Sarah Lyons, CPPB, NCPO, NCP, NCCM

As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist for State Term Contracts (STCs), I lead end-to-end procurement strategies for high-value, complex initiatives that leverage the State’s buying power to reduce costs and deliver optimal value. My role encompasses developing strategic sourcing plans, conducting market research, and designing solicitation strategies. I manage the full lifecycle of STCs—from drafting solicitations and facilitating evaluations to negotiating terms, awarding contracts, and administering renewals and amendments. Collaborating closely with agencies, oversight bodies, and contract management teams, I ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and drive informed, fiscally responsible decisions. Additionally, I review and approve agency solicitation projects above delegation, provide guidance on procurement plans, and analyze spend data to identify performance improvement opportunities. Through strong stakeholder engagement and meticulous contract administration, I deliver solutions that support organizational goals and enhance procurement efficiency.

Experienced in managing complex solicitation projects (IFBs, RFPs, RFQs) above entity delegation, ensuring compliance and effectiveness from draft to award. Skilled in risk management, market research, and waiver of competition reviews to optimize procurement strategies. Proficient in NC eProcurement/Ariba for sourcing and approvals, providing training and technical support to users. Collaborates with agencies and stakeholders to develop solicitation documents, evaluation matrices, and award recommendations. Maintains meticulous documentation and tracking systems (MS Excel, OneNote) for project oversight and audit readiness. Served as interim Contract Manager for statewide term contracts (STCs), leading renewals, extensions, spend analysis, and strategy development using eReporting and eProcurement data. Committed to delivering exceptional customer support, fostering strong relationships, and driving organizational success through teamwork and process improvement.

Administrative Services Unit, Community Nutrition Services Section In this role, I assisted with the oversight of administrative operations. Responsibilities included guiding staff, approving time and travel requests, coordinating warehouse coverage, and training employees on inventory systems and administrative processes. I collaborated with stakeholders to develop and implement policies, procedures, and forms that ensured compliance with federal and state regulations, improved efficiency, and strengthened internal controls. I managed procurement activities totaling $3M–$4.5M annually, including complex purchases, IT equipment, medical supplies, and contractual services. This involved conducting market research, negotiating with vendors, drafting bid specifications, processing purchase orders, and ensuring adherence to procurement statutes and administrative codes. I also administered large-scale contracts, forecasted expenditures, and provided financial oversight to optimize resources and reduce risk. Key achievements included implementing an inventory system, streamlining purchasing processes, and developing tracking tools for POS and FA contracts. I provided technical assistance and training to state program staff and local WIC agencies, ensuring compliance and operational excellence. Additionally, I supported accounts payable functions, reconciled invoices, and maintained accurate records for federal reporting.

Performed programmatic purchasing functions to support the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Services for the Blind, and Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations. Developed and prepared bid documentation (Scope of Work, RFQs, IFBs), utilizing technical drawings and specifications for residential modifications. Created and reviewed contract language, developed sole-source and brand-specific bid documents, and issued purchase orders outside of a-Procurement. Participated in the development, evaluation, and execution of contracts (RFPs, IFBs, RFQs), analyzed bid documents, and recommended awards. Negotiated freight and installation costs for durable medical equipment and conducted extensive market research to determine source feasibility. Provided guidance and oversight to end-users on purchasing functions, developed training materials, and identified process improvement opportunities. Procured prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, assistive technology, residential and vehicle modifications, computer equipment, and janitorial services. Maintained productive relationships with vendors and program staff, communicated updates on purchases and delivery timeframes, and managed procurement card transactions with reconciliation. Supported contract management by reviewing, approving, and routing contracts, executing agreements in DHHS Open Windows, and collaborating with program staff to develop Scope of Work documents and Memorandums of Agreement, including partnerships with post-secondary institutions for internships. Maintained version control of training materials, ensured accessibility of intranet documents, and managed DVRS Purchasing & Contracts SharePoint site. Provided backup assistance to the Manager, coordinated division-level purchases, approved requisitions, resolved procurement issues, and supported management in procurement activities.

Division of Public Health, Nutrition Services Branch Managed programmatic purchasing functions for a large-scale branch, processing $3M–$4.5M in annual purchases. Defined requirements, consolidated requests, and ensured compliance with procurement statutes, administrative codes, and e-Procurement guidelines. Negotiated pricing with vendors, secured quotes, and implemented system improvements without additional state costs. Procured IT equipment, software solutions, office supplies, specialized WIC equipment, and medical devices. Managed over 500 requisitions in e-Procurement, processed change orders, and oversaw large-scale contracts including MICR toner, breast pump orders ($1M annually), statewide IT deployments, and formula contracts. Conducted market research, developed bid specifications (RFPs, IFBs, RFQs), analyzed bids, and recommended awards. Tracked expenditures against federal grants for complex IT projects, maintained fixed asset inventory, and ensured accurate financial reporting. Provided technical assistance and training to state and local WIC agencies, developed branch policies and procedures, and maintained compliance documentation. Delivered exceptional customer service, resolved vendor issues, and supported branch leadership with administrative tasks, travel coordination, and conference logistics.