David Cruz

Experience

• 

  Department of the Army

  Jan 1994 - Jan 1996

  Purchasing Technician

  Responsible for cradle-to-grave contracting for goods and services for military units in Germany. Required familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense supplements. Reviewed all award actions for accuracy and completeness and ensured that information such as approvals, clearances, accounting information and priority information were provided. Finalized invitations for bid, requests for proposal, requests for quotes, award modifications, delivery orders, purchase orders, contracts, solicitation amendments and other procurement documents. Received and evaluated quotes from vendors and reviewed quotes for completeness, errors, and adherence to contractual terms and conditions. Monitored vendor compliance, performance and adherence to contracting terms and conditions. Compiled contract administration data such as delays, funds expended and performance of contractors in meeting delivery schedules. Resolved discrepancies in records, investigated internal customer and supplier complaints, resolving conventional problems through reconciliation or by elevating problems with recommendations to a higher level. Maintained procurement files in accordance with federal regulations. Show less

• 

  DuPont Photomasks Inc.

  Mar 1996 - Jan 1997

  Buyer

  Coordinated procurement of goods and services for manufacturing facilities in Europe and the United States. Received an reviewed specifications for proposed purchases, liaising with operations personnel to ensure procured items would meet demonstrated needs. Prepared and issued requests for information, invitations to bid, requests for quotation and other procurement documents. Evaluated quotes from vendors, ensuring that minimum contractual and quality requirements were addressed. Negotiated with vendors to define cost, payment terms, delivery schedules, service agreements and warranty issues. Developed and maintained supplier relationships, managed supplier performance, monitored compliance with contract terms and expedited delivery of goods. Show less

• 

  Patterson, Wells & Cruz, P.C.

  May 2002 - Dec 2004

  Managing Attorney

  Developed client base and managed client relationships. Represented clients in criminal and civil jury and bench trials. Resolved disputes in employment law, general business law and contracts. Formulated litigation strategies, conducted legal research, and prepared legal documents including petitions, discovery requests, motions and persuasive supporting briefs. Presented oral arguments in state court and prepared cases for trial.

• 

  KBR, Inc.

  Jan 2005 - Jul 2006

  Sr. Subcontracts Administrator

  Managed contracts involving high profile litigation issues and claims. Analyzed contractual documents and reviewed contractor performance to identify legal and contractual exposure. Prepared opinion letters and claims determinations for project and senior corporate management. Worked with legal counsel to negotiate resolution of outstanding claims. In addition, was responsible for solicitation, bid evaluation, negotiation and contract formation for heavy equipment, transportation and minor construction projects.Key successes:- Led and mentored other SCAs as part of team that was responsible for resolving invoicing issues in Kuwait. Cleared extensive backlog and reduced the average age of overdue invoices by seventy percent. - Led project team across multiple sites in Iraq and reduced payable claims amount in high profile contract disputes by forty percent. - Renegotiated Middle East travel services contracts and achieved fifteen percent reduction in fees.- Conducted thorough review of all previously rejected claims for the Middle East Area of Operations to validate claims determinations, identified rejected claims that posed potential liability or exposure to the company, and made claims determination recommendations. Show less

• 

  Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)

  Sept 2008 - Apr 2010

  Contracts Administrator

  Developed procurement strategies for life support, services and major capital equipment contracts with an annual spend of $80-100 million. Responsible for cradle-to-grave contract formation and administration including vendor pre-qualification, preparing requests for quotation or proposals, bid evaluation and award, drafting and negotiation of contractual documents, and post-award administration and closeout. Collaborated with business unit managers to anticipate upcoming contract needs with the goal of assisting managers to achieve business goals while minimizing contractual risk and legal exposure. Assisted business units in formulating contract budgets, developing scopes of work and monitoring contractor performance.Key achievements:- Formulated negotiation strategy for marketing available camp accommodation capacity to third parties and achieved revenue in excess of $49 million.- Performed vendor audits, identifying and recapturing over $250K from suppliers as a result of invoice errors or overcharges. Show less

• 

  United Rentals

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2012

  Legal Consultant

  Served as outside counsel providing contracts consulting with primary focus on state and federal government solicitations. Reviewed and analyzed proposed contracts for legal sufficiency and significant business, financial and contractual risks. Advised clients on risk management and mitigation strategies; prepared exceptions and revised contract language to ensure company guidelines were followed while maintaining competitiveness.

• 

  Bp

  Apr 2010 - Jan 2011

  Contract Manager

  Managed team providing supply chain support and property accountability for life support, accommodation and catering services in support of British Petroleum’s oil recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. Responsible for coordinating monitoring of contracted accommodation and catering sites. Provided oversight for negotiation, execution and interpretation of services contracts. Prepared bid specifications, solicited competitive bids, and made recommendations regarding contracted services to client. Monitored contract status and compliance with contract terms. Show less

• 

  Crawford & Cruz PLLC

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2016

  Managing Attorney/Shareholder

  Provided clients with legal advice and representation in areas of contracts, personal injury, and general civil litigation. • Represented pipeline company seeking injunctive relief related to rights-of-way.• Represented a national debt collection firm as local counsel for Central Texas area in numerous successful contested and uncontested hearings.

• 

  Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

  Jul 2016 - now

  Senior Counsel

  Advise executive and senior management on a broad array of fiscal, regulatory and legal matters. Actively involved in formulating public policy related to assigned program areas and take a leading role in administrative rule making and drafting legislation. Conduct legal research and formulate litigation strategy pertaining to legal actions. Currently focused on legal issues related to implementation of a $5 billion grant program for broadband expansion and development, including navigating state and federal compliance issues (CPF and BEAD). Create and review program documents such as grant agreements, procedures, and guidance manuals.Played key role in launching the Texas Bullion Depository - the first state-owned and operated bullion depository in the United States. Show less