Course Description:
With ordinal rankings, Tennessee could use its superior information to motivate bidders to reduce their cost proposals. Tennessee carefully analyzed its rules and policies concerning cost negotiations to find a legally permissible way to use as much information as possible to generate as much cost savings as possible. &nbsp;The Ordinal Ranking methodology fosters a more collaborative relationship between CPO and customers because it drives strategic engagement. Tennessee has realized average savings on winning contracts of 5.06% above baseline savings levels.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the process by which Tennessee was able to develop and implement the rankings for negotiations.
2. Understand the challenges and benefits of adopting this methodology for negotiations.
3. Apply some steps or strategies towards implementing a similar initiative in their own offices.

Course Technology Requirements:
<ul type="disc">
<li style="line-height: normal;background: #FFFFFF">Internet connection</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;background: #FFFFFF">Support web browsers:</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li style="line-height: normal;background: #FFFFFF">Recommended: Chrome, Firefox, Safari (latest versions)</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;background: #FFFFFF">If prompted, accept all cookies and allow popups</li>
</ul>
<li style="color: #303335;line-height: normal;background: #FFFFFF">Access to <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fprocurementu.myabsorb.com%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckbarringer%40naspo.org%7C8dd59dbe734a436b626108d95743cfd8%7C71970842b50a47ddaf23f54175b61dfc%7C0%7C0%7C637636771030075715%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=N02yfOVF3ycBNFWX37wZJosMZwcV%2FVRzeOB4T4BwByg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Procurement U LMS</a></li>
<li style="line-height: normal;background: #FFFFFF">Ability to play and listen to audio through computer speakers or headphones</li>
</ul>

Cronin Awards 2021: Using Your Leverage:  Tennessee’s Ordinal Ranking in Cost Negotiations

Invest in Your Skills. Elevate Your Impact. The premier learning platform for public procurement professionals.

Welcome to Procurement U

Download list here

Visit Procurement U

Focused male Latin student working on computer

Whether you’re looking for procurement-focused knowledge or essential workplace skills, Procurement U has you covered. Our award-winning courses are designed by procurement specialists and instructional design experts with your career needs in mind. On-demand courses, microlearnings, virtual instructor-led programs &#8211; we have everything you need to make learning a part of your daily routine as part of your NASPO or PPA membership.

budget_friendly

Cost and budget limitations should never be a roadblock to quality education and professional development. Through NASPO or PPA membership, learners receive access to more than 250 hours of Procurement U training at no additional cost, plus discounted member pricing on an expanded catalog of skill-focused courses.

certification support

There&#8217;s never been a better time to get certified! Procurement U offers a variety of resources to help candidates pursuing a professional procurement certification from <a href="https://uppcc.org/">UPPCC</a>, including self-study tools, certification-specific resources, and more than enough contact hours available through Procurement U coursework to help you qualify.

Career_recognition

Looking for ways to grow your skills and advance your career? Procurement U has everything you need to take your career to the next level: award-winning courses, personalized transcripts, and expert staff that are here to help support your professional growth through NASPO and PPA learning opportunities.

Group of young people in casual clothes working in the modern office

By using Procurement U, you gain access to an extensive network of procurement professionals and learning resources through NASPO and the exciting new <a href="https://www.joinppa.org/">Procurement Professionals Alliance</a>. We look forward to helping you advance your procurement career and skills, and our staff are always here to help. Email <a href="mailto:procurementu@naspo.org">procurementu@naspo.org</a> with questions.

There are two primary ways to access Procurement U. The first is through <a href="https://www.naspo.org/get-involved/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NASPO membership</a>, which is primarily open to state central procurement offices and eligible employees who typically receive access through their employer. The second is through <a href="https://www.joinppa.org/how-to-participate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PPA membership</a>, which is open to procurement professionals and stakeholders across the broader procurement profession, including those working in state and local government, higher education, nonprofits, and the private sector.
Want to explore Procurement U first before joining? Use the Visit Procurement U button below to create a free account, experience the platform, and access a limited selection of courses. You can expand your access anytime through NASPO or PPA membership.

procurement-u-logo

Procurement U is NASPO’s award-winning learning program and the preferred training provider for the <a href="https://www.joinppa.org/">Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA),</a> helping NASPO and PPA members build their skills, advance their careers, and better serve their communities.

Browse Course Catalog

Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, procurement professionals have led the way in procuring critical PPE and essential needs for state and local governments across the country during this unprecedented time.

are-free

As a small token of NASPO’s profound appreciation for everything you do, we have made all foundational courses totally FREE.

a-man-smiling

The “Procurement U Gives Back” Program is a celebration of a major milestone. We are an IACET Accredited education provider!

Login Now or Register

procurementu.myabsorb.com

Use your public entity or NASPO Network email address as your username.

Questions

procurementu@naspo.org

We’re here to answer any questions you have. Email us at:

Procurement U is the premier training platform for NASPO and PPA Members.

Login Or Register

Browse Courses

naspo-placeholder

Any subject matter experts and NASPO staff involved in the development of this course have no proprietary interest in any of the content, materials, activities, or resources used or referenced herein.

NASPO respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through compliance with our privacy policy. NASPO has adopted this policy to govern the process of personal data collection and information sharing. This policy explains how NASPO may collect, use, share, and safeguard personal information, as well as release of learner records.

Procurement U Courses are designed with you in mind, with a wide selection of free courses fully funded by NASPO, along with on-demand and instructor-led courses that provide the flexibility you need to make learning a part of your daily routine.

The CPPB and CPPO self-study are available as a complimentary resource for NASPO and PPA Members. These tools are fully web-based and accessible at any time to assist in your personal study efforts in an easy, convenient format.

CPPB and CPPO Exam Self-Study Tools

For more information about each one, including who each one is best suited for and what it takes to be eligible:

Contact Us

Certification allows public procurement professionals to demonstrate their competency and commitment to advancing the profession. Procurement U supports certification and recertification through high-quality procurement education and exam prep resources.

<a href="https://uppcc.org/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-7641 aligncenter" src="https://cms.naspo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/uppcc.svg" alt="Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC)" width="300" height="119" /></a>
NASPO is proud to be one of the founding partners of the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), the globally recognized, independent certifying entity for government procurement professionals.
For more than 40 years, NASPO has encouraged all procurement professionals to seek certification and actively supports UPPCC’s mission.

The UPPCC-NASPO Partnership

UPPCC maintains a detailed guide to applying and testing available on their <a href="https://uppcc.org/">website</a>.

SIGN UP

NASPO ValuePoint provides the highest standard of excellence in public cooperative contracting.

Explore Portfolios

We use cookies to improve user experience, help personalize content, and analyze website traffic. Some of these cookies may transmit information to third parties to analyze website traffic. By using this site, you agree to the use of cookies to collect information on naspo.org. Read our <a href="/privacy-policy/">Privacy Policy</a> to learn more. To manage your cookie preferences, please access these through your browser settings.

National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)

naspo-awards-logos-with-bg

Learn More

<div class="HtmlBlock_htmlBlock__jMIQt mb-6 text-base font-light">Positions in public procurement are open and accepting applications.</div>

linkedin-logo

facebook

Facebook 1

youtube

youtube 1

linkedin

linkedin 1

Subscribe

Stay informed on the latest topics in procurement by subscribing to our NASPO Pulse Podcast and Pulse Blog!

email-symbol

procurement-u-3

naspo-valuepoint-logo

ASU_NASPO_Department_of_Supply_Chain_Management_Horiz_RGB_MaroonGold-c

2025_NASPO_LegalEducation (2)

naspo-network-logo

naspo-pulse-podcast-logo

NASPO Gives Back

Discover how NASPO supports communities nationwide through service efforts, charitable giving, and partnerships that make a lasting impact.

Get Involved

Learn about the benefits of NASPO membership, how to join, and the various committees and initiatives that members can participate in.

Careers

Explore career opportunities in the field of public procurement while driving impactful change across government entities.

Awards

Recognized as a premier achievement for innovative public procurement.

About NASPO

NASPO is the nation’s leader in public procurement, driving excellence for its members through various sources.

Procurement U

Your premier source for award-winning education in public procurement.

About

Course Catalog

UPPCC Certification Support

State Profiles

Research & Innovation

The R&I Team develops resources, tools, and publications that explore emerging trends and best practices in public procurement.

bookcase-full-books-with-statue-top-it

Content Library

Digital Accessibility Hub

Executive Leadership Resources

Glossary

Practical Guide

Repository of State Practices 

 Survey of State Practices

Sustainable Purchasing

Legal Education

NASPO is the trusted source for legal education in public
procurement, built on a foundation of credibility and
authority. Our evolving programs meet the modern needs
of procurement professionals through innovative, expertled learning. Stay informed, compliant, and confident with
NASPO's Legal Education.

Law Institute and Attorney Bootcamp

Attorney Roundtable

Resource Library

NASPO ValuePoint

Partnerships

NASPO currently partners with 17 Strategic Partners and 9 Academic Partners to form strong relationships with existing procurement organizations and continually elevate the public procurement profession.

Peter Korolyk and Delbert Singleton

Strategic Partnerships

Black men in a cafe. Guy talking. Man in a black suit.

Black men in a cafe have a business

Academic Partnerships

News

Stay up-to-date on the latest news within NASPO and public procurement through our blog, podcast, press releases, and more.

People hangout together at coffee shop

All NASPO News

Media Coverage

Press Releases

NASPO Pulse Podcast

Events & Webinars

NASPO hosts numerous events, both in-person and virtual, to promote excellence and community in the procurement profession.

Cronin Awards 2021: Using Your Leverage: Tennessee’s Ordinal Ranking in Cost Negotiations

Delivery Method:

Contact Hours:

Registration:

Proprietary Interest Policy:

Privacy and Information Security Policy:

Privacy Policy