NIGP releases map for strategic procurement initiatives

The Herndon, Va.-based National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) has developed a planning roadmap for the procurement process designed to address issues government agencies are facing in the current economic downturn. NIGP’s 2011 Vision Map for Public Procurement, released on Wednesday, identifies current and future issues and recommends actions to prepare procurement organizations for lower revenue sources, complicated political conditions, workforce reductions and the increasing focus on local and sustainable purchasing.

The Vision Map is the result of a research project conducted by NIGP and Cary, N.C.-based SciQuest using input from 20 NIGP members who contributed insight into current practices as well as their vision for the future. “Our goal is to offer our constituents the tools and resources they need to transform local public sector procurement organizations into strategic assets that positively impact the communities they serve,” NIGP Research Director Tina Borger said in a statement. “It is vitally important that our thought leaders share their insights in a practical way so others can learn from them. It is our goal to keep the Vision Map as a ‘living’ document that will be updated annually.”

Former NIGP president and Director of Purchasing for Sunrise, Fla., Glenn Cummings contributed to the Vision Map. “The 2011 Vision Map outlines the challenges and opportunities we are all facing on a daily basis and recommends short- and long-term measures for improving efficiency, ensuring fair, ethical and legal procurement practices and driving savings,” Cummings said in a statement. “We need to see our challenges as opportunities to finally really improve.”

Download the 2011 Vision Map.The 2011 Vision Map will be featured in a webinar presented by Eric Zoetmulder, SciQuest’s market director for the public sector, and NIGP Research Director Tina Borger on Sept. 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EST.