March 2021

We are pleased to spend this month honoring the work you do, focusing on specific aspects of procurement, and highlighting how you’re celebrating in your states. Stay tuned for emails this month, make sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and be sure to share your celebrations with us. Template resources are available to Directors on the NASPO Network for use in your states. Send highlights from your state to [email protected].

NASPO Becomes an IACET Accredited Provider

The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has awarded the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) the prestigious Accredited Provider accreditation. IACET Accredited Providers are the only organizations approved to offer IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The accreditation period extends for five years and includes all programs offered or created during that time.  Our accreditation with IACET demonstrates our commitment to quality adult education and high standards for all of our programs. Currently accredited Procurement U courses include: Introduction to Ethical Procurement Introduction to Cooperative Procurement Ethical Procurement Strategies Introduction to Bid Protests NASPO will continue to review and update courses for all accredited CEUs in the future.

State Preference Repository

An updated State Preference Repository is now available! The NASPO State Preference Repository provides a list of state bidding preferences, describing state requirements for each preference type (preference for in-state/local bidders, sustainable or locally produced/manufactured commodities, small or diverse/disadvantaged businesses).

Regional Council Leadership Spotlight

In the first of a series, we will introduce you to your Regional Council Chairs and Vice Chairs. This month get to know the Midwestern Regional leadership.

Doug Carlson (NE), Midwestern Regional Council Chair

What is the most rewarding part of your job in public procurement? Getting to serve the citizens of my state. I grew up in Nebraska. My family and friends are all here so ensuring that their tax dollars are expended on the best value for them is incredibly rewarding. Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of state procurement and I am confident we are spending citizens’ tax dollars wisely.   What is your advice for working with other agencies in the state? Relationships matter. State purchasing wants to be a partner, not a roadblock. Learning about agencies and their specific needs is important, so I recommend exchanging business cards prior to a potential contract.   What was the last good book you read? The Know-It-All: One Man’s Humble Request to Become the Smartest Person in the World. The book chronicles a person’s attempt to read the Encyclopedia Britannica from A to Z and how it impacts his life. It’s incredibly funny and sweet and absurd. It’s a great read.

Genevieve Hayes (MI), Midwestern Regional Council Vice Chair

What is the most interesting part of your job in public procurement? The most interesting part of my job in public procurement is the variety of work assignments from year to year. Being able to work on different types of initiatives and projects keeps things interesting.   What is the most challenging part of your job in public procurement? When developing policy, training, and procurement programs, it’s so important to get diverse customer and agency perspectives, so that what you develop ends up being successful.   What is the last good book you read? Caste by Isabel Wilkerson is a fascinating exploration of how America has been shaped by a hidden caste system, and how it has influences people’s lives, behavior, and shared history.

Upcoming Events

The NASPO Exchange registration deadline is approaching! Register before March 11 to join 36 other states in One-on-One conversation with suppliers in our engaging virtual format. Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

Webinar – Cybersecurity and Procurement March 10 | 3 pm ET

Jaime Schorr, CPO of Maine, Dugan Petty, Cooperative Contract Coordinator at NASPO ValuePoint, and Leah McGrath, StateRAMP Executive Director, will discuss the StateRAMP platform and how it helps states reduce cyber risks from unsecure cloud solutions and protects data. Reserve your seat now. The webinar is eligible for 1 contact hour.

Save the Date! REACH 2021 – Virtual Conference July 14 – 15, 2021

Supplier Relations Take Center Stage

This week get a double dose of NASPO ValuePoint Director of Supplier Development and Global Initiatives, Bart Lemmon, as he talks with the NASPO Pulse Blog and Podcast about supplier relations, the Emerging Markets Initiative, and the upcoming NASPO Exchange conference.

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