The Big Bid Theory

Host Bill Culhane sits down with Aran Raz, Procurement Manager for the City of Westminster, Colorado , to talk AI, accountability, and what modernizing public procurement actually looks like from the inside. Aran covers repeatable procurement workflows , addresses the "AI will replace staff" conversation head-on, and explains where the line is between AI being a tool and becoming a liability . Hon...

Season 12 is here! In this kickoff episode of The Big Bid Theory, Kim Cullen joins Bill Culhane for a  conversation to break down key trends shaping today’s public sector community and practitioners.  The topics include e-procurement systems, the strategic value of bid debriefs, and how supplier insights can improve long-term competition. Kim shares a compelling preview of her upcoming NIGP: The I...

In this inspiring and educational episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane engages in a powerful conversation with procurement thought leader Chris Smith about the evolving role of public procurement and what it means to lead with purpose in 2026 and beyond. Public procurement professionals, leadership‑minded listeners, and anyone passionate about ethical impact will discover fresh perspec...

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes procurement leader Selena Leon, CPPB , as she shares her inspiring career journey and fresh insights into the world of public procurement. Selena brings seven years of experience in the field and currently serves as a Purchasing Manager in state procurement. Her professional path spans county and state levels and reflects a strong c...

This episode of The Big Bid Theory dives deep into what is possible in public procurement when the right people and technology come together. Joining us are two standout leaders from the City of Houston’s Strategic Procurement Division — Yesenia Chuca and Perla Arredondo — who were pivotal in executing a full-scale e-procurement implementation in just 45 days . Yesenia shares how building the righ...

In this special episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane speaks with Stephen Hetzel, CEO and Co-Founder of Beacon Bid and BidPrime , about the state of procurement and e-procurement following NIGP Forum 2025 in Denver . Stephen shares Beacon Bid’s progress since 2022, lessons from the conference, and how agencies can simplify bidding, engage more suppliers, and improve project outcomes. Th...

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes Elizabeth Dunning, Digital Navigator and Equity Specialist with AmeriCorps . Elizabeth offers a preview of Denver, shares her impressions of AWWA ACE 2025, and tells her inspiring story of moving from the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to environmental engineering and ultimately to AmeriCorps. She highl...

Welcome to Season 11 of The Big Bid Theory! Bill Culhane, our host, and the TBBT team kick off with a powerful episode focused on U.S. infrastructure and the recently released ASCE Report Card . Our guest is Darren Olson, Vice President and Department Head for Water Resources at Christopher B. Burke Engineering and Chair of the ASCE Report Card Committee . Darren joins the show to break down what...

Season 10 of The Big Bid Theory concludes with a celebration of excellence in public procurement ! Host Bill Culhane welcomes Keith Glatz , a legend with 45+ years of service, to discuss ethical practices, leadership, and his recent honor as the Albert H. Hall Memorial Award recipient. We’re also thrilled to celebrate Brooke Smith , City Recorder for Murray City, Utah, as the inaugural recipient o...

The Inaugural David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award Winner: Brooke Smith We are thrilled to announce that Brooke Smith , City Recorder for Murray City, Utah, is the recipient of the inaugural David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award ! Brooke’s nearly 20-year career in local government is a testament to her passion, dedication, and excellence in public procurement. From her leadership in embracing...

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes Damonique Sonnier, a Government Innovation Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Government Performance Lab. Damonique shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to public procurement and discusses how reimagined procurement processes can empower communities. She introduces the Procurement Excellence Network, a collaboration...

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes you inside ICMA 2024 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bill visits with Clayton Feick, CEO of Ontopical , to explore how AI is transforming government procurement .  Clayton shares his key takeaways from ICMA 2024, where he and Stephen Hetzel, CEO of Beacon Bid , delivered a joint presentation...

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane sits down with Steve Pullie, Director of Real Estate, Fleet, and Purchasing for the SC Department of Probation, Parole & Pardon. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors as Director at Large for the South Carolina Association Of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO). Steve shares valuable insights into the intricacies of governme...

Bill Culhane hosts a compelling episode exploring the intersection of government procurement, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). In this episode, we unravel the innovative solutions crafted by Beacon Bid and BidPrime, under the guidance of Stephen Hetzel, co-Founder and CEO. Begin by unraveling the genesis of BidPrime and Beacon Bid, where Hetzel shares how their backgrounds in governme...

Welcome back! Season 10 of The Big Bid Theory, brought to you by BidPrime and Beacon Bid! It's hard to believe we've been on the air for a decade now, and what a journey it's been. But enough sentimentality, let's dive into the excitement of our first episode! In this monumental season opener, we're thrilled to introduce Denise Finn, Procurement Services Manager at the City of Fort Myers and Presi...

Discover procurement insights from Celeste Walker-Harmon, Assistant Finance Director for Procurement/Chief Procurement Officer , in this engaging episode of "The Big Bid Theory" podcast. Host Bill Culhane interviews this accomplished public purchasing leader about her experiences and advice for navigating a government procurement career . Learn some takeaways from NPI 2023 through Walker-Harmon's...

Procurement trailblazer Kirk Buffington joins us to reflect on key lessons and takeaways from NIGP Forum 2023 and championing professional development . With over 30 years of experience, Kirk shares his journey to leadership within NIGP, FAPPO and elsewhere. Kirk weighs in on TBBT’s announcement of the ‘David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award’ to be presented in recognition of fellow leaders, who...

On this episode of ‘The Big Bid Theory’ our host, Bill Culhane, recaps an exciting and memorable NIGP Forum 2023 in Louisville. Among the highlights, Bill and guests Stephen Hetzel, CEO, and Josh Schwartzbeck, CTO of Beacon Bid, reminisce about Louisville, Innovation Theater, the Technology track (sponsored by Beacon Bid), RFP Critic's debut, Beacon Bid's popular Hot Raffle party, the excellent ed...

Welcome to another edition of ‘The Big Bid Theory’ podcast! In this episode, host Bill Culhane is joined by a star-studded lineup of guests: Stephanie Akerley is the Corporate Procurement Program Manager for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Tabatha Freedman is a Senior Procurement Analyst with the County of Volusia, Florida, and Brooke Smith is City Recorder for Murray C...

On this episode of "The Big Bid Theory" podcast, we dive into the question, "What is the strategic impact that local government can make?" We shift the focus to small businesses, emphasizing the notion that "government works for you." Our special guest, Denisha Harris, the Purchasing and Contracts Manager for the town of Cary, North Carolina, joins us to discuss the opportunity for local governmen...

In this episode of "The Big Bid Theory," host Bill Culhane welcomes special guests Lauren Davis and Fred Nielsen, from the City of Durham, who share their insights and experiences in government purchasing. The episode kicks off with Lauren discussing the career prospects in government purchasing, offering valuable advice to those considering entering the field or transitioning from college. Fred f...

The TBBT crew headed to Waco, Texas, to attend TxPPA's Spring 2023 Conference. Along the way, Bill visited with a number of professionals from the world of purchasing in Texas. Watch and hear what they shared. The following all stars in the state of Texas provide their insightful opinions, observations, and recommendations, across a wide array of topics related to purchasing. Many thanks to: Rosie...

So much to celebrate. For example, ‘The Big Bid Theory’ has returned. We launch Season 9 with a celebration of Procurement Month and all of the important work and contributions being made across the United States. Today, have you thanked somebody who is serving their community in a powerful, meaningful way? Diana Landeros, a procurement specialist with the Arizona Department of Health Services, sh...

Ending Season 8 with a bang and a deep breath. We wrap up the season by visiting with Aaron Aylsworth, SDVOSB, to learn about options available to businesses, agencies, education, etc., looking to ensure safe, clean air within their facilities. Aylsworth shares his important insights on the problems and what air purification systems provide. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just protection from COVID...

Have you considered a rewarding career in public sector procurement? Are you a business considering pursuing government contracts? Gwen Turensky, a Procurement Specialist, in the Purchasing & Contracts Office, Maricopa County, Arizona, stopped by the show to share her expertise. Gwen breaks down specifics about the career and opportunities out there. Then, Gwen covers the bid/RFP creation process...