Utah Procurement & Contract Management Intern
Job Title: Procurement & Contract Management Intern
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (Hybrid options may be available)
Department: Department of Government Operations – Division of Purchasing
Position Summary
The Utah Division of Purchasing is the central procurement authority for the State. As an intern, you will assist State Procurement Officers in the lifecycle of public contracts. This role is designed for students interested in Public Administration, Supply Chain, or Business Finance. You will gain hands-on experience in how the government spends taxpayer dollars efficiently, ethically, and transparently.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks (including but not limited to):
- Data Analytics & Visualization: Use tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI to analyze state spend patterns, identify cost-saving opportunities, and create visual dashboards for executive leadership.
- System Migration Support: Assist in the transition of legacy contract data into the state's modern procurement platform. This includes auditing data for accuracy and ensuring "clean" metadata is migrated.
- Market Research: Conduct research on industry trends and pricing to help the State negotiate better "Best Value" contracts.
- Contract Administration: Review existing contracts for compliance, expiration dates, and renewal opportunities.
- Vendor Relations: Help manage the vendor database and assist businesses in understanding how to bid on State projects.
- Data Analysis: Utilize the state's electronic procurement system to pull reports and analyze spend data.
Preferred Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (Junior/Senior or Graduate level preferred).
- Strong interest in Public Policy or Supply Chain Management.
- Exceptional analytical skills with an eye for detail.
- Ability to remain objective and maintain high ethical standards in a professional environment.
Why Intern Here?
- Networking: You will work directly with State Procurement Officers.
- Resume Impact: Understanding the Utah Procurement Code is a highly marketable skill for any private sector company that does business with the government.
- Public Service: Your work directly impacts how schools, parks, and infrastructure projects are funded and supplied.
Any additional questions please reach out to Rick Straw, rstraw@utah.gov.