CARE | Call for Academic Research Proposals
Transformational Change through Research

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Call for Academic Research Proposals

Driving Innovation in Public Procurement Through Academic Research

NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, through its Center for the Advancement of Research and Excellence (CARE), invites academic researchers to submit proposals for original research that will help shape the future of public procurement. Through this annual Call for Research Proposals, we aim to foster collaboration between scholars and practitioners. supporting research that offers real-world insights and solutions. Funding is provided through NIGP.

Purpose and Scope

CARE seeks proposals that align with our mission to empower the future of public procurement through bold research, academic collaboration, and cross-sector insights — elevating the profession and inspiring the next generation to choose procurement as a purposeful public service career. 

We encourage research that addresses timely issues and long-standing challenges, as well as future focused advancements in the field, providing evidence-based contributions to the field.

For more information

Contact: 

Todd Slater, PhD.
Chief Content Officer
Tslater@nigp.org

Submission Period

August 18, 2025 - October 31, 2025

Submit your Proposal

Opens August 18

Selection Process

View the Criteria

The CARE Research Review Committee will evaluate proposals on a rolling basis, using these criteria:

  • Alignment with current and future needs in procurement
  • Research design quality and feasibility
  • Anticipated impact on public procurement practice or scholarship
  • Clarity and appropriateness of the proposed budget and timeline
  • Likelihood of publication and audience reach
Review and Selection

Priority Topics: 

We welcome a wide range of research topics, with priority consideration given to proposals focused on:

  • The evolving role of artificial intelligence in public procurement, including the acquisition of AI solutions and the integration of AI and digital technologies into existing contracts and workflows  
  • Modernizing procurement systems and processes
  • Contracting out for Medicaid
  • Centralizing procurement operations across agencies
  • The impact of tariffs on procurement and supply chains
  • Utilization and governance of cooperative contracts
  • Managing compliance and grant-related procurement
  • Public procurement leadership and workforce development
  • Responding to economic instability and fiscal uncertainty

Conducting the Research

Once a proposal is accepted:

  • NIGP will define available support (e.g., data access, contacts). Please note that the level of support offered may affect the awarded funding.
  • Researchers must provide periodic updates and meet key agreed upon milestones.

Publication & Outreach

Final research products will be professionally branded and shared through:

  • Any NIGP owned communication channels including in person, digital and print
  • Presentations at relevant conferences
  • Dissemination through academic and practitioner networks