The Procurement Impact Unit was established to strengthen Oregon’s procurement system by expanding opportunities for Oregon businesses, improving consistency across state government, and ensuring public purchasing delivers greater value to communities throughout the state. The unit works collaboratively with agencies, businesses, and community partners to remove barriers to participation, modernize procurement practices, and create a more transparent and accessible contracting environment. Goals
- Increase Participation and competition among Oregon businesses.
- Simplify and improve procurement processes and tools.
- Strengthen accountability, consistency, and transparency.
- Support agency success and improve vendor relationships.
- Use data and strategic insights to drive continuous improvement.
- Promote economic growth by expanding opportunities for small and Oregon-based businesses.
Areas of Focus
Expanding Opportunities for Oregon Small Businesses
The Procurement Impact Unit supports programs and initiatives that help Oregon small businesses access and compete for state contracts.
Focus Areas
- Increase access to contracting opportunites.
- Simplify participation in state procurement.
- Strengthen Oregon's small business ecosystem.
- Improve awareness of available opportunities.
Modernizing Price Agreements
The unit is working to simplify and standardize price agremeent processes so businesses can more easily understand requirements and identify opportunities.
Focus Areas
- Streamline procurement processes.
- Improve oversight and consistency.
- Introduce innovative practices that expand participation.
- Make opportunities easier to find and navigate.
Strengthening Contract Compliance
A centralized approach to compliance helps agencies manage contracts effectively while creating a more predictable environment for vendors.
Focus Areas
- Strengthen delegated authority oversight.
- Conduct proactive audits and performance reviews.
- Develop tools and resources for contract management.
- Monitor legal risks and share best practices.
Building Strong Supplier Relationships
Strong partnerships between agencies and vendors support better outcomes and encourage long-term success.
Focus Areas
- Improve contractor accountability.
- Establish a vendor performance framework.
- Implement a vendor review process.
- Promote effective negotiation practices.
Outreach and Small Business Support
The unit works proactively with businesses and communtiy organizations to increase awareness and reduce barriers to participation.
Focus Areas
- Strengthen partnerships and engagement.
- Increase competition and participation.
- Provide information and resources to businesses.
- Support community-based outreach efforts.
Procurement Tools, Data, and Strategic Insights
Modern tools and data-driven decision making help create a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly procurement system.
Focus Areas
- Modernize procurement tools and resources.
- Standardize processes and improve accessibility.
- Use data and market intelligence to inform decisions.
- Measure outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
Key Challenges
While progress continues, businesses may still experience barriers that affect participation in public procurement, including:
- Difficulty identifying and navigating contracting opportunities.
- Limited awareness of procurement requirements and processes.
- Administrative complexity and inconsistent practices.
- Capacity and resource constraints, particularly for small businesses.
- Challenges establishing relationships and connections within the maketplace.
How We Are Addressing These Challenges
The Procurement Impact Unit is focused on practical solutions that improve access and strengthen Oregon's procurement system through:
- Enhanced outreach and communication.
- Simplified and standardized processes.
- Improved tools, templates, and resources.
- Stronger compliance and accountability practices.
- Data-driven decision making and performance measurement.
- Collaboration with agencies, businesses, and community partners.