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A Network of 18,000+ Professionals working in the field of Public Procurement.
As volunteers serve the Institute, the Institute serves the profession, and the profession serves society.
Each year, NIGP recognizes members who have achieved hallmark status in the eyes of their peers.
Fostering stronger relationships between suppliers and our members.
Register early—members get 20% off when enrolling 60+ days before courses start.
Boost efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in proposal management to improve contract outcomes.
Charting Your Course to Success
From foundational knowledge to advanced leadership skills, NIGP offers a wealth of tools and resources to help you navigate your professional journey and achieve your leadership goals.
Your step-by-step guide to a successful career in public procurement.
Get 20% off by registering 60 days prior to the course start date.
All the tools to help you successfully prepare for certification.
NIGP and Sourcewell are dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development for every member.
Start your job search in the field of Public Procurement.
A Network of 18,000+ Professionals working in the field of Public Procurement.
As volunteers serve the Institute, the Institute serves the profession, and the profession serves society.
Each year, NIGP recognizes members who have achieved hallmark status in the eyes of their peers.
Fostering stronger relationships between suppliers and our members.
Todd Slater
In this installment of Learning by Design, we delve into the significant findings from the recently published 2023 NIGP Workforce Development Study, shedding light on the vital role of continuous learning for procurement professionals. In our rapidly evolving professional landscape, maintaining a proactive stance is not just advantageous—it is imperative. Download the Study here and join me as I review the data.
In Spring 2023, NIGP invited members to self-assess their competency in the seven focus areas related to the Public Procurement Competency Framework. This study builds upon the work initiated by the Volcker Alliance in their 2016 study, "Doing the People’s Business – Key Competencies for Effective Public Procurement.” In order to effectively support practitioners in their learning journey to close gaps in competency it’s essential to understand the current state of the field. From a practitioner perspective, this data can be valuable as you develop your career plans, illuminating starting places and growth opportunities in your own learning journey.
Let's delve into the key findings:
Strategy
While respondents exhibit strength in Mission & Public Benefit (75%), there are discernible gaps in Social Responsibility Alignment (8%) and Incorporating Social Equity Efforts (19%), necessitating a more concentrated approach in professional development.
Policy, Legislation, and Program Oversight
Ethics, Integrity, and Transparency score high (93%), yet developmental needs surface in Program Implementation, Management, and Legal Limits.
Planning and Analysis
High competency in Standardization and Requirements Planning (74-76%) contrasts with notable gaps in other analytical and forecasting competencies (35-50%).
Sourcing and Solicitation
Specific needs arise in Protests and Appeals, Negotiations, Evaluation Methods, and a considerable gap in International Procurements.
Contract Administration
Urgent attention is required in Surplus, Disposal, and Closeout; Asset and Inventory Management; and Logistics and Transportation, where 50-59% of respondents feel not skilled or somewhat skilled.
Leadership
Disparity exists between Professional and Manager levels, suggesting varied leadership skills or room for further development at the Manager level.
Business Principles and Operations
Business Management and Continuity demand improvement, with 43% of respondents lacking skills. This area also exhibits the lowest percentage of respondents scoring very skilled (20%).
In conclusion, the findings in the 2023 NIGP Workforce Development Study underscore the critical importance of continuous learning for public procurement professionals. While 100% competency across the field is an unrealistic goal, each professional can find places in their own skillsets to focus their learning and growth.
Join me next month as I look into the data behind training, professional development, and the investments practitioners must make to grow their competency. In the meantime, if you would like assistance in planning your professional development, either as an individual or organizationally, I am happy to help through our free Pathways Concierge Program.
Here's to the journey of continuous learning!
Todd Slater
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