Over the last ten years, we’ve heard from many procurement leaders a desire for a centralized place to access resources, learn best practices, and find community as they transform procurement in their jurisdictions. To support these efforts, the GPL has launched the Procurement Excellence Network (PEN), a free online hub and collaboration space for government leaders.

Visit the Procurement Excellence Network

Procurement is one of the most powerful tools state and local leaders have at their disposal to improve resident outcomes and equitably deliver services. But in many cities, procurement simply isn’t working the way it should -- RFPs take too long, not enough companies bid on city contracts, and archaic procedures make it impossible to implement innovative solutions. 

Transforming procurement has never been more important. Typically, one-third to one-half of a city’s budget goes towards contracting goods and services. At that scale, changes in procurement practices can make a big difference. State and local leaders have a momentous opportunity to close equity gaps, deliver better services for residents, and turn procurement from a back-office administrative annoyance into a real force for advancing strategic goals.