NASPO Pulse

National Association of State Procurement Officials

Welcome to the NASPO Pulse Podcast, your source for exploring emerging public procurement issues. Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with procurement professionals, partners, and industry leaders. Discover a diverse range of perspectives and opinions on various topics that are shaping the procurement landscape. Whether you're a state procurement official or interested in the field, this podcast provides essential insights to keep you informed. Tune in for the conversations that matter in the realm of procurement.

  1. 22 OCT

    From Chaos to Category Management: How Oklahoma Rebuilt Procurement for Speed, Trust, and Compliance

    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 management so expertise links directly to spend and supplier markets. We get into the nuts and bolts: using PeopleSoft for e-procurement and sourcing without piling on complexity, leaning on AI to distill 500-page documents into crisp briefs (with human review), and adopting OneNote to tame the flood of work that email and spreadsheets couldn’t handle. Trust becomes the center of gravity. Amanda explains why fast acknowledgments, reliable follow-through, and monthly “Central Purchasing Listens” sessions turned an “ivory tower” into a responsive service partner. Skeptics on the team weren’t ignored; they were invited into experiments with a simple promise—try it, measure it, change it if it fails within six months. Join us for a straight-talking playbook on modern public procurement: category management, transparent metrics, trust-building, and structured innovation that actually ships. If this episode sparks ideas for your team, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway so more practitioners can find it. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

    17 min

  2. 22 OCT

    Radios in Fish Tanks: Testing the Durability of Procurement Solutions

    Modernization sits at the heart of Florida's procurement transformation. Jessie 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 how her team leverages AI technology, cloud-based solutions, and automated reporting systems to increase efficiency while maintaining transparency. The cloud-based platform they've implemented provides real-time updates on active solicitations and contracts, eliminating the guesswork and bottlenecks that once plagued their process. Rather than making decisions in a vacuum, Florida's approach emphasizes data-driven strategies and stakeholder buy-in. Ready to transform your own procurement approach? Subscribe to NASPO's Pulse for more insights from public procurement leaders across the nation, and discover how relationship-building, technology, and professional development can elevate your procurement outcomes. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

    24 min

  3. 21 OCT

    From Freeways to Fire Retardant: California's Procurement Evolution

    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 purchasing decisions. Their enterprise procurement system captures every state purchase—revealing everything from multi-million dollar contracts to that time someone accidentally ordered "a million packages of ketchup." This wealth of information drives smarter buying decisions and allows unprecedented public visibility into government spending through dashboards anyone can access. Whether you're a government buyer, supplier, or simply curious about how your tax dollars are spent, this conversation offers fascinating insights into procurement's evolution and its critical role in public service. Subscribe to NASPO's Pulse for more conversations at the forefront of government innovation. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

    40 min

  4. 21 OCT

    Modern Needs, Modern Codes: South Carolina's Procurement Evolution

    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 code revisions since 1994. Listen as Delbert and Stacy describe their comprehensive process of consulting stakeholders, researching other states' practices, and carefully weighing competing needs while maintaining procurement integrity. Whether you're a procurement leader looking to update outdated processes or simply interested in how government purchasing evolves to meet changing needs, this episode provides an invaluable roadmap for thoughtful, effective procurement reform. Listen now to part one of our two-part episode with South Carolina to learn how your organization can balance innovation with accountability in public procurement. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

    31 min

  5. 16 SEP

    Continuous Improvement: In Service of Others

    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 stakeholder engagement. By organizing his team to proactively seek feedback and understand real-world needs, procurement becomes a strategic partner rather than a bureaucratic hurdle. This approach extends to supplier relationships too, recognizing that creating positive experiences for vendors ultimately benefits citizens through better contracts and service delivery. Subscribe to NASPO's Pulse podcast for more insights from innovative leaders who are reimagining public procurement as a strategic enabler of government services. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

    29 min

  6. 16 SEP

    Procurement Powers Everything: From Police Cars to School Lunches

    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 innovation, equity, and sustainability in government operations. Peter Korolyk, Director of Government Support Services for Delaware, takes us behind the curtain to reveal how procurement decisions ripple through every aspect of government operations. With 15+ years in state government and prior experience in private sector purchasing, Korolyk offers a unique perspective on what makes public procurement both challenging and rewarding. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

    23 min

  7. 29/10/2024

    Integrating Cybersecurity into IT Procurement: Insights from Montae Brockett

    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 strategies necessary to synchronize procurement, IT, and cybersecurity teams to meet agency needs and retain top talent, especially during Cybersecurity Month. Our conversation shifts gears as we explore the modernization of procurement offices, focusing on technological and business process advancements. Highlighting the transformative potential of generative AI, we delve into its role in streamlining operations and the complexities of contract terms and legislative landscapes. Montae's insights on these topics underscore the importance of aligning technology with organizational missions and visions, offering listeners valuable knowledge on bridging the gap between open source and commercial products. 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

    42 min

  8. 24/09/2024

    Adapting to Market Changes in Fleet Procurement

    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 personal anecdotes about the complexities of fleet procurement, touching on the unique struggles they've faced in recent years. Discover how the ongoing effects of COVID-19 have complicated vehicle acquisition for municipalities, leading to an over-reliance on aging fleets. Brian sheds light on Milwaukee's strategy for dealing with continuous repairs and planning for unpredictable events, such as potential strikes and political shifts. Learn why managing expectations and staying prepared for the unexpected are essential tactics for public fleet managers in today’s volatile environment. As we look toward the future, explore the promising yet challenging transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels. Hear how Milwaukee navigates legislative mandates for low-emission vehicle procurement, and understand the critical disconnect between current EV offerings and municipal fleet needs. From the practical applications of maintenance vans to the potential of hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty vehicles, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the innovative solutions shaping the future of fleet management. Don’t miss this comprehensive discussion on public procurement’s evolving landscape. Click here to view a transcript of this podcast. Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO! naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook

    39 min
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Welcome to the NASPO Pulse Podcast, your source for exploring emerging public procurement issues. Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with procurement professionals, partners, and industry leaders. Discover a diverse range of perspectives and opinions on various topics that are shaping the procurement landscape. Whether you're a state procurement official or interested in the field, this podcast provides essential insights to keep you informed. Tune in for the conversations that matter in the realm of procurement.

Información

  • Creador
    National Association of State Procurement Officials
  • Años de actividad
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodios
    68
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2025 NASPO
  • Mostrar sitio web
    NASPO Pulse

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