The myth says procurement is the holdup. We put that belief under a bright light with Oklahoma’s Chief Procurement Officer, Amanda Otis, and trace exactly how a team moves from jungle to clarity—no playbook, tight resources, and high expectations. Amanda shares how a legal mind mapped undocumented processes, separated statutory “musts” from inherited habits, and rebuilt the office around category management so expertise links directly to spend and supplier markets.

We get into the nuts and bolts: using PeopleSoft for e-procurement and sourcing without piling on complexity, leaning on AI to distill 500-page documents into crisp briefs (with human review), and adopting OneNote to tame the flood of work that email and spreadsheets couldn’t handle. Trust becomes the center of gravity. Amanda explains why fast acknowledgments, reliable follow-through, and monthly “Central Purchasing Listens” sessions turned an “ivory tower” into a responsive service partner. Skeptics on the team weren’t ignored; they were invited into experiments with a simple promise—try it, measure it, change it if it fails within six months.

Join us for a straight-talking playbook on modern public procurement: category management, transparent metrics, trust-building, and structured innovation that actually ships. If this episode sparks ideas for your team, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway so more practitioners can find it.

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Modernization sits at the heart of Florida's procurement transformation. Jessie Marks, Florida's Chief Procurement Officer, shares her fascinating 18-year journey from part-time administrative assistant to CPO, revealing how the relationship-building and clear writing skills from journalism perfectly translated to crafting thoughtful procurements and saving taxpayer dollars. Marks details how her team leverages AI technology, cloud-based solutions, and automated reporting systems to increase efficiency while maintaining transparency. The cloud-based platform they've implemented provides real-time updates on active solicitations and contracts, eliminating the guesswork and bottlenecks that once plagued their process. Rather than making decisions in a vacuum, Florida's approach emphasizes data-driven strategies and stakeholder buy-in.

Ready to transform your own procurement approach? Subscribe to NASPO's Pulse for more insights from public procurement leaders across the nation, and discover how relationship-building, technology, and professional development can elevate your procurement outcomes.

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What happens when you combine theater, legal expertise, and a passion for public service? Gene Burk, Connecticut's Director of Procurement Programs and Services, brings his unique background to transform how government procurement serves citizens.

Burk's refreshingly simple method for measuring success—"Ask"—highlights his commitment to continuous improvement through stakeholder engagement. By organizing his team to proactively seek feedback and understand real-world needs, procurement becomes a strategic partner rather than a bureaucratic hurdle. This approach extends to supplier relationships too, recognizing that creating positive experiences for vendors ultimately benefits citizens through better contracts and service delivery.

Subscribe to NASPO's Pulse podcast for more insights from innovative leaders who are reimagining public procurement as a strategic enabler of government services.

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What happens when procurement goes right? Most citizens never notice. Behind every police car, school lunch, government building, and public service lies the intricate, largely invisible work of public procurement professionals who ensure taxpayer dollars create maximum value for communities. Discover how procurement professionals quietly shape the quality of public services while driving innovation, equity, and sustainability in government operations.

Peter Korolyk, Director of Government Support Services for Delaware, takes us behind the curtain to reveal how procurement decisions ripple through every aspect of government operations. With 15+ years in state government and prior experience in private sector purchasing, Korolyk offers a unique perspective on what makes public procurement both challenging and rewarding.

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Prepare to expand your understanding of cybersecurity and IT procurement as we welcome Montae Brockett, the Deputy CIO and Chief Information Security Officer at Washington DC's Department of Healthcare Finance. Montae shares his expert insights on the intricate dance of integrating cybersecurity into IT procurement processes. With the evolving threat landscape in mind, we explore the strategies necessary to synchronize procurement, IT, and cybersecurity teams to meet agency needs and retain top talent, especially during Cybersecurity Month.

Our conversation shifts gears as we explore the modernization of procurement offices, focusing on technological and business process advancements. Highlighting the transformative potential of generative AI, we delve into its role in streamlining operations and the complexities of contract terms and legislative landscapes. Montae's insights on these topics underscore the importance of aligning technology with organizational missions and visions, offering listeners valuable knowledge on bridging the gap between open source and commercial products.

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Ever wondered how public procurement professionals manage to keep municipal fleets running smoothly despite numerous challenges? Get ready to uncover the answers in our latest NASPO Pulse episode. Join us as we host Tom Zembruski from Waukesha County's Department of Public Works and Brian White from Milwaukee's Fleet Services. These seasoned experts offer a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes about the complexities of fleet procurement, touching on the unique struggles they've faced in recent years.

Discover how the ongoing effects of COVID-19 have complicated vehicle acquisition for municipalities, leading to an over-reliance on aging fleets. Brian sheds light on Milwaukee's strategy for dealing with continuous repairs and planning for unpredictable events, such as potential strikes and political shifts. Learn why managing expectations and staying prepared for the unexpected are essential tactics for public fleet managers in today’s volatile environment.

As we look toward the future, explore the promising yet challenging transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels. Hear how Milwaukee navigates legislative mandates for low-emission vehicle procurement, and understand the critical disconnect between current EV offerings and municipal fleet needs. From the practical applications of maintenance vans to the potential of hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty vehicles, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the innovative solutions shaping the future of fleet management. Don’t miss this comprehensive discussion on public procurement’s evolving landscape.

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Ready to master the art of state procurement contracts? Join Telice Gillom and our illustrious guest, Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, as we unravel the complexities of negotiating tricky terms and conditions in state contracting. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into consulting internal counsel and safeguarding your state's interests, all with a sprinkle of humor to keep things lively. Learn the critical elements involved in securing robust cyber liability insurance to protect against financial losses from data breaches and cyber attacks, and discover the types of coverage you absolutely need. Our goal is to arm you with the knowledge to advance technology and secure public benefits through strategic and innovative procurement practices. So, tune in and get ready to elevate your state contracting game!

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Ever wondered how state governments tackle workforce development and procurement challenges? Tune in as we chat with Dr. Rebecca Holwerda , Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration and the upcoming President of NASCA. Dr. Holwerda enlightens us on the unique trials Chief Administrative Officers face, often unseen by procurement offices. She breaks down Indiana’s groundbreaking strategies for workforce transformation, aimed at recruiting and retaining top talent. Plus, get an inside look at her priorities for NASCA, emphasizing resourcefulness, responsiveness, and a much-needed re-energizing of state operations. This is your chance to understand the intricate dance of communication and trust that keeps state government functioning smoothly.

In our deep dive into succession planning and workforce development, we uncover a multi-phase approach to tackling employment barriers, starting with the surprising identification of child care access as a key issue. Learn how legislative changes and a comprehensive compensation study led to pay equity and increased job satisfaction. Dr. Hallwerda also shares the successful restructuring of the procurement office, which resulted in clear career progression paths and the resolution of long-standing recruitment challenges. We wrap up with a festive note, sharing some light-hearted holiday humor that adds a touch of joy to the professional world. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights and practical solutions that could inspire similar innovations in your own state or organization.

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