NASPO Pulse

We welcome Josh Descoteaux, Procurement Content Manager for NASPO, and the Pulse's new cohost! Josh and Kevin interview Brandi Ann Willard, NASPO Academic Affairs Manager, about why it's important to offer procurement/supply chain management courses at the collegiate level and how states can take advantage of NASPO's academic affairs program and get involved.  Click here to view a t...

We discuss ways of implementing change in an organization. Whether it be training needs, providing staff support, or retention issues, the concept of change management draws on many different theories from psychology, behavioral science, etc. Victoria Steeger, Chief Learning Officer of Maryland, and David Gragan, Chief Learning Officer, for DC’s Office of Contracting and Procurement explain the re...

Kelly and Andrew take us on their journey over the last few years of acquiring an eProcurement system. We'll talk about the unique Kaizen events they held with state agencies, why Kelly calls this an agency-driven solution, the concept of “competitive dialog,” and so much more! Click here to view a transcript of this episode. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pul...

Today we're talking cybersecurity with Meredith Ward, Director of Policy & Research at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). We examine NASCIO and NASPO's new joint publication, “Buyer Be Aware…Integrating Cybersecurity into the Acquisition Process," which addresses steps state governments should take to ensure cybersecurity is an integral part o...

We talk with Rachel Dougherty, Enterprise Contracts Counsel, who manages the Professional/Technical Contracts team for the Minnesota Office of State Procurement.  Rachel and her team partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to come up with an innovative RFP.  Based on NASPS's new case study, "Minnesota Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Challenge" (link below), w...

Dr. Robert Handfield of North Carolina State University and Dr. Zhaohui Wu or Oregon State University walk us through their work on NASPO's Research report Assessing State PPE Procurement During COVID-19. We discuss PPE shortages that occurred throughout the United States in 2020 and examine the structural influence of state procurement offices on the ability to respond in an agile and effect...

We talk with Leah McGrath, the Executive Director of StateRAMP. Leah explains what StateRAMP is, the role StateRAMP plays in educating state officials about cybersecurity, and how states can participate in this project.  Important Links: Stateramp.org Events: stateramp.org/events Documentation: stateramp.org/documents Leadership: stateramp.org/leadership Click here to view a transcript of this epi...

We're talking with Matt Oyer, the acting Chief Learning Officer for NASPO.  We discuss his roles and responsibilities at NASPO. He shares his thoughts on the importance of professional development in an association, Procurement U's recent IACET accreditation, the new Pro U Gives Back program, and future projects that we can look forward to. Click here to view a transcript of this episode...

 In part II of our conversation with NASPO CLO Dianne Lancaster, we discuss a Chief Learning Officer's responsibilities and the importance of building relationships with academia. Dianne reflects on NASPOS's higher education initiatives, drives home the significance of continuous education. Click here to view a transcript of this episode. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASP...

 In part III of our interview with NASPO CLO Dianne Lancaster, we conclude the conversation on the importance of teaching public procurement at the college level. We get Dianne's take on the matter of experience, as well as certification. Click here to view a transcript of this episode. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook...

In the first part of this three-part series, we talk with NASPO Chief Learning Officer Dianne Lancaster. In part one, we discuss Dianne’s career, how she got into public service, and the history and evolution of the procurement profession. Be on the lookout for part two and three of Dianne’s interview coming November 3rd.  Click here to view a transcript of this episode. Follow & subscribe to...

We talk with Dr. Howell, Associate Professor of Government and Public Administration about practical approaches for implementing mandatory changes to policy and procedures from executive or legislative action, managing relationships with elected officials, and advocating for your office. CLICK HERE to view the webinar: Four Strategies for Effecting Change in Government Agencies. Click here to view...

Jesse Marks, Procurement Bureau Chief of Goods and Services for the State of Florida, explains Market Analysis and Procurement Strategy or MAPS. We discuss how MAPS can help to ensure historical mapping of your procurement, reduces the chance of losing institutional knowledge, and sets a defensible position for selecting the method of purchasing. Click here to watch a recording of the Market Resea...

As NASPO's first-ever virtual conference draws near, we speak with Laurie Brown of Laurie Brown Communications. Laurie has been doing speaking and training for over 20 years. She is a CSP (certified speaking professional), as well as a certified virtual presenter. We ask Laurie for some best practices for virtual training attendees.  We also try to gain insight for those of you who have recen...

We check in with Sarah Hilderbrand, Chief Operations Officer, for NASPO ValuePoint. We take a look at how their lead state model benefits government purchasing, and the work NVP has been doing to support states during the pandemic. We also discuss lessons learned and the ongoing communications between public and private entities, academic partners, and other agencies that are a part of the supply...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of partnership and communication with the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Director, Tim Blute. We ask Tim about the role of the CPO and how Governors can support them through the pandemic. Got a comment? An idea for an episode? Email podcast@naspo.org , we would love to hear from you! Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on N...

We discuss eProcurement with NASPO's Chief Information Officer, Bob Sievert. Bob talks about eProcurement then, and now, how COVID-19 has affected states' desires to implement a system, and how NASPO can assist states who want to understand eProcurement better. Make sure to check out Bob's webinar, eProcurement: What It Is & What It Isn't, Tuesday, June 10th at 3:00 pm ET....

We discuss fraud with Deputy Assistant Director John Jimenez of the FBI. During the coronavirus pandemic, chief procurement officials and their staff have been at the forefront in finding PPE and other critical items for their states. Unfortunately, due to the high demand and quick turnaround, fraud is at an all-time high. In this episode, we discuss the role state procurement has played in collec...

We talk with Dr. Zhaohui Wu, a professor of supply chain and operations management at Oregon State University. We discuss strategy, priority, building compacity for regional networks of supply chains, and the current dialogue between states and the private sector. Want to share your thoughts? Email podcast@naspo.org , we’d love to hear from you.   Resources: NASPO Emergency Preparedness Guide For...

Part 2 of our interview with Jaime Schorr, CPO for the state of Maine. We discuss her role on the NASPO Board of Directors, research resources, why a podcast for procurement professionals is valuable, and her take on the future of public procurement.   Click here to download the 2020 Top 10 Priorities for State Procurement Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog...

Jaime Schorr, Chief Procurement Officer for the state of Maine, discusses her experience in procurement, how the supply chain is reacting to the worldwide pandemic, and how her staff is adapting to working from home. Make sure to email us a podcast@naspo.org! Resources: NASPO Blog https://www.naspo.org/covid-19-resources NASPO Members email membership@naspo.org for assistance Follow & subscrib...

Join the NASPO Pulse Podcast as we examine emerging issues in public procurement and hear diverse opinions on a broad range of topics from members, strategic partners, and industry leaders. Host Kevin Minor brings you the conversations state procurement officials need to hear. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook