenges and charges of fraud, waste or inefficiency. Makes recommendations on sole source purchase requests and other complex purchases to the Public Works Director or designee within the limits of Bellingham municipal code and state law. 
6. Ensures accountability, compliance and consistent interpretation and application with all current and applicable state and federal laws, agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
7. Oversees the management of warehouse and parts room operations, inventory control and surplus property. Develops and implements the warehouse municipal emergency response capability.  Ensures full compliance of warehouse with safety regulations.
8. Directs, plans and organizes the work of purchasing and warehouse unit staff.  Selects candidates for hire, trains, schedules, assigns and reviews work of staff.  Establishes performance standards, conducts performance reviews, coaches, counsels and recommends disciplinary actions.  Plans and carries out employee development.

• Experience and Training: 
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, public administration or closely related field.
• Two (2) years experience as a Purchasing Manager or five (5) years as a Senior Buyer with responsibility for a wide range of buying, including consumable supplies, commodity and/or heavy equipment acquisition.
• Three (3) years supervisory experience.
• Experience with budgeting preferred.
• Experience with contract administration strongly preferred.
• A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required skills and abilities will be considered.

• For More Information and to Apply:  Click here. 

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2017 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com

Job Opening: Purchasing Specialist for Kitsap Transit

Kitsap Transit

• Position: Purchasing Specialist

• Location:  Bremerton, Washington

• Closing Date:  Friday, June 30, 2017 at 4:00 pm

• Salary: $22.29 - $29.98 per hour ($46,363 - $62,358 Annually)

• Benefits:  Full-time employees receive a generous benefits package including subsidized medical insurance and fully paid dental insurance for employee and dependents, as well as disability insurance and life insurance.  This position participates in the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement Plan with the option of participating in a state administered deferred compensation plan.  There is a generous general leave accrual and 11 holidays. The employee and certain dependents also receive a free transportation pass on Kitsap Transit. 
  

• Job Summary: This position is responsible for preparing and coordinating bid and/or proposal solicitation packages consisting of standard terms and conditions; preparing appropriate advertising; establishing vendor lists and responding to questions regarding solicitations. The person in this position may also evaluate selected bids against specifications and recommend awarding of contracts; notify vendors of award, request appropriate vendor documentation and arrange final purchase and delivery of product or service; and assist the project manager in monitoring contracts for compliance with local, state, and federal audit regulations. This position also prepares resolutions with applicable supporting documentation for the Board of Commissioners’ review and approval.
  
  The successful candidate will research and compile information related to price, availability, delivery, quality, warranty and reliability of products, services and office equipment leases; obtains quotes over the phone and in writing on a wide variety of products and services; communicate with salespersons and manufacturing representatives regarding products and services; arrange for, monitor and expedite deliveries; receive and distribute products.
  
  This position also assists agency staff with purchasing activities to ensure that purchase requisitions and activities comply with Kitsap Transit’s procurement policies; receives and reviews requisitions for products and services; ensures proper authorizations, and accuracy of account numbers and descriptions.
  
  The person in this position responds to purchasing related inquiries; investigates and resolves complaints about products and services; ensures necessary and timely follow-up; confers with and advises the supervisor regarding resolution to problems and complaints. This position is also responsible for administering and maintaining a reliable vendor base; tracks orders and prepares correspondence.  

• Reports to:  Finance Director

• Hours of Work: Work is conducted during normal business hours 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, with the possibility of an occasional evening or weekend meeting.

• Education and Experience:  High school graduation/GED and some college level coursework or technical training in purchasing, finance, business, or accounting and two years of experience in a purchasing position/positions.

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Following are some highlights of what is needed to be successful in this position. 
• Preparation of formal proposals and informal bid packages  
• Purchasing a variety of products and services 
• Preparing bid specifications and formal solicitation packages 
• Conducting research, collecting data and information, analyzing data and making recommendations 
• Explaining regulations, procedures and guidelines 
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing 
• Using personal computers and office software including word processing and spreadsheets 
• Utilizing good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information and adherence to high standards of confidentiality and honesty 
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees, outside agencies and the general public. 
• Working independently and interacting effectively and positively as a team member. 
• Reacting with sound judgment under stress while doing several things at once.

• For More Information and to Apply:  Click here.   Please contact Marianne Rajan in the Human Resources Department at (360) 478-5852 if you have any questions. 

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2017 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com