Modernization tops state procurement priorities for 2024

Modernizing procurement processes topped the annual priorities list released last week by the National Association of State Procurement Officials.

Efforts to update states’ procurement processes — including automating processes and using computers for solicitations, bids, contracts and recordkeeping — moves to the top of the list from its spot in fifth place last year. The group named continuous process improvement as its No. 2 priority, followed by talent management and succession planning.

The organization’s other priorities for 2024 include customer service to agency stakeholders; eProcurement; central procurement office as a strategic leader; analytics for data-driven decision making; effective contract administration; training and certification; and innovative solution-based solicitation methods.

The nonprofit association’s annual list is decided by a vote of the group’s membership, which includes 54 state and territorial chief procurement officers. Members ranked their focus areas for the new year based on how each would impact their states’ procurement policies and practices.

The group said the priorities list will also help inform its upcoming publications, research, conference sessions and webinars to ensure that current and emerging best practices in public procurement are shared among the states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.