(a) The Contracts and Purchasing Unit's responsibilities are to:

• (1) develop and update policies and procedures for DHS contracts, grants, and agreements;
• (2) provide a format for standard contract provisions;
• (3) review proposed contracts and acquisitions for compliance with DHS policies and procedures;
• (4) monitor progress of acquisitions through the contract process, DHS, Cabinet Secretary, Department of Central Services;
• (5) receive and review as appropriate, copies of financial audits and program evaluations of vendors;
• (6) spot check contract monitoring and enforcement activity by divisions;
• (7) participate, when requested, in contract negotiations;
• (8) monitor compliance with contract terms and other aspects of the Department's dealings with contractors and grantees;
• (9) provide technical assistance in the development of solicitation documents;
• (10) participate in major projects involving acquisitions procuring professional services;
• (11) avoid, neutralize, or mitigate organizational conflicts of interest by preventing:
  • (A) the existence of conflicting roles that might bias a contractor's judgment; and
  • (B) unfair competitive advantage, such as an advantage existing where a contractor competing for award of a contract possesses proprietary information obtained from a state official without proper authorization or source selection information that is relevant to the contract but not available to all competitors and such information assists that contractor in gaining award of the contract; and
• (12) ensure funding is available and is encumbered prior to processing the acquisition.

(b) The Contracts and Purchasing Unit ensures DHS follows uniform policies and procedures relating to the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and professional and nonprofessional services required by the Department for the effective discharge of its responsibilities. • 1