ART - Book Review - Government Procurement Management 2001

This document is a book review of "Government Procurement Management" by Stanley N. Sherman. The book provides a strategic look at public procurement in the United States, with a primary focus on the federal procurement system. However, the concepts and principles discussed in the book can be applied to public procurement at all levels, extending beyond the federal level. The book covers the entire acquisition process, from identifying a need to managing a contract, with a particular emphasis on the pre-award process. It delves into various aspects of public procurement, including workforce issues, leadership and management, and the impact of reform movements on federal procurement. A key aspect highlighted in the book is the comparison between commercial procurement and public procurement. It emphasizes the compliance burden and the social and economic considerations involved in public procurement. Furthermore, the book addresses important topics such as planning and funding of procurement, different contract types, and the formulation of public procurement policy at the federal level. While it primarily uses the Department of Defense as a model for public procurement, it does not provide an exhaustive examination of all public procurement operations. Overall, "Government Procurement Management" challenges readers to think critically about procurement issues and understand the complexities of the procurement framework. It is recommended for those interested in federal-level procurement, although the concepts discussed can be applied to public procurement at all levels.