Position Paper: Transparency in Government Procurement

Public procurement has a unique role when it comes to how democratic government is executed. It is simultaneously focused on supporting the missions of internal customers, while also serving as stewards of the public​, whose tax dollars directly impact the decisions that their governing body make. Transparency is essential for building trust and keeping the public aware of government practices in a democracy. Through transparency, government agencies can increase public confidence and ensure government stability. Technology has evolved to help government agencies communicate directly to the public, yet not every government entity has the financial ability to provide technology-based information. In this position paper, NIGP highlights the historical importance of transparency in a democracy and reviews the contemporary tools available that enable even greater transparency. It offers a series of recommendations that governments can adopt to achieve transparency in practice, without undue burden.