Enduring beliefs or ideals shared by public procurement and stakeholders

Values and Guiding Principles of Public Procurement

Topic:

Ethics
Transparency

In October 2010, the NIGP Board of Directors finalized and adopted our official Values and Guiding Principles. Since then, over 100 stakeholder organizations have adopted or supported the Values and Guiding Principles to empower and elevate the public procurement profession.

NIGP Values

We depend on values to construct the frameworks of our professional lives. The approved NIGP values are enduring beliefs or ideals shared by public procurement and stakeholders about what actions are and are not appropriate.

They achieve the following:

Serve as broad guidelines
Exert major influence on the behavior of an individual
Influence how we make choices, what choices we make, and how we are to be judged on our actions by the stakeholders

Accountability

Taking ownership and being responsible to all stakeholders for our actions. This value is essential to preserve the public trust and protect the public interest.

Ethics

Doing the right thing. This value is essential to deserve the public's trust.

Impartiality

Unbiased decision making and actions. This value is essential to ensure fairness for the public good.

Professionalism

Upholding high standards of job performance and ethical behavior. This value is essential to balance diverse public interests.

Service

Obligation to assist stakeholders. This value is essential to support the public good.

Transparency

Easily accessible and understandable policies and processes. This value is essential to demonstrate responsible use of public funds.

Caveats Concerning the Guiding Principles

Our Guiding Principles are meant to guide professional behavior by considering a broad range of procurement expectations and standards. That's why it's important for procurement agencies and stakeholder organizations to recognize the following assumptions that concern the Guiding Principles.

Assumption 1

Principles should be applied according to Laws and Policies of each Entity

The NIGP principles are intended to guide the professional practice of public procurement and to inform procurement stakeholders about the principles they can expect public procurement professionals to uphold. The application of each principle will vary according to each entity’s laws, procurement codes, ordinances, trade agreements, and policies.
Assumption 2

Principles Should Guide Everyday Decisions

Our Guiding Principles are not just guidelines to turn to when something goes wrong; rather, principles should proactively guide the behaviors of professionals in everyday practice.
Assumption 3

Principles Reflect North American Culture

These principles were developed in the context of North American cultures, particularly the United States, and so may reflect the experiences of procurement in that context.

Assumption 1
Principles should be applied according to Laws and Policies of each Entity

The NIGP principles are intended to guide the professional practice of public procurement and to inform procurement stakeholders about the principles they can expect public procurement professionals to uphold. The application of each principle will vary according to each entity’s laws, procurement codes, ordinances, trade agreements, and policies.
Assumption 2
Principles Should Guide Everyday Decisions

Our Guiding Principles are not just guidelines to turn to when something goes wrong; rather, principles should proactively guide the behaviors of professionals in everyday practice.
Assumption 3
Principles Reflect North American Culture

These principles were developed in the context of North American cultures, particularly the United States, and so may reflect the experiences of procurement in that context.

Assumption 4

Principles are Intentionally Broad

The principles are broadly intended to cover all levels and variations of public sector procurement. Some practitioners will work in contexts in which following a particular Guiding Principle cannot be done for good reason. The Guiding Principles are not intended to constrain such practitioners when this is the case. Exceptions should be made for good reason (e.g., legal prohibitions against certain actions). We encourage public procurement professionals who find themselves in such contexts to consult colleagues about how to proceed.
Assumption 5

These Principles Should Not Replace Other Supported Standards

These principles are intended to set the standard of practice for all public sector procurement professionals. However, they are not intended to replace standards supported by other disciplines in which procurement professionals participate.
Assumption 6

The Principles Require Professional Judgement

Because the Guiding Principles are broad and their application depends on the laws and policies each entity must comply with as well as organizational culture, professional judgment is needed for individual contexts. Professional judgment includes experience, expertise, and education.

Assumption 4
Principles are Intentionally Broad

The principles are broadly intended to cover all levels and variations of public sector procurement. Some practitioners will work in contexts in which following a particular Guiding Principle cannot be done for good reason. The Guiding Principles are not intended to constrain such practitioners when this is the case. Exceptions should be made for good reason (e.g., legal prohibitions against certain actions). We encourage public procurement professionals who find themselves in such contexts to consult colleagues about how to proceed.
Assumption 5
These Principles Should Not Replace Other Supported Standards

These principles are intended to set the standard of practice for all public sector procurement professionals. However, they are not intended to replace standards supported by other disciplines in which procurement professionals participate.
Assumption 6
The Principles Require Professional Judgement

Because the Guiding Principles are broad and their application depends on the laws and policies each entity must comply with as well as organizational culture, professional judgment is needed for individual contexts. Professional judgment includes experience, expertise, and education.