CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Governing Institute, which serves as the research division for Governing magazine, recently announced the results of the 2016 State Procurement Study and Rankings, in support of its mission to advance better government. West Virginia ranked as one of the top states in this study, for which the results are published in Governing’s March issue. The magazine article is available at: governing.com/procurementreport
The release of the state procurement rankings is intended to raise awareness of the critical role procurement plays in state government and to recognize and reward state excellence in procurement practices. Led by Governing Institute Director Julia Burrows and Senior Fellow Dugan Petty, the rankings team began by identifying the attributes and criteria for outstanding procurement practices. They then surveyed the states and judged the results. All 50 state chief procurement officers were invited to participate in this extensive online survey.
“Consistent with our mission to advance better government at the state and local levels, this procurement survey shines a spotlight on the essential but often behind-the-scenes functions of purchasing offices,” Burrows said. “There are tremendous opportunities to share best practices for improved efficiency, modernization, cost savings, inclusionary practices and good management.”
West Virginia was pleased to be ranked as one of the top states for overall procurement performance. “The West Virginia Purchasing Division is dedicated to continuously seeking ways to most efficiently acquire goods and services. We understand and value the public’s trust, which has been placed upon us as government procurement officers,” said West Virginia Purchasing Director Dave Tincher, CPPO. “While safeguarding the controls that are in place within West Virginia Code and the West Virginia Code of State Rules, our organization works closely with other state agencies and our vendor partners to ensure that state government programs and services have the goods and services necessary to operate effectively for West Virginia citizens.”
The Governing Institute honored the top ranked states at a reception in Washington D.C. on February 20, 2016. The Governing Institute advances better government by improving performance and outcomes through research, decision support, and executive education to help public sector leaders govern more effectively.