The Division, located in Richmond, Virginia, is responsible for procurement policy and regulations implementing the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and the oversight of state agencies to ensure the integrity of the Commonwealth’s procurement system, which annually purchases approximately $5 billion in goods and services.

Prior to joining state government in May 1999, Mr. Bell completed a 26-year military career as an officer in the United States Navy, Supply Corps, which included operational, acquisition, finance, and logistics duties. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Richmond and a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business Executive Program and is certified as a Professional Contracts Manager by the National Contract Management Association.

Mr. Bell is the President of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (50 state procurement directors) 2011-2012 and a member of the Executive Advisory Board, National Contract Management Association 2011-2012.