White Paper: The Healthy Agency-Supplier Relationship Guide

The Healthy-Agency Supplier Relationship Guide, presented by the NIGP Business Council, looks at several different ways that procurement professionals and suppliers can improve their communication and outcomes through specific activities. These activities apply not only to contract-based interactions, but also to the relationship procurement staff and end users have with suppliers when not discussing or considering a specific contract. These interactions can include daily small threshold purchases or simply discussing industry trends and hot topics. Some of the recommended practices offered in this guide include developing a supplier/procurement communication plan, creating a formal process for communication, holding ongoing meetings with potential offerors, sharing contractual pricing, participating in training opportunities, etc. These practices are applicable to a wide range of situations and types of solicitations and suppliers. They are intended to help both suppliers and agencies save valuable time and money while improving communication and developing a more collaborative procurement process.