NASPO Pulse

Successful technology contracts depend on much more than well-written terms and conditions. In this episode, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, Megan Smyth, discusses the real challenges of SaaS contract management, including data security, vendor relationships, decentralized purchasing, and strategic risk management. She also explores how states are beginning to use AI to streamline contra...

As government agencies increasingly adopt cloud-based technologies, traditional procurement models are evolving. In this episode, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, Megan Smyth explores how SaaS and subscription-based services are changing the way states purchase, manage, and think about technology. From ownership versus access to the hidden risks of click-through agreements, Megan shares p...

We're joined by Samantha Willis, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of West Virginia, to unpack what state purchasing really looks like from the inside and what makes procurement leadership work when the stakes are high, and the days never look the same. Samantha shares how she found her way into government contracts through a love of contract law, negotiation, and problem-solving. We ta...

What if government buying felt fast, fair, and transparent—and actually powered economic growth? We sit down with New York State’s Chief Procurement Officer, Dhanraj Singh, to unpack a bold modernization effort shaped by a clear mandate from elected officials. The goal is bigger than technology: build a people-first procurement ecosystem that cuts cycle times, scales innovation, and delivers bette...

What if public procurement felt less like red tape and more like a strategic engine that delivers real outcomes people notice? We sit down with Colorado’s Chief Procurement Officer, Sherri Maxwell, for a candid look at how a decentralized state is aligning strategy, data, and people to build a smarter buying ecosystem that actually works in the field. Sherri traces her path from buying wheel chock...

With Delbert Singleton Jr. and Stacy Adams, we dive into South Carolina’s competitive negotiations model—a source selection method designed for high-stakes buys like ERP, digital services, and cloud—where the team establishes a competitive range and negotiates in parallel with multiple finalists. By moving beyond apples-to-apples checklists, we explore how trade‑offs, enhancements, and smarter ris...

In part one of our discussion with Sherry Neas, Division Director of Shared Services for North Dakota’s OMB, we walk through a practical framework for pre-session preparation, stakeholder alignment, and testimony that actually moves the needle. We start with the pre-legislative rhythm: weekly collaboration with higher ed, monthly sessions with state agencies, and a quarterly procurement advisory c...

In part two of our discussion with Sherry Neas from North Dakota, we lay out a practical playbook that starts with a precise legislative summary, aligns interpretations with partners like risk management and the AG, and then moves through manuals, training, website updates, and template revisions that vendors can actually follow. We talk about capacity like operators do: splitting the team so dail...

Forget everything you thought you knew about government procurement transformation. Michigan's innovative approach proves that sustainable improvement isn't about massive overhauls—it's about maintaining what Chief Procurement Officer Jared Ambrosier calls "a constant low simmer" of innovation. In this fascinating conversation, Ambrosier and Supplier Relations Manager Will...

What if you could cut overdue bids by more than half without buying a new e-procurement system? We sit down with Stacia Dawson and Michael Stroud from Missouri’s Division of Purchasing to unpack a practical playbook for turnaround time management that anyone can adopt. Their approach blends simple tooling—Smartsheet for structured data and Tableau for clear visuals—with tight weekly reviews that t...

The promise of AI in government is huge, but so are the stakes. We sit down with Dr. Cari Miller and Dr. Gisele Waters, co-founders of the AI Procurement Lab and leaders behind IEEE 3119, the first standard dedicated to procuring AI and automated decision systems. Together we break down how public buyers can make smarter, safer choices—turning values like transparency and human oversight into conc...

Modernization sits at the heart of Florida's procurement transformation. Jesse Marks, Florida's Chief Procurement Officer, shares her fascinating 18-year journey from part-time administrative assistant to CPO, revealing how the relationship-building and clear writing skills from journalism perfectly translated to crafting thoughtful procurements and saving taxpayer dollars. Marks details...

The myth says procurement is the holdup. We put that belief under a bright light with Oklahoma’s Chief Procurement Officer, Amanda Otis, and trace exactly how a team moves from jungle to clarity—no playbook, tight resources, and high expectations. Amanda shares how a legal mind mapped undocumented processes, separated statutory “musts” from inherited habits, and rebuilt the office around category...

What happens when a state with the world's fourth-largest economy revolutionizes how it buys everything from office supplies to life-saving fire retardant? Angela Shell, California's Chief Procurement Officer, takes us behind the scenes of procurement modernization in the Golden State. Through data transparency initiatives, California has transformed how government agencies make purchasi...

What happens when public procurement codes fail to keep pace with modern needs? Delbert Singleton and Stacy Adams from South Carolina's Division of Procurement Services reveal how their state successfully modernized its procurement rules through thoughtful, strategic updates. With candid insights from their combined years of experience, our guests share how they've navigated four major c...

What happens when procurement goes right? Most citizens never notice. Behind every police car, school lunch, government building, and public service lies the intricate, largely invisible work of public procurement professionals who ensure taxpayer dollars create maximum value for communities. Discover how procurement professionals quietly shape the quality of public services while driving innovati...

What happens when you combine theater, legal expertise, and a passion for public service? Gene Burk, Connecticut's Director of Procurement Programs and Services, brings his unique background to transform how government procurement serves citizens. Burk's refreshingly simple method for measuring success—"Ask"—highlights his commitment to continuous improvement through stakeholde...

Prepare to expand your understanding of cybersecurity and IT procurement as we welcome Montae Brockett, the Deputy CIO and Chief Information Security Officer at Washington DC's Department of Healthcare Finance. Montae shares his expert insights on the intricate dance of integrating cybersecurity into IT procurement processes. With the evolving threat landscape in mind, we explore the strategi...

Ever wondered how public procurement professionals manage to keep municipal fleets running smoothly despite numerous challenges? Get ready to uncover the answers in our latest NASPO Pulse episode. Join us as we host Tom Zembruski from Waukesha County's Department of Public Works and Brian White from Milwaukee's Fleet Services. These seasoned experts offer a wealth of knowledge and person...

Ready to master the art of state procurement contracts? Join Telice Gillom and our illustrious guest, Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, as we unravel the complexities of negotiating tricky terms and conditions in state contracting. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into consulting internal counsel and safeguarding your state's interests, all with a sprinkle...

Ever wondered how state governments tackle workforce development and procurement challenges? Tune in as we chat with Dr. Rebecca Holwerda , Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration and the upcoming President of NASCA. Dr. Holwerda enlightens us on the unique trials Chief Administrative Officers face, often unseen by procurement offices. She breaks down Indiana’s groundbreaking stra...

Ever wondered what happens to confidentiality clauses after a contract ends? Tune in to our latest NASPO Pulse episode as Telice Gillom and Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, break down the complexities of contract terms and conditions. We'll guide you through the significance of survivability and severability clauses, illustrating how they protect crucial elements like in...

Curious about the building blocks of strong public procurement contracts? Join us as we uncover the core elements that make contracts legally binding with Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education. From the basics of offer and acceptance to the critical importance of clear communication between legal and procurement teams, this episode is designed to demystify complex contract terminol...

Unlock the secrets of integrating cutting-edge AI into state procurement processes with insights from Amy Glasscock, Program Director of Innovation and Emerging Issues at NASCIO and Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education. Curious about how AI like natural language processing and facial recognition is already shaping our daily interactions with technology? Amy breaks it down, explain...

Unlock the secrets of government procurement with our esteemed guest, Bob Gleason, Broward County's procurement director, as we navigate the delicate intricacies of state and local government purchasing. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone keen to understand the legislative frameworks and strategic approaches that distinguish procurement at these two governmental levels. Gain exclusiv...