A foundation for standardization
The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) has adopted the Values and Guiding Principles of Public Procurement, which will provide a foundation to develop standards of practice for public procurement over time. NIGP will lead and facilitate development of standards in collaboration with other stakeholder organizations. Flagship government stakeholder associations represent those who work closely with the procurement function or benefit from the continued “professionalization” of the acquisition and contracting workforce.
“The establishment of a formalized, reference-able body of values and guiding principles is a milestone development for the public procurement profession,” says NIGP’s Chief Executive Rick Grimm. “Taxpayers must feel confident that their governments are spending their tax dollars in a manner that is principled, achieves best value and is transparent. Agencies that embrace these Values and Guiding Principles — and actively reflect them in their procurement practices — let their communities know that they are supported by professionals committed to practices consistent with the values of good stewardship and their profession.”
The Values and Guiding Principles were co-developed with the support of the following associations:
- Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
- Association of School Business Officials (ASBO)
- National Association of Counties (NACo)
- National League of Cities (NLC)
- U.S. Conference of Mayors
“Every profession relies upon values, principles and practices to define its operating code and the requirements that distinguish its practitioners from non-professionals,” Grimm observes. “We have taken a major step toward doing the same for the public procurement profession and drawing attention to those who have historically been under-recognized for their contribution to protecting and strengthening democratic ideals through their government’s business practices.”
For more information about the Values and Guiding Principles of Public Procurement and The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, visit www.nigp.org or contact Brent Maas, NIGP marketing director, bmaas@nigp.org.
