Making Procurement Month Sparkle

About the Procurement Excellence Showcase

At Forum 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina, NIGP hosted its first-ever Procurement Excellence Showcase, a relaxed and welcoming event celebrating procurement achievements. This unique opportunity allowed professionals to present examples of procurement excellence (case studies, programs, or initiatives) through posters, sparking one-on-one conversations, networking, and in-depth discussions with fellow attendees.

View all the Abstract submissions from the Forum 2024 NIGP Procurement Excellence Showcase  to see projects such as “Making Procurement Month Sparkle,” an effort led by Whitney Mugford-Smith and Kelsey Carter from the City of Wheat Ridge.

Making Procurement Month Sparkle

In March 2024, the City of Wheat Ridge Procurement Team, Whitney Mugford-Smith and Kelsey Carter, took proactive steps during Procurement Month to highlight and elevate the importance of procurement practices within our municipality. Our primary objective was to educate and empower colleagues and stakeholders to be excellent stewards of public funds.

Throughout the month-long celebration, we developed and disseminated a series of educational resources tailored to simplify procurement processes, emphasize best practices, and enhance transparency and efficiency. Interactive quizzes were strategically designed to engage participants actively, fostering a deeper understanding of fundamental procurement principles. Comprehensive guides provided practical insights into navigating procurement procedures, catering to both newcomers seeking foundational knowledge and seasoned professionals aiming to refine their skills. Additionally, informative handouts served as accessible references for staff, offering quick answers to common procurement-related inquiries such as spending limits and contract signing authority.

Our efforts culminated in an open house event that featured refreshments, music, and interactive games. This celebratory gathering not only provided an opportunity for informal networking but also facilitated further discussions on procurement strategies and practices. We received loads of positive feedback from around the City. By leveraging these educational initiatives, we successfully promoted collaboration across departments and strengthened our collective commitment to procurement excellence. These activities not only enhanced awareness but also ensured adherence to established guidelines, reinforcing responsible resource management.

Looking forward, we hope to inspire and encourage other teams to initiate similar Procurement Month activities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing throughout our organization. As they say: "It takes a village."

Do you have a story of Procurement Excellence to share? Stayed tuned for more information on how to participate in the NIGP Procurement Excellence Showcase at Forum 2025 in Denver, Colorado.