Agencies and Procurement Transformation
Through the Procurement Transformation Initiative, Georgia can position its procurement system and processes to be more flexible for procurement officers and more valuable to the State. The key to successful implementation is input from and support of purchasing professionals. Over the next several months, the State’s procurement system will see a multitude of changes in four key areas—organization, training, process, and tools and technology.
Organization—The State Purchasing organizational structure is undergoing major changes. The State Purchasing Division will be aligned by categories of goods and services rather than by type of solicitation and it will emphasize analytical capabilities rather than processing activities. This reorganization should make it easier for field buyers to find the appropriate contact person at State Purchasing and should improve the management of contract and vendor information.
Training—The new State of Georgia Procurement Certification Program offers professional development for purchasing staff throughout the State. ATraining Review Council composed of experienced Georgia purchasing staff from several different agencies and teaching institutions oversees the development and administration of the Certification Program. The curriculum covers a wide-range of topics from basic contract development to advanced issues such as political influence in contract management. Courses are being provided initially to State Purchasing Division staff and should be available to agency staff by FY 2007.
Process—Collaborative, standardized, and streamlined processes are being implemented now. Statewide solicitations are developed by category teams composed of representatives from State Purchasing and other State agencies. In addition, standardized templates are being developed for contract development, management and evaluation of contract and vendor information.
Tools and technology— The State of Georgia is pursuing e-procurement and data warehouse technologies to support procurement transformation. The technology initiatives will make financial, contract, and vendor information accessible and support new, streamlined procurement processes.
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