White Paper: The Supplier-Practitioner Connection: Adding Value to Procurement

In this white paper, the 2017 NIGP Business Council examines the different ways that suppliers can add value to procurement, regardless of the procurement strategy an agency is using. Public procurement professionals employ a range of strategies to make procurement decisions that best meet the needs and goals of their agencies. Some use a best value approach or financial analysis while others use cooperative purchasing agreements or other strategies. Although their strategies may differ, all procurement professionals can find value in working closely with their suppliers. This paper is intended to help procurement professionals and suppliers obtain a better understanding of how to strengthen this critical relationship. It explores how suppliers can help entities with their procurement strategies. It also provides information on what suppliers must do to provide value to an entity or agency even when changes occur in the marketplace. When suppliers and procurement practitioners work together, they can form mutually beneficial relationships that add value to their entities.