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<h4>Top Ten Priorities</h4>
While we all anxiously await the holidays and the arrival of 2024, NASPO members have given us a preview of what their offices will be working on in the coming year.

At 2023’s NASPO Annual Conference, we surveyed the CPOs from each state to learn about the challenges and goals they are focused on for the new year. The results have been collected and published as NASPO’s 2024 Top Ten Priorities for State Procurement Offices. Pulse is here to give you a peek at what we learned.
NASPO’s annual Top Ten Priorities for State Procurement guides the organization, informing the issues and topics included in our research and educational content, conferences, and trainings. According to our primary members, the top priorities for 2024 are:
<ol>
<li>Modernizing the Procurement Process</li>
<li>Continuous Process Improvement</li>
<li>Talent Management and Succession Planning</li>
<li>Customer Service to Agency Stake Holders</li>
<li>eProcurement</li>
<li>Central Procurement Office as a Strategic Leader</li>
<li>Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making</li>
<li>Effective Contract Administration</li>
<li>Training and Certification</li>
<li>Innovative Solution-based Solicitation Methods</li>
</ol>
<h4>Positive Changes</h4>
This year’s top priorities suggest state procurement is focused on making positive changes for present and future performance.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-11073 aligncenter" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-1-300x135.png" alt="" width="300" height="135" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-1-300x135.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-1-768x345.png 768w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-1.png 817w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
The number one priority for 2024 focuses on incorporating technology into the procurement process to increase efficiency and access to information. Software solutions that facilitate all parts of the procurement process and make paper-based procedures obsolete have been a staple of modern private-sector procurement for years. Procurement has evolved, and states are focusing on adopting new business methods. 
For more on modernizing government, check out <a href="https://www.naspo.org/news/implementing-egovernment-3-lessons-from-estonia/?newsType=pulse-blog">Implementing eGovernment: 3 Lessons from Estonia</a>, and listen to <a href="https://www.naspo.org/news/threats-facing-digital-government-russell-porter-dugan-petty/?newsType=pulse-podcast">Threats Facing Digital Government</a> on the Pulse Podcast.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-11074 aligncenter" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-2-300x133.png" alt="" width="300" height="133" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-2-300x133.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-2-768x340.png 768w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-2.png 817w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
How can we do better? This eternal question is at the heart of our second priority for 2024. Procurement offices are looking to their processes for opportunities to add value or efficiency. Challenges such as budgetary constraints, increases in purchase requisitions, compliance consistency issues, and reducing mistakes can be mitigated by innovating and improving procurement processes following a rigorous and thoughtful review. 
To get started on process improvement, read <a href="https://www.naspo.org/news/considering-outcomes-not-just-outputs-through-your-kpis/?newsType=pulse-blog">Considering Outcomes (Not Just Outputs) Through Your KPIs</a> and <a href="https://www.naspo.org/news/design-thinking-5-phases-to-better-serve-the-public/?newsType=pulse-blog">Design Thinking: 5 Phases to Better Serve the Public</a>. For a deep dive into one approach for gaining efficiency in the procurement process, check out <a href="https://cdn.naspo.org/R&amp;I%20Content%20Library/Modular%20Procurement_%20A%20Primer_2023.pdf" class="broken_link">Modular Procurement: A Primer</a>.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-11075 aligncenter" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-3-300x134.png" alt="" width="300" height="134" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-3-300x134.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-3-768x343.png 768w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Top-Ten-3.png 817w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Succession planning requires focusing on the organization&#8217;s future and anticipating future needs. As experienced leaders and team members retire or transition out, procurement officers are left with the question, “Who’s next?” Successful succession planning and talent management demands:
<ul>
<li>Identifying the strengths and talents of your team members</li>
<li>Identifying potential future positions and paths for their careers</li>
<li>Providing them with the professional development opportunities and training necessary for them to fill those roles</li>
</ul>
For more on talent management, check out <a href="https://www.naspo.org/news/talent-management-in-a-changing-world/?newsType=pulse-blog">Talent Management in a Changing World</a>, and for tips on succession planning, read <a href="https://www.naspo.org/news/succession-planning-dont-just-plan-for-your-future/?newsType=pulse-blog">Succession Planning: Don’t Just Plan for Your Future</a> here on Pulse.
A closer inspection of other priorities on the list further supports public procurement’s focus on implementing change, both for the present and in preparation for the future. Making changes for the present suggests getting the most out of current resources, tools, and processes. In addition to Continuous Process Improvement, as discussed above, these other identified priorities involve beneficial changes:
#5. eProcurement – increasing statewide adoption and use of electronic procurement solutions for better data, reporting, and outcomes 
#8. Effective Contract Administration &#8211; identifying best practices and standardizing procedures to improve contract monitoring and supplier performance 
#9. Training and Certification – developing the skills and capacity of your team to improve performance and elevate the procurement profession. Implementing change in preparation for the future involves transitioning to the next generation of public procurement processes and personnel. Beyond our previous discussion of Modernizing the Procurement Process and Talent Management and Succession Planning, these other identified priorities involve embracing an evolving public procurement environment: 
#7. Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making – Using data analytics and tools to forecast needs and guide procurement decisions for optimal outcomes and value 
#10. Innovative Solution-Based Solicitation Methods – meeting customer needs and providing effective solutions through outcome-focused best-value solicitations and strategies
If you would like to see how procurement priorities have evolved, check out past Top Ten Priorities lists in the <a href="https://www.naspo.org/research-and-innovation/content-library/">NASPO Content Library.</a> While you are there, browse through all the procurement topics listed to find more informational resources to address your office’s priorities this year. Watch for upcoming publications, events, and educational opportunities on <a href="https://www.naspo.org/">NASPO.org</a> as we continue to produce resources based on the Top Ten throughout 2024.

A Time For Change: New Year, New Priorities

The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) 2024 Top 10 Priorities for State Procurement identifies areas of importance for state procurement offices and staff to best serve their state agencies and taxpayers.
The Top 10 reflects the collective voice of the 50 State Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), NASPO’s Primary Members, who ranked their focus areas for the new year based on the existing or anticipated impact on their state’s procurement policies and practices. These top priorities will help inform NASPO’s upcoming publications and research, conference sessions, and webinars to ensure that current and emerging best practices in public procurement are shared among the States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories.
Based on the voting results, the highest priority for state central procurement offices in 2024 will be Modernizing the Procurement Process. Seeing a significant jump from last year’s 5th place ranking, CPOs will focus on the automation of processes including digitization of solicitations, bids, contracts, and record keeping.
Continuous Process Improvement came in second as state agencies look to review current procurement processes to eliminate waste and gain new sources of value and efficiencies. The third highest priority is Talent Management and Succession Planning. CPOs will focus on recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce and mentoring future public procurement leaders. Customer Service to Agency Stakeholders came in fourth as state procurement offices aim to maintain high levels of trust and satisfaction from state agencies.
eProcurement, Central Procurement Office as a Strategic Leader, Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making, Effective Contract Administration, Training and Certification, and Innovative Solution-Based Solicitation Methods round out the Top 10 for state central procurement offices in 2024.
You can access the 2024 Top 10 Priorities for State Procurement <a href="https://email.naspo.org/naspo-press-release-2024-top-10-priorities-for-state-procurement-1?ecid=ACsprvucDMjBqFC233BRzXjoJGJTUF4g5zorKMLPaSTJ4nicFIkcZkUDEtvrF3Wj1e_eO0AX917I&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=285619948&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-80Zb46GtSdRLZoIso2qi-PSomV1THUGVSbQPGmpW00Lnwb-SpeXX-nIN9sjaNBzqg-VGlKhAN3YTCxcAVHqMSKuL9WkQ&amp;utm_content=285619948&amp;utm_source=hs_email">here</a>.
About NASPO: NASPO is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.
Please visit <a href="http://www.naspo.org">www.naspo.org</a> for additional information.
Contact: Rebecca Montaño-Smith
Deputy Chief Learning Officer, NASPO
<a href="mailto:rmsmith@naspo.org">rmsmith@naspo.org</a>

Press Release

NASPO Releases 2024 Top 10 Priorities for State Procurement

The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) is pleased to announce the newly elected members of the 2024-2025 NASPO ValuePoint Executive Council. 
Please join us in welcoming: 
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Mike Haifley (Maryland) – Chair-Elect  </li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Brandon Martin (Maine) – Eastern Region </li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">David O&#8217;Neal (North Carolina) – Southern Region </li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Brent Dixon (Missouri) – Midwestern Region  </li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Chelsea Robillard (Idaho) – Western Region</li>
</ul>
They will join existing Council Members: 
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">Sherri Maxwell (Colorado) – Chair </li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">Randy Dublikar (Ohio) – Midwestern Region </li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Gerard MacCrossan (Texas) – Southern Region </li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1">John Thomas (Montana) – Western Region </li>
</ul>
We look forward to their leadership of NASPO ValuePoint’s mission to promote innovative and efficient state procurement through superior value cooperative contracts. 
About NASPO: NASPO is a non–profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. <a href="http://www.naspo.org/">www.naspo.org</a>  
About NASPO ValuePoint: NASPO ValuePoint is the cooperative contracting arm of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) a non-profit organization formed in 1947, comprised of the Chief Procurement Officials of all fifty states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Territories; to promote public procurement throughout the country. NASPO ValuePoint facilitates administration of the NASPO cooperative group contracting consortium of state Chief Procurement Officials for the benefit of state departments, institutions, agencies, and political subdivisions; as well as other eligible entities including cities, counties, special districts, community colleges, universities, and some quasi-governmental and nonprofit organizations.  
Media Contact:  
Kate Davila 
Director of Marketing and Communications, NASPO 
<a href="mailto:kdavila@naspo.org">kdavila@naspo.org</a>

NASPO ANNOUNCES 2024-2025 NASPO ValuePoint Executive Council Members

<h4>Current Landscape of AI in Procurement</h4>
Over the past few months, several states have begun considering how artificial intelligence (AI) might be involved in their procurement processes.

At the end of October, President Biden issued an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/30/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-on-safe-secure-and-trustworthy-artificial-intelligence/">Executive Order</a> on artificial intelligence (AI) detailing priorities for numerous AI activities, including effective government procurement of AI. <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AI-EO-No.12-_-GGN-Signed.pdf">California</a> and <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/2023/act/Pa/pdf/2023PA-00016-R00SB-01103-PA.PDF">Connecticut</a> have been two of the more ambitious states regarding their evaluation of AI-related systems. In addition, numerous states created AI advisory councils during the 2023 legislative session, signaling increasing interest in involving AI in the procurement process, albeit with a cautionary approach.(1.)
<h4>What do you want AI to do/what is AI good at?</h4>
As AI integration becomes more commonplace, it is worthwhile to review what some uses for AI in public procurement might be. Earlier this year, NASPO Pulse published a post on this topic entitled <a href="https://pulse.naspo.org/post/ai-in-procurement/" class="broken_link">“AI May Be Coming to Take Your Job…to the Next Level”</a> that highlighted some potential avenues for AI to enter the public procurement process. We noted that there have been suggestions for AI to assist with:
<ul>
<li>Vetting suppliers</li>
<li>Tracking supplier performance</li>
<li>Identifying problematic suppliers</li>
<li>Detecting potential fraud(2.)</li>
</ul>
Other examples include using chatbots on government websites to help citizens access information on services, which in turn frees up staff time to work on other key objectives.(3.) Chatbots could help the procurement process by allowing suppliers to have basic questions answered by AI, leaving staff additional time to handle more complicated projects. AI is currently well equipped to assist with the automation of basic tasks versus more challenging and sensitive procedures like public procurement contract evaluation.
One other potentially fruitful use of AI in the world of public procurement is its ability to help with practicing negotiations. Large corporations have already begun allowing the entire contract negotiation process to be handled by AI.(4.) Public procurement is still a long way off from adopting this strategy and given the heightened level of scrutiny involved in public versus private procurement it might never reach the level of the private sector. However, AI can still be implemented by public procurement officials to improve negotiation outcomes by role-playing contract negotiation scenarios with generative AI tools. For example, you could ask a generative AI tool like ChatGPT to simulate a contract negotiation session with you. The purpose of training with AI in this manner is not to try and identify responses to every potential response from a supplier, but it does provide an excellent starting point for how to formulate questions and replies with a potentially difficult supplier.
<h4>What to look for when purchasing an AI service and some potential concerns<a href="#_ednref1" name="_edn1"></a></h4>
Even if AI seems like an interesting tool, there are some obvious data security concerns to be aware of since we are focusing on confidential information most of the time in public procurement. One potential solution is to use AI licensing, where it is clearly stated in the license that your data will not be included in any cloud-based databases, meaning the only data involved is provided by you.(5.)
It is vital to understand which party in an AI licensing agreement will:
<ul>
<li>Provide and own the training data;</li>
<li>Prepare and own the training instructions;</li>
<li>Conduct the trainings; and</li>
<li>Revise the algorithms during the training process and own the resulting AI evolutions.</li>
</ul>
Training an AI on your state’s procurement code and keeping it in a closed system could be incredibly valuable. That way, it does not pull from random outside sources that would render it useless for public procurement officials looking to apply a specific procurement code. While AI seems at times like a silver bullet for any problems you might be facing, it still has significant limitations and pitfalls to consider.(6.) Understanding cybersecurity risks and mitigating them through careful data protection plans is essential to introducing AI into public procurement. Furthermore, there are some commonplace issues regarding Generative AI tools to be aware of, especially if they are not operating in tightly contained closed network systems.(7.)
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-10614 aligncenter" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Hallucinations-The-Generative-AI-model-makes-up-an-answer-to-a-prompt-because-it-lacks-a-comprehensive-database-to-properly-ground-its-response-in-reality.-1-206x300.png" alt="" width="206" height="300" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Hallucinations-The-Generative-AI-model-makes-up-an-answer-to-a-prompt-because-it-lacks-a-comprehensive-database-to-properly-ground-its-response-in-reality.-1-206x300.png 206w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Hallucinations-The-Generative-AI-model-makes-up-an-answer-to-a-prompt-because-it-lacks-a-comprehensive-database-to-properly-ground-its-response-in-reality.-1.png 548w" sizes="(max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px" />
It’s important to understand what data a Generative AI model uses to create its responses and what shortcomings might exist within that data set that could skew results.
If you are interested in learning more about AI in public procurement, check out the series of essays written on the topic in the summer of 2022 by contributors to <a href="https://www.theregreview.org/2022/06/27/series-artificial-intelligence-procurement/">The Regulatory Review</a>. These essays touch on issues related to the responsible use of AI by government agencies, how AI could improve the procurement process, and many more related topics.
&nbsp;
Resources:
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/artificial-intelligence-2023-legislation">https://www.ncsl.org/technology-and-communication/artificial-intelligence-2023-legislation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/could-chatgpt-help-cities-better-vet-potential-vendors?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20-%20GT%20-%20GovTech%20Today&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=262836790&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--3vb7ZwsKmMM5OtiKcuYD8pCWIJ_wVM6fPEnBHtKLINv8eky_327dBt5-Ctb_87aJC7r7SWBTyoSySaiJAyoZQ7j23Kg&amp;utm_content=262840040&amp;utm_source=hs_email">https://www.govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/could-chatgpt-help-cities-better-vet-potential-vendors?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20-%20GT%20-%20GovTech%20Today&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=262836790&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz&#8211;3vb7ZwsKmMM5OtiKcuYD8pCWIJ_wVM6fPEnBHtKLINv8eky_327dBt5-Ctb_87aJC7r7SWBTyoSySaiJAyoZQ7j23Kg&amp;utm_content=262840040&amp;utm_source=hs_email</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2023/10/new-york-city-unveils-ai-action-plan/391235/">https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2023/10/new-york-city-unveils-ai-action-plan/391235/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-walmart-automated-supplier-negotiations">https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-walmart-automated-supplier-negotiations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.mayerbrown.com/-/media/files/news/2019/01/expert-qanda-on-artificial-intelligence-ai-licensing-w0219801.pdf">https://www.mayerbrown.com/-/media/files/news/2019/01/expert-qanda-on-artificial-intelligence-ai-licensing-w0219801.pdf</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nlc.org/article/2023/08/31/ai-in-city-procurement-5-pitfalls-to-avoid/">https://www.nlc.org/article/2023/08/31/ai-in-city-procurement-5-pitfalls-to-avoid/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nga.org/webinars/introduction-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-state-government/">https://www.nga.org/webinars/introduction-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-state-government/</a></li>
</ol>

naspo-placeholder

Pulse Blog

Why Your Office Needs AI

<h4 id="subtitle">Justice Department&#8217;s Procurement Collusion Strike Force Delivers Remarks</h4>
<div class="wpb_text_column">
<div class="body main-body clearfix">
<div class="bodytext">
According to the Urban Institute, there’s more than $3.5 trillion spent by state and local governments, about triple the amount spent in 1977.
I am honored to speak once again at the National Association of State Procurement Officials’ Law Institute. As noted in that very kind introduction, I am the Director of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force at the U.S. Department of Justice. And as you hear those words, you may be reminded of the Yogi Berra quip: “It’s like déjà vu all over again.”[i] Because I have returned to talk about infrastructure, collusion risks and the ways we can work together.
Click <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/director-daniel-glad-justice-departments-procurement-collusion-strike-force-delivers">here</a> to read more.
</div>
</div>
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Media Coverage

Director Daniel Glad of the Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force Delivers Remarks to the National Association of State Procurement Officials’ 10th Annual Law Institute

<h4 id="subtitle">The New World of Procurement</h4>
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According to the Urban Institute, there’s more than $3.5 trillion spent by state and local governments, about triple the amount spent in 1977.
The are few people who have watched public sector procurement more closely and from better positions than David Gragan, Chief Administrative and Strategic Operations Officer of the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO).
Click <a href="https://www.greenebarrett.com/management-update/the-new-world-of-procurement">here</a> to read more.
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The New World of Procurement

Just as in the movie, “The NeverEnding Story,” where young Bastian Bux is tasked with saving the land of Fantasia from the threat of The Nothing, cybersecurity is a never-ending threat to public agencies of all sizes.
Technology goods and services are making daily advances, and so are the methods of cyberattacks. The threats are constantly evolving, making it difficult for individuals and agencies to keep up. Cybercriminals continuously find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to sensitive information. If only we had Falkor in the real world…
<h4>Cybersecurity is a Team Quest</h4>
Since we don’t have Falkor to help us fend off the constant barrage of potential attacks, the task of keeping agency data and systems secure is up to the individuals in the public agencies, whether they’re IT people or not. However, the proposition of cybersecurity can seem a little daunting for the average user in the face of the moving targets that are cyber threats. To combat this, public agencies should incorporate regular cycles of cybersecurity training into their employee training programs, and that cybersecurity training should include the agency’s most current policies on:
<ul>
<li>Document management</li>
<li>Password management</li>
<li>Unauthorized software installation</li>
<li>Email usage</li>
<li>Social media usage</li>
<li>Internet usage</li>
<li>Company data protection</li>
</ul>
NASPO offers free courses in our Procurement U catalog that can be incorporated into agencies’ training programs; check out our courses on <a href="https://www.naspo.org/course/how-to-protect-your-data/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Protect Your Data</a> and <a href="https://www.naspo.org/course/how-to-protect-yourself-against-phishing-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Protect Yourself Against Phishing Attacks</a>.
<h4>The Threat You May Know</h4>
It is in the best interest of agencies to ensure that their security strategies are also consistently evolving and never-ending to match the level of cyber threats. It’s not a “set it and forget it” type of situation anymore; there are far greater threats than a strange email offering some dubious prize. Sometimes, the newest threat can come from products the agency and its users are already familiar with. Back in May, <a href="https://blog.google/products/registry/8-new-top-level-domains-for-dads-grads-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google released eight new top-level domains</a> (<a href="https://www.malwarebytes.com/glossary/tld" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TLDs</a>) that became available for public registration. Normally, that would just be a bit of info that the average user wouldn’t necessarily know or care about, except that two of the new TLDs are already common Windows and Apple <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/common-file-name-extensions-in-windows-da4a4430-8e76-89c5-59f7-1cdbbc75cb01" target="_blank" rel="noopener">file type extensions</a>: .zip and .mov.
ZIP files are a format that contains multiple files that have been combined and compressed to a smaller file size. MOV files are Apple QuickTime movie files. The potential for a cyber threat arises because now, anyone can register a public website using either .zip or .mov as its domain name (e.g., vacationpics -dot- zip), and it will appear to be a harmless file, but the website may contain malware that activates automatically upon the website being visited. If a criminal wanted to target an agency for an attack, they could simply send an official-looking email from a spoofed email address to all of the agency’s users that contains a link to something that the user would assume is a file; they would not guess that it’s actually a website. Plenty of users would not dare click anything sent to them in an email, but it only takes one person to fall for the scheme. Additionally, anyone who even types out what they think is a file name that contains a .zip or .mov file extension could inadvertently be linking to a malware website. Cybersecurity experts who are monitoring this issue have noticed that there are many new domain name registrations that have clearly been created with malicious intent:
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10718 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture1.webp" alt="Tweet 1" width="577" height="599" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture1.webp 577w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture1-289x300.webp 289w" sizes="(max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px" /><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-10719 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture2.png" alt="Tweet 2" width="583" height="604" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture2.png 583w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture2-290x300.png 290w" sizes="(max-width: 583px) 100vw, 583px" />
It also means that anywhere those file type extensions are saved as plain text (in an old MS Word document or in Windows Explorer, for example), that text could now resolve as a link to a malicious website. For example, this is a screenshot of the website that comes up for what might be a common file in the average user’s Windows Explorer screen, Microsoft -dash- Office -dot- zip:
(The preceding text is not typed out in standard website format, so as not to form a link.)
<h4><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10720 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture3.png" alt="Tweet 3" width="592" height="559" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture3.png 592w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture3-300x283.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px" /></h4>
Some cybersecurity experts are recommending that IT departments indiscriminately block all domain names that end with .mov or .zip from within the agency’s internet or intranet sites. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s on your agency’s radar, perhaps it’s a discussion worth having with your agency’s IT staff. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) and/or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) will likely want to review the current policies and make the appropriate next-step determination.
<h4>Manage Your Risk</h4>
With that example in mind, it is also in agencies’ best interest to change the way they think about cybersecurity. It’s no longer prudent to just try to avoid the failures in systems and/or installed software; it is an inevitability that should be expected and planned for as a part of an overall risk management strategy incorporated into cybersecurity procedures. One strategy that public agencies can use is to follow the example of the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/M-22-09.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. government and implement zero-trust architectures</a>, which assume that all systems can or will be compromised. For more strategies on how agencies can update and expand their cybersecurity processes in the face of ever-changing technology, check out this <a href="https://hbr.org/2023/05/the-digital-world-is-changing-rapidly-your-cybersecurity-needs-to-keep-up" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harvard Business Review article</a> that includes three ways to improve your cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is like laundry: it’s a process that will never actually be totally complete.

Cybersecurity: The Real Never-Ending Story

Named after NASPO’s first president, the George Cronin Awards for Procurement Excellence are NASPO’s annual awards for outstanding achievement in state procurement.
These awards provide well-deserved recognition and appreciation for state procurement offices and personnel whose forward thinking and hard work provided significant and direct benefits to their state. Originating in 1977, when past NASPO presidents formed the Cronin Club, the award recognized cost-reduction initiatives among state procurement offices.<a tabindex="0" role="button" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[1]</a> Over the years, the Cronin Awards have evolved beyond solely recognizing fiscal savings. Submissions are now also scored on innovation, service improvement, and transferability.
The George Cronin Awards for Procurement Excellence are awarded by NASPO under the direction of the Cronin Awards Committee, comprised of 12 members representing state procurement office personnel from all 4 NASPO regions. Committee composition also reflects a wide variety of procurement roles, including CPOs, buyers, contract managers, and others. Also included in the 12 are two NASPO Life and Honorary members. This composition supplies the committee with a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives. Each year, a new committee is seated to administer the submission and scoring process and determine the awardees. This year’s Committee is chaired by Thor Vue, CPO for the State of Alaska and NASPO Board of Directors member.
The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at the Awards Celebration Dinner during NASPO’s Annual Conference on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. But for now, I would like to introduce you to our finalists, in alphabetical order:
<h3>The 2023 Finalists for the George Cronin Awards for Procurement Excellence</h3>
<h4>Arizona – SPO Library Project</h4>
In an effort to provide consistency and improve compliance with the Arizona Procurement Code, Arizona’s State Procurement Office assembled a cross-agency team of experts to develop a determinations library. It is a central repository for forms, templates, and other documents used in the procurement and contract management processes, easily accessible by all state agencies, boards, and commissions. The determination templates and related forms helped to standardize the quality of written procurement determinations while lessening the time and effort required of procurement officials.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10710 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104531.png" alt="Arizona" width="1023" height="593" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104531.png 1023w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104531-300x174.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104531-768x445.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px" />
<h4>Florida – Modernized Quarterly Sales Reporting</h4>
Florida’s Division of State Purchasing tracks contract spend by various government entities from over 800 suppliers on 65 active statewide contracts. The procedures for receiving and processing the quarterly sales reports were time-consuming, with manual processes and the potential for errors. In response, the Division of State Purchasing simplified the reporting process and integrated it into their MyFloridaMarketplace Vendor Information Portal. The new process cut the time spent managing quarterly sales reports nearly in half, allowing contract managers to focus more on supplier relationships, compliance, and performance.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10711 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104557.png" alt="Florida" width="957" height="560" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104557.png 957w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104557-300x176.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104557-768x449.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 957px) 100vw, 957px" />
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<h4>Michigan – Lifecycle Supplier Outreach &amp; Relationship Management</h4>
Seeking to increase competition, strengthen supplier relationships, promote transparency, and produce better value for the state, Michigan’s Central Procurement Services reinvented its approach to supplier engagement. These improvements include a Vendor Opportunity Dashboard that forecasts future procurements, an automated current contract list, a new social media campaign, a dedicated supplier community outreach team, and a multi-faceted marketing strategy for its MiDEAL statewide purchasing program. To improve relationships with its largest suppliers, a new series of regular review meetings focuses on strategic collaboration to improve service and efficiency for both parties.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10712 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104619.png" alt="Michigan" width="938" height="548" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104619.png 938w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104619-300x175.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104619-768x449.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px" />
&nbsp;
<h4>Michigan – Professional Development for IT Procurement</h4>
To better prepare purchasing officials in the state to comprehend and respond to the growth and evolution of technology in government, Michigan’s Central Procurement Services developed a new training curriculum focused on IT procurement as part of their Achievement in Michigan Procurement certification program. While developing this new training, they created an 80+ page body of knowledge that covers the complexities and risks associated with IT, including network, device, and data security. As IT expands further into everyday products and services, Michigan’s approach views IT procurement as a vital field for modern procurement training and not just a specialization.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10713 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104700.png" alt="Michigan" width="919" height="531" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104700.png 919w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104700-300x173.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104700-768x444.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px" />
&nbsp;
<h4>Utah – Sustainable Procurement Advancements</h4>
Over the past two years, the Utah Division of Purchasing and General Services has been developing a sustainable procurement program from the ground up. The absence of an executive mandate or legislative instruction created a challenge: encouraging participation in a voluntary program. One response was to link it with other procurement initiatives, specifically a “buy local” campaign. The Sustainable Utah initiative demonstrates how sourcing locally is more sustainable. Another approach was to make participation easy. Recognition of third-party certification for sustainable products and services saves time and resources for purchasers. Partnership with Amazon provided benchmarks and progress tracking for the sustainability of small purchases.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10714 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104724.png" alt="Utah" width="866" height="549" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104724.png 866w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104724-300x190.png 300w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-09-11-104724-768x487.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px" />
&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-577 size-full" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/george-cronin-awards.png" alt="George Cronin Awards" width="556" height="321" srcset="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/george-cronin-awards.png 556w, https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/george-cronin-awards-300x173.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px" />
<h4>The Value of the Cronin Awards</h4>
Each procurement project submitted for the Cronin Awards represents an opportunity for others to learn from another’s experience. These projects are teaching tools for the entire profession and contribute to the public procurement body of knowledge. The awards process calls attention to procurement projects and initiatives that have made an impact while also disseminating new practices and lessons learned. Sharing a state’s success encourages others to adopt a similar approach. Success stories from these projects can be the first step toward identifying best practices for procurement offices nationwide. 
NASPO uses submitted projects as practical examples in various educational and informative products, such as Procurement U courses, publications, live training events, and NASPO’s Practical Guide reference textbook. Having limited procurement experience prior to joining NASPO’s staff, my time working with the Cronin Awards process and reading the project submissions has dramatically expanded my knowledge and understanding of the complexities of public procurement.
While honoring the tremendous work of our members, the Cronin Awards furthers NASPO’s mission to promote government excellence by delivering superior procurement solutions for the benefit of the public and to elevate public procurement as a profession. Submitting a project for the Cronin Awards is an opportunity to improve the whole of public procurement and multiply your project’s benefits nationwide.
To learn more about the George Cronin Awards for Procurement Excellence, its evaluation criteria, and past winners, visit the Awards page at <a href="http://www.naspo.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.NASPO.org</a>.

The Value of Recognizing Public Procurement Achievements

<h4>Experience the fascinating world of supplier-government collaboration in our exclusive mini-series on the NASPO Pulse Podcast.</h4>
Join host Kevin Minor and Debb Atnip, Manager of Education, Capture, and Growth, CDW Government, as they discuss building relationships with procurement officials, navigating government attorney engagements, and staying informed about procurement process changes.
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supplier-engagement-miniseries-debb-atnip-manager-of/id1507790188?i=1000626843389" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mini-Series Episode 4</a>
*All 2023 NASPO Exchange suppliers received an invitation to schedule an interview on a first-come, first-served basis for potential inclusion in the series.
Got a comment or an idea for an episode? Email <a href="mailto:podcast@naspo.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">podcast@naspo.org.</a> We would love to hear from you!
Make sure to follow the Pulse Podcast and subscribe to the blog to be updated for every new episode! You can subscribe to Pulse Podcast on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naspo-pulse/id1507790188" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOVHy4oOmFQtSfOCKdF7V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS85NTI4NjEucnNz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Podcasts,</a> or wherever you listen.

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Pulse Podcast

Supplier Pulse-Check Mini Series

The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and the Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations to form a new strategic partnership. This partnership is aimed at advancing procurement practices and delivering added value to members through knowledge-sharing, education and networking opportunities.
Brandi Ann Willard, Director of Partnerships for NASPO stated: “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with the Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA). By joining forces with TxPPA, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to drive innovation, collaboration and continue to elevate the standards of the profession.”
“Moving forward with a partnership with NASPO is very exciting for us,” stated Victor Castillo, TxPPA’s Incoming President. “We look forward to our members having additional resources for training and networking.  We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to provide our knowledge and insight to a distinguished organization such as NASPO.”
About NASPO: The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members as public procurement leaders through promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.
About TxPPA: Since 2008, The Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) has provided meaningful and relevant professional development opportunities for its members through educational and networking opportunities designed to deliver current information on a variety of public procurement topics and strengthening professional relationships with others in the industry. The association strives to make public purchasing in Texas the most efficient and effective in the nation. An independent multi-agency organization, TxPPA members represent state agencies, colleges and universities, county governments, municipalities, authorities, and school districts in Texas.

NASPO and TxPPA announces new strategic partnership to enhance procurement strategies and opportunities

Lexington, KY — The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) announced today that it will be donating funds to support the relief efforts in Guam after the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Mawar. As a US territory, Guam is one of NASPO’s primary members, and NASPO aims to assist in the recovery and rebuilding process in the affected region. 
Super Typhoon Mawar made landfall in Guam as a powerful Category 4 storm on May 24 and caused widespread destruction, significantly affecting the lives of countless individuals. 
“The aftermath of Super Typhoon Mawar has left the people of Guam facing immense challenges. NASPO stands in solidarity with our primary member, Guam, and is committed to supporting their recovery efforts,” said NASPO Chief Executive Officer Lindle Hatton. “Through this donation, we hope to contribute to the relief initiatives on the ground and aid in restoring normalcy to the lives of those affected by this catastrophic event.” 
NASPO’s donation was made through the Red Cross, whose relief efforts onsite in Guam will help provide immediate assistance, including food, water, medical supplies, and shelter, to those in urgent need. 
NASPO expresses gratitude to the first responders, emergency personnel and volunteers who are working tirelessly to aid in the recovery process and in helping the families and communities affected by Super Typhoon Mawar. 
“NASPO is deeply committed to supporting our members in times of crisis, and our hearts go out to the people of Guam who have been affected by Super Typhoon Mawar,” said NASPO Board President, Delbert Singleton. “NASPO remains steadfast in our mission to promote excellence in public procurement and serve as a beacon of hope and resilience during these challenging times.” 
About NASPO: NASPO is a non–profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. www.naspo.org 
Media Contact: Kate Davila Director of Marketing and Communications, NASPO <a href="mailto:kdavila@naspo.org">kdavila@naspo.org</a>

NASPO donates funds to relief efforts following super typhoon Mawar in Guam

Lexington, KY – In celebration of Procurement Month, occurring annually in March, the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) announces a brand-new reimbursement program to support professional certifications in public procurement.
Effective immediately, NASPO will offer an opportunity for full reimbursement of both the application and examination fees for qualified candidates who pass the certification exams offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). This program is open to both US and Canadian applicants for the upcoming testing cycle.
If interested, applicants should visit the <a href="http://uppcc.org/">UPPCC website</a> and apply by March 14, 2023. More information on the program and the application process will be available soon on the NASPO and UPPCC websites: <a href="http://naspo.org/">naspo.org</a> and <a href="http://uppcc.org/">uppcc.org</a>.
About NASPO: NASPO is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.
About UPPCC: The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) is an independent entity formed to govern and administer the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification programs. The CPPO and CPPB programs are the most highly regarded and well-respected certifications among procurement professionals and their employers in the public sector. To date, the UPPCC has certified well over 14,000 professionals, primarily within the US and Canada but in other nations around the globe.
Contact: Kate Davila 
Director of Marketing and Communications, NASPO 
<a href="mailto:kdavila@naspo.org">kdavila@naspo.org</a>

NASPO Continues Mission to Promote Government Excellence – Announces Major Program Supporting CPPO and CPPB Professional Certifications!

For the past year, NASPO, UPPCC and NIGP have been working collaboratively to define the elements of an agreement between them regarding governance issues and a relationship between the organizations that best serves the public procurement community. These discussions began after NASPO and UPPCC requested that NIGP be removed from the governance of the UPPCC programs since it had developed its own separate leadership-focused, professional certification program. On March 30, 2023, a settlement agreement was reached between NASPO, NIGP, and UPPCC on changes to UPPCC’s governance structure that include NIGP leaving/withdrawing its position on UPPCC’s Governing Board.
To support public procurement officials in their pursuit of certification and recertification, the UPPCC will accept NASPO and NIGP programs, events, and materials that align with the 2021 Body of Knowledge-Competencies (BOK-C) and NIGP will accept NASPO programs, events, and materials that align with the 2020 Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF). Certificants seeking UPPCC recertification shall continue to receive points for professional contributions to procurement for volunteer activities with NIGP or NIGP Chapters, under this agreement. Moving forward, UPPCC will have the full support of NASPO to ensure the value, relevance, and integrity of both the CPPO and CPPB certification programs. Likewise, the NIGP Certified Procurement Certification program will have the full support of NIGP as the Institute continues to integrate learning and credentialing options through its Pathways program.
All three organizations look forward to continuing their service to the public procurement community
Sincerely,
Delbert Singleton 
NASPO Board President
Lindle Hatton, PhD 
NASPO CEO
Carrie Mathes, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CFCM, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M., APP 
NIGP Chair
Rick Grimm NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, FCIPS 
NIGP CEO
Kathleen Muretti CPPO, CPPB, CPCP 
UPPCC Board Chair
Derrick Strand 
UPPCC Executive Director

JOINT NASPO/NIGP/UPPCC PUBLIC STATEMENT

Lexington, KY – The <a href="/">National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO®)</a> announced the election results for the 2023 NASPO Board of Directors during the 2022 NASPO Annual Conference, taking place September 26-28 in San Diego, California.
Those elected include:
<ul>
<li>President-Elect – Valerie Bollinger, Chief Procurement Officer, Idaho</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Steve Berg, Director of Procurement, South Dakota</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Gregg Olivera, Deputy Division Director, Procurement Bureau Chief, New Jersey</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Angela Shell, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of General Services, California</li>
</ul>
The 2023 Board of Directors are:
<ul>
<li>President – Jaime Schorr, Chief Procurement Officer, Division of Purchases, Maine</li>
<li>President-Elect – Valerie Bollinger, Chief Procurement Officer, Division of Purchasing, Idaho</li>
<li>Immediate Past President – Delbert H. Singleton, Jr., Division Director, State Fiscal Accountability Authority Division of Procurement Services, South Carolina</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Steve Berg, Director of Procurement, South Dakota</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Deborah Damore, Director, Office of Purchasing and Contracting, Department of Buildings and General Services, Vermont</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Gregg Olivera, Deputy Division Director, Procurement Bureau Chief, New Jersey</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – George Schutter, Chief Procurement Officer, District of Columbia</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Angela Shell, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of General Services, California</li>
<li>Director-at-Large – Thor Vue, Chief Procurement Officer, Division of Shared Services, Statewide Contracting Office, Alaska</li>
<li>NASPO ValuePoint Executive Council Chair – Jared Ambrosier, Chief Procurement, Michigan</li>
</ul>
Board members serve two-year terms with the President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past President serving one-year terms. NASPO ValuePoint Executive Council Chairs also serve one-year terms. The new term will begin on January 1, 2023.
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About NASPO: The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing officers in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members as public procurement leaders through prmotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.

NASPO Members Elect 2023 Board of Directors

The <a href="https://doa.az.gov/">Arizona Department of Administration</a> has been recognized by the <a href="https://www.nasca.org/">National Association of State Chief Adminsistrators (NASCA)</a> with the 2022 NASCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Procurement Award for their Set Aside Program.
Learn more about the program by watching a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y75OQAxSROw">video</a> shared by Arizona.
NASPO is proud to recognize the innovative and successful solutions provided by member procurement offices.

Member News: Arizona Department of Administration Wins NASCA Procurement Award

Lexington, KY – The <a href="/">National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)</a> has added three new strategic partners to strengthen its connections within the procurement and government community.
Joining our existing partners are the <a href="https://www.ncsfa.net/home">National Conference of State Fleet Administrators (NCSFA)</a>, <a href="https://stateramp.org/">StateRAMP</a>, and the <a href="https://cppc-ccmp.ca/">Canadian Public Procurement Council (CPPC)</a>. Each of these organizations has a unique focus that ties into NASPO’s mission to help our members achieve sucess as public procurement leaders in their states.
“Adding these three specific partners broadens the resources and perspectives that NASPO can share with its members,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Dan Kruger. “We have worked with each of these organizations in the past, but formalizing our partnership allows us to move forward in new ways. We are excited to develop educational content and resources with these partners, interacting with members from other organizations for better understanding.”
Leah McGrath, StateRAMP Executive Director, expressed their pleasure with formalizing a partnership with NASPO. “Cybersecurity is a team sport, and procurement officials are often on the front line. Our entire StateRAMP team is honored and excited to be recognized as a Strategic Partner with NASPO, as we work collaboratively to help standardize and improve third party cloud security for all of government.”
CPPC President, Kimberley Murphy, added, “We are excited to formalize the partnership between CPPC and NASPO. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a like-minded organization committed to raising the level of professionalism in the public procurement environment on a national and global scale. This partnership solidifies CPPC’s support of furthering public procurement education through collaboration and sharing of best practices.”
“NCSFA is thrilled to formalize a partnership with NASPO,” said Lauren Myers, Executive Director for NCSFA. “NASPO has a keen insight into changes occurring within the fleet industry, and they continually provide value through their commitment to educate and inform NCSFA members.”
The partnerships with NCSFA, StateRAMP, and CPPC will continue through 2025. For more information about NASPO strategic partnerships, please reach out to Dan Kruger at <a href="mailto:dkruger@naspo.org">dkruger@naspo.org</a>.
About NASPO: The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organiation that helps its members as public procurement leaders through promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.
Contact: <a href="mailto:%20kmking@naspo.org">Kelly McKown King</a>, NASPO Director of Communications and Creative Services, (859) 519-8040.

NASPO Welcomes New Strategic Partners

<h5>First Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to Be Added</h5>
Lexington, KY – <a href="/">The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)</a> announced today that it has added <a href="https://howard.edu/">Howard University</a> as a NASPO Academic Partner.
Howard University is the ninth higher education insitution, and first Historically Black College and University (HBCU), to join NAPSO as an Academic Partner to provide value to our state members as well as students pursuing a career in the public sector through supply chain management programs.
“I am thrilled to welcome Howard University as an Academic Partner,” said Delbert H. Singleton, Jr., NASPO Board President. “NASPO and public procurement, as with many organizations, continues to look at ways to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in our professions. Welcoming Howard moves us in that direction, introducing a new audience to the value of government service and hearing their voices in return.”
Lindle Hatton, NASPO Chief Executive Officer, added, “Our Academic Partners have been key to collaborators in elevating the public procurement profession. They are a link to future professionals, and we are happy that Howard University will join us this year in bringing public procurement to their supply chain students.”
The <a href="/academic-initiatives/#partners" class="broken_link">Academic Partner program</a> started in 2016 and includes institutions in each of NASPO’s four regions. Academic Partners are invited to participate in NASPO conferences and access the organization’s network of resources and content. Academic Partner students are also invited to participate in NASPO’s annual internship program and can receive complimentary association membership.
For more information about Academic Partners, please reach out to Brandi Ann Williard, NASO Academic Affairs Manager at <a href="mailto:bawillard@naspo.org">bawillard@naspo.org</a>.
About NASPO: NASPO was established in 1947 and is dedicated to the advancing Public Procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors for the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as Public Procurement leaders through promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.
Contact: <a href="mailto:%20kmking@naspo.org">Kelly McKown King</a>, NASPO Director of Communications and Creative Services, (859) 519-8040

NASPO Adds Howard University as Ninth Academic Partner

The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) announced a donation today to aid in the relief and recovery efforts in response to the recent catastrophic fire that ravaged the beautiful island of Maui in August 2023. Hawaii, one of NASPO’s primary members, has been deeply affected by this disaster, prompting the organization to step forward and provide support in this time of need. 
The fire, which started on August 8, 2023, caused extensive damage to homes, natural habitats, and infrastructure across more than 10,000 acres on the island. 
“Our hearts go out to the people of Maui during this challenging time,” said Lindle Hatton, CEO of NASPO. “NASPO stands united with Hawaii, and we want to support the recovery process however we can.” 
NASPO’s donation was made through the Maui Strong Fund. Donations will support evolving needs, including immediate relief efforts, such as shelter, food, and medical assistance for those affected by the disaster and more as identified by those on site in Maui. To learn more about the Maui Strong Fund, <a href="https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/strengthening/maui-strong-fund">visit here</a>. 
“Hawaii is a valued member of NASPO and our extended community,” said Delbert Singleton, NASPO Board President. “We hope this donation will help support the tremendous relief efforts underway and make a difference in people’s lives as they work to recover from this tragedy.”

National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) Extends a Helping Hand to Maui Relief Efforts Following Devastating Fire

<h4>Washington, D.C. Pilot Program Yields Positive Results</h4>
Ashburn, VA – The <a href="http://www.ncmahq.org/">National Contract Management Association</a> (NCMA) and the <a href="/">National Association of State Procurement Officials</a> (NASPO) have created a unique, collaborative program designed to improve the competence and capabilities of state public procurement workforce. This program, already in pilot phase, brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting contract and procurement professionals.
The Contract Management Organizational Capability (CMOC) program explores the <a href="https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Standards---Practices/Contract-Management-Standard-Publication.aspx">Contract Management Standard</a>™ (CMS™) and the <a href="https://ncmahq.org/Web/Web/Standards---Practices/Contract-Management-Body-of-Knowledge.aspx">Contract Management Body of Knowledge®</a> (CMBOK®) through the flow of the CMBOK Competency System. The CMOC is comprised of the following content:
<ol>
<li>Foundational Knowledge: The competencies of NCMA’s CMBOK®  will serve as the foundation of the program.</li>
<li>Added Value Knowledge: The content of NASPO’s <a href="/procurement-u/order-practical-guide/" class="broken_link">State and Local Government Procurement: A Practical Guide</a> will provide best practices in Public Procurement and establish a link from the CMBOK competencies to State procurement rules and regulations.</li>
<li>Targeted Knowledge: The State’s procurment rules and regulations will be discussed with emphasis on areas deemed important by the State.</li>
</ol>
“Leading contract management practice is a direct result of one’s ability to apply leadership, management, and technical competencies as a single, integrated process,” said Kraig Conrad, NCMA CEO. “The launch of the CMOC program instructs the interactive relationships of the CMS and CMBOK domains, competencies, and job tasks, which are independently and jointly performed by buyers and sellers.”
Beginning in February, NASPO ran a pilot of the CMOC program with the Washington, D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement. Through eight weeks of an instructor-led course, paired with online materials, discussion board interaction, assessments, and a final exam, students were eligible to receive 45 CPEs and a certificate of completion. Of the 22 students enrolled in the D.C. pilot program, 100% passed the final exam with an average score of 84% (with a minimum passing score of 70%).
“The CMOC program offers a new option for state procurement offices seeking to establish training programs for contract management staff,” said Lindle Hatton, NASPO CEO. “We are proud to be a part of the CMOC creation, and we are excited to continue the rollout to the state procurement offices that NASPO represents. Participants that have completed the CMOC program can be proud of their accomplishments.”
George Schutter, Chief Procurement Officer for the Washington, D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement added, “The District of Columbia Government Office for Contracting and Procurement was honored to serve as the pilot site for the CMOC program. Maintaining public trust is one of our top priorities, and the elements of the certificate program speak directly to that by focusing on recognized standards of competent service. Include District-specific regulations in our course means that our contracting and procurement staff receive customized training that meets their obligations to District citizens.”
For more information about the Contract Management Organizational Capability (CMOC) program, reach out to NCMA.
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About NCMA: Founded in 1959, NCMA is the world’s leading professional resource for those in the field of contract management. The organization, which as over 18,000 members, is dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement of procurement and acquisition personnel worldwide. NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession it represents and to offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. For more information on the association, please visit <a href="http://www.ncmahq.org/">www.ncmahq.org</a>.
Contact: <a href="mailto:jennifer.knowlton@ncmahq.org">Jennifer Knowlton</a>, Senior Director, Marketing &amp; Engagement, NCMA.
About NASPO: <a href="/">NASPO</a> was established in 1947 and is dedicated to advancing Public Procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as Public Procurement leaders through promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.
Contact: <a href="mailto:kmking@naspo.org">Kelly McKown King</a>, Director of Communication &amp; Creative Services, NASPO.

NCMA and NASPO Develop Contract Management Organizational Capability Program to Maintain Public Trust

<h4 id="subtitle">$1.9 million deal will bring more Wi-Fi to city, secure networks</h4>
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Piggy-backing on a municipal government bid for CISCO computer will save the city as much as $400,000 while upgrading the city’s municipal computer network, councilors agreed.
The City Council voted to join a larger NASPO ValuePoint bid for CISCO computer infrastructure at a special meeting July 25. The city will pay $1,982,067.31 over three years without interest to upgrade its computer backbone, adding 113 network switches, 68 rugged industrial switches and gain 106 new Wi-Fi access points — 64 indoor and 42 outdoor — all of it CISCO-made equipment sold directly by the manufacturer.
Click <a href="https://thebrightonblade.com/stories/piggyback-computer-deal-gets-council-nod,443617" class="broken_link">here</a> to read more.
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Piggyback computer deal gets council nod

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