Month: August 2021

When the time comes for you to get that new RFP together, where do you begin? As we’ve been engaging with our customers and the broader procurement community, the response we’re hearing is that there’s simply no easy answer. 

Everybody agrees that there’s no plagiarism in procurement—using each other’s best practices and RFP samples helps to ensure better outcomes for the whole community. However, finding the right kind of examples to help build a new RFP is easier said than done. The search for templates, trying to get in touch with nearby agencies, or simply resorting to general Google searches —these are just a few ways our customers try to help build out new RFPs.

Does this feel familiar to you?

At Bonfire, we also knew there had to be a better way for our customers to create RFPs. We also knew that everybody—not just our customers—would benefit from a new way to collaborate on new projects. 

Introducing Bonfire Open Access Community Projects

To that end, we’re excited to announce Bonfire Open Access Community Projects, a new tool that provides access to tens of thousands of public projects from our network of 500+ agencies across North America. Best of all, we’re making this tool completely free for everyone in procurement.

Launching later this fall, Open Access Community Projects will allow you to quickly search from up to 62,000 public projects (and growing) from our Bonfire network, and get access to all public supporting bid documents. 

We think that Open Access Community Projects will have the power to transform your RFP creation process, and here’s why:

• Get best-in-class examples of RFPs from 500+ agencies in the Bonfire network. No matter what kind of project you’re beginning, chances are that other agencies will have done the work already—work you can use directly when creating your next RFP.
• Access all public supporting bid documents, so you can see exactly how to structure your project. There’s no plagiarism in procurement—sharing best practices is what helps everyone improve their outcomes in procurement!
• Draw from thousands of new projects added monthly from our network of agencies across North America. Every day, you’ll get access to even more projects, so check back often on our always-growing collection.

What our customers are saying

Just this month, NIGP Forum 2021 brought together the best and brightest in procurement at their annual (virtual) event. This year, NIGP’s theme was all about Connecting Procurement Communities, so we thought there was no better place to announce Open Access Community Projects.

We’re glad to say that you seem just as excited about this new tool as we are. Here’s just one of our customers who got a sneak peek at Open Access Community Projects:

“One of the biggest challenges we face in procurement is getting the right information together for a new RFP and ensuring that we’re using best practices right from the start,” said Maija Lampinen, Procurement and Contracts Manager at the Port of Everett, Washington. “With Community Projects, we’ll be able to easily search for similar projects run by other agencies, see how they structured their projects, and access supporting project documents. It’s hard to understate how valuable this information will be for us going forward, and the impact it will have on how we run our projects and the time it saves us during RFP creation—especially for new or unfamiliar procurements.”

Get on our list for early access before the public launch

While we won’t be launching Open Access Community Projects until later this fall, you can reserve a spot for early access right now.

Be sure to head over to our registration page, learn a bit more about Open Access Community Projects, and sign up. With your spot reserved, you’ll be one of the first people to get access to this new tool ahead of the public launch.

Welcome to the moment in history when “business-as-usual” ceased to hold much meaning for public sector organizations. As the pandemic continues to impact ways of doing business and technology evolves at a rapid pace, change is the only constant.

At the same time, public procurement professionals everywhere are—how do we put this?—tired. Under constant pressure to respond and pivot, agencies are feeling the strain. So, it seems like the perfect time to ask: where do we go from here? If we know change is here to stay, how can public procurement teams make sure they’re ready for anything?

We’re tackling these big questions and more on our latest episode of Inside Public Procurement. We’re joined by special guest Amanda Burton, Contract Buyer at Utah Transit Authority (UTA), who shares her thoughts on how public sector procurement can respond to today’s challenges and innovate for the better.

Keep scrolling for a few hot topics from the show (spoiler alert!), and catch the full episode on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

No shortage of supply chain shortages

65% of public sector organizations say they faced supply chain shortages during the pandemic, according to a recent Bonfire survey. For Amanda, even 15 years in the field of procurement couldn’t have prepared her for that challenge.

“There were many failures and many structural issues that have been brought to light due to the pandemic,” Amanda says. “Four or five years ago, most companies had moved to a just-in-time inventory, and with the pandemic, we realized pretty quickly that was not the best way to run a company. It left us very vulnerable.”

Describing a situation that’s no doubt familiar to many of our listeners, Amanda says she and her colleagues scrambled to get the products they needed to keep business running. Particularly challenging was the fact that organizations using the same pool of state and government funds were forced to bid against each other for essential products, such as PPE, causing prices to become even more inflated.

“I think that was a big eye-opener for a lot of us to kind of get out of the norm. It showed me personally how important vendor relationships are. Suddenly those mom and pop shops that I kind of overlooked a little bit were my main go-tos.”

In our conversation, Amanda dives into the lessons she learned from ongoing supply chain shortages, including identifying and dealing with fraudsters, sourcing in-demand products, handling shipping delays, and maintaining strong vendor relationships.

“Get out of the norm” to improve procurement

Evolving away from traditional ways of doing business has been necessary during the pandemic, but Amanda says it’s mostly been a good thing. Seeing how organizations and vendors pivoted to help one another and solve critical challenges is a trend she hopes will prevail long after the pandemic. And, for the most part, that ability to adapt has been driven by innovation.

“Innovation is very important in the world of procurement. Many times vendors come to us with new ideas… And if we listen with a non-judgemental ear, we’re able to push ideas to the forefront and hopefully better our processes.”

It’s easy to focus on other priorities or “get comfortable with current suppliers” and ways of doing things in procurement, but Amanda says making a conscious effort to find efficiencies and explore new solutions is one of the main ways that procurement can deliver value.

“I just worry that business-as-usual isn’t always best and we need to continue looking outside and looking for opportunity, and that’s what I try to do all the time. And if you do that there will be failures… But there are definitely wins too.”

Amanda shares her own experience driving process improvements at UTA that made it faster and easier for transit mechanics to access the parts they needed for critical repairs. After overcoming months and months of resistance, procurement’s solution is now dramatically cutting downtime and improving efficiency.

Discover even more on the podcast

The pandemic has transformed ways of doing business for good. And Amanda’s insights offer great inspiration for every procurement professional feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Tune into our next episode to hear more from our conversation, including Amanda’s take on bridging the generational gap in procurement and dealing with the ever-present challenge of funding in the public sector.

Hungry for more tips, insights, and inspiration you can use to level up your procurement strategy? Head over to our website, or find Inside Public Procurement on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

You’ve likely heard this frustrating and all-too-common misconception about procurement: it’s all about rules, red tape, and getting in the way. 

In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While compliance is the backbone of good procurement, that doesn’t mean sacrificing customer service. In fact, the best procurement teams are also supportive peers, strategic allies, and expert consultants who help internal partners get the goods and services they need at the best value.

In our third episode of Inside Public Procurement, special guest Aaron Howell tackles this contentious topic head on. Dishing insights from an impressive career in finance and higher education, he shares best practices for balancing compliance and customer service to build better relationships and long-term wins in your organization.

Keep reading for key takeaways from the show, and tune in to the full episode on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!

Customer-centric culture starts at the top

As the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Kennesaw State University, Aaron has nearly 25 years of higher education experience, including past roles as Vice President for Business & Finance/CFO at Averett University and Assistant Vice President & Controller at Oregon State University. 

Having led purchasing teams in multiple organizations, he knows firsthand the role that customer service plays in procurement’s ability to drive success. He says that, ultimately, laying the foundation for a customer service model has to come from the top.

“Compliance is a given for me. We’re never going to do it wrong, we’re always going to do it right, even when it’s complicated. If that’s the given, then let’s focus on how we can deliver the most effective customer service. Let’s make sure that I am continually repeating and then I’m modeling good customer service,” Aaron says.

In episode three, he explains what leaders can do to set the right tone and ensure the internal client experience is top of mind in procurement strategy and processes.

Creating relationships rooted in empathy

But what, exactly, does client service mean in a procurement context? And what strategies can procurement professionals use to improve it?

At its most basic level, customer service is about building strong relationships and demonstrating care. Aaron has seen, again and again, that internal stakeholders want one key thing: empathy. They’re looking for procurement to “take an interest in their work and the challenges that they face.”

“I really do think that they hope for somebody [in procurement] who’s a partner—who understands and helps them solve their challenges.”

In our chat, Aaron says he’s seen some of his biggest breakthroughs in client relationships when he’s gone the extra mile to make a personal connection. That can be as simple as walking across the office or setting up a call to ask questions, understand their needs, and show you’re on their side.

“It’s really amazing how you can change your relationship by doing that—by reversing the stereotype. Not only do you get an opportunity to deepen the relationship, but you can provide some training while you’re there.”

Building a reputation for strategic leadership

By focusing on the client experience and investing in better relationships with internal stakeholders, Aaron says procurement can reverse the misconception that their only job is to push compliance and stonewall projects.

That opens up space for procurement professionals to shape their role in the organization as collaborative partners and consultants who help clients make the most of their budgets, find efficiencies, and achieve success together.

“The better we do, the more we’ll be viewed and treated as strategic allies within our organizations. Ultimately, I think that is where we would all like to be.”

Listen today

Bring episode three on your morning walk or commute, and catch our full conversation with Aaron! Plus, dig into more tips, insights, and inspiration you can use to level up your procurement strategy.

Hungry for more in-the-field insights from the world of public procurement? Head over to our website, or find Inside Public Procurement on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Tell me if this sounds familiar: It’s your first week on the job. You’re the new hire in your organization and your colleagues have been here for 10, 15, or even 30 years. Everyone seems confident and in the know—except you. To top it off, you’re afraid to ask questions or make mistakes because then your boss might realize the truth: they hired an imposter.

We’ve all been there. And it can be especially overwhelming starting out in procurement, of all places, where established relationships make the world go round. Whether you’re early in your career or working with colleagues who are, being successful means knowing how to collaborate across generations.

In our second episode of Inside Public Procurement, Joanna Hunt joins us to talk about just that: how can new and senior procurement professionals build strong working relationships within their organizations—and why is it important? 

Meet our guest: Joanna Hunt

As a Retail Buyer and Customer Experience Professional for the Wildcat Shop at Central Washington University, Joanna is an advocate for the fun (and sexy!) side of procurement.

With over 10 years of experience in dynamic visual merchandising, product procurement, and event facilitation, she brings infectious enthusiasm and seasoned insights that can help procurement teams collaborate better, work smarter, and be bolder.

Here are some of the topics we dive into with Joanna. Catch the full conversation on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!

Building relationships bridges the gap

For early career procurement professionals, Joanna says, “It can be really overwhelming to try to innovate or do anything new because you don’t know the history of the organization.”

She often sees young professionals experiencing imposter syndrome and afraid to share ideas with well-established colleagues. Her advice for fledgling buyers is to bring it back to the basics: building relationships and asking questions. Understanding how people in your organization work together, what relationships exist, and how you fit into that context is key.

“When we’re not thinking about ourselves in our one role, but about how we are a part of a living entity, it changes the dynamics immensely.”

Innovation starts with asking questions

When new procurement professionals enter an organization, Joanna says they’re typically thinking: “We want to get it faster. We want to get it at a better value. We want to create relationships with new vendors.”

That enthusiasm for innovation and eagerness to explore new ideas can make early career professionals real changemakers in their organizations. But not everyone is as comfortable with change. Innovation has to start with asking questions and working together.

Joanna has seen how established organizations can be apprehensive about new technologies, but the selling point always comes back to the efficiencies and cost savings that come along with shifting from paper to digital. 

In our conversation, she shares advice for how buyers can approach conversations about digital transformation in a way that’s sensitive to everyone’s perspective, from digital natives to traditional mindsets. 

Success is in the nitty-gritty

Ultimately, Joanna’s biggest piece of advice for new buyers is to obsess over details. While it can be tempting to focus on the big picture of how procurement keeps the whole organization running, the true key to success lies in the nitty-gritty of every order and RFP. That, and always having a backup plan.

“When I talk about gritty, for me, it’s knowing as much as you can about what can go wrong. I’m not a pessimist, but there’s so much room for human error—for manufacturing delays, shipping delays, natural disasters—that for me I need to know what can go wrong so that I can maximize what can go right.”

Joanna shares why she believes success in procurement always comes back to asking a few key questions to understand what’s important and where it’s okay to risk making a mistake.

Listen today

Tune into episode two today for our full chat with Joanna—and more tips, insights, and inspiration you can use to level up your procurement strategy.

Hungry for more in-the-field insights from the world of public procurement? Head over to our website, or find Inside Public Procurement on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Public sector budgets may be bouncing back in 2021 but, no matter what, agencies are always under pressure to give taxpayers more bang for their buck.

Driving value increasingly requires creative solutions, which is why more and more procurement teams are turning to cooperative bids. But how do they work? And how can you show taxpayers measurable results?

In our first episode of Inside Public Procurement, we’re joined by Jennifer Frates, Chief Procurement Officer at Barnstable County and President of the Cape Cod Association of Public Procurement Officials (CCAPPO).

Jennifer discusses the value of cooperative bids and shares her experience leading collaborative purchasing for the 15 towns in her county. Plus, she gives us her insights from 15 years in the field, breaking down the importance of transparent reporting and the role of technology in public procurement today.

Tune into episode one on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!

The scoop on coops

Many public organizations use cooperative bids, or coops, to optimize how taxpayer dollars are spent—and unlock better pricing too. But did you know they can also strengthen your organizational capacity?

In this episode of the podcast, Jennifer explains how agencies drive more efficient processes, eliminate duplication of effort, and save time when they work together—a strategy that’s especially valuable if you don’t have a dedicated procurement department.

Barnstable County has seen these benefits firsthand thanks to cooperative contracts with the 15 towns in the county. Plus, Jennifer says it’s been a win for continuity planning. “The more collaboration and involvement from different towns, the more that institutional knowledge will have a better chance of staying.”

Time-saving technology

Along with the efficiencies created by cooperative contracts, Barnstable has seen big time savings in other areas over the past year. Jennifer says moving procurement processes online and working remotely has totally transformed how her team collaborates with the towns in the area, internal clients, evaluators, and vendors, allowing them to “do a lot more with less.”

“Even now as people are starting to go back in person, I’m hoping that [remote work] is one of those efficiencies that we keep a little bit longer,” Jennifer says. “I can’t even begin to talk about the benefits of having that extra time.”

Let’s get transparent

As her organization realizes more time and cost savings thanks to strategic purchasing and streamlined processes, Jennifer says she wants to be as transparent as possible about the value of those wins.

While they may not be the decision-makers, procurement provides “a service that’s probably just as important as any elected official,” she says. “It’s not only the compliance, but also data and reporting. And, with that, [elected officials] can make better decisions, save money, and provide services for their constituents based on the savings we’ve made.” 

Jennifer says it’s in agencies’ best interests to use their data to report back to stakeholders. By demonstrating how their strategy spends taxpayer dollars responsibly, they can win confidence and show the real value of procurement.

Listen today

Tune into episode one today for our full chat with Jennifer—and more tips, insights, and inspiration you can use to level up your procurement strategy.

Hungry for more in-the-field insights from the world of public procurement? Head over to our website, or find Inside Public Procurement on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Does it ever feel like you’re working in a bubble? Or like you’re the lone procurement wolf in your organization? Whether you’re a team of one or 21, a seasoned pro or new to the game, we’re excited to share a new way for you to stay informed, connected, and inspired…

Introducing our new Inside Public Procurement podcast – your audio destination for all things public procurement!

Say hello to Inside Public Procurement

In-depth, informative, and featuring insights from on-the-ground experts, the Inside Public Procurement podcast has been crafted with your needs, questions, and challenges in mind. 

Stay connected to thought leaders, success stories, and latest trends in public purchasing – all on your morning walk or drive home.

Real-world procurement stories. Inspiring ideas. And a community of public sector peers. Subscribe now and listen on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Take an unfiltered dive into public procurement

Public procurement teams have a lot on their plates these days. The Inside Public Procurement podcast is designed to give you an edge tackling everyday challenges, understanding emerging issues, and crushing your professional and organizational goals. We bring you insights and ideas from leaders and practitioners across North America whose expertise runs the gamut from state and local government to K-12 and higher education to transit, utilities, and more.

Connect with your procurement community

Consider this podcast your go-to space for learning tips, tricks, and best practices straight from your peers. It’s not just educational – it’s also fun, connected, and collaborative. Our podcast guests are enthusiastic about sharing their insights and helping everyone win. Through our conversations, we’ll aim to forge new connections and strengthen collaboration within the public procurement community.

Check out the first three episodes today

Good news! The first three episodes of Inside Public Procurement are already live. So grab those earbuds and fill your head with big ideas and inspiring stories that will transform the way you work, think, and innovate.

All you have to do is go to our website or find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Here’s what you’ll discover in our first three episodes:

Episode 1: The benefits of collaborative purchasing

In our kickoff episode, we chat with Jennifer Frates, Chief Procurement Officer at Barnstable County. Speaking from 15 years of experience in public procurement, she shares the big wins her procurement team has seen through collaborative purchasing with the 15 towns in her Cape Cod county. From making better use of taxpayer dollars to expanding institutional knowledge, our conversation topics are brimming with aha moments. 

Check out the first episode today!

Episode 2: Working together across generations

In episode two, we go in-depth with Joanna Hunt and take a walk on the fun – and sexy – side of procurement. Joanna is a Retail Buyer and Customer Experience Professional at Central Washington University. Offering insights for public procurement pros at every stage of their career, she gives us her take on the generational gap in supply chain management, the nitty-gritty of procurement, and what the next generation of procurement specialists needs to know. 

Dive into episode two now!

Episode 3: Why internal customer service matters

In our third episode, Aaron Howell of Kennesaw State University tells us why strong internal customer service is a game-changer in public procurement. As Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer with 25 years of higher education experience, he offers actionable insights you can use to embrace a culture of good customer service and enhance relationships with your internal clients.

Get the full scoop on episode three!

We’ll be releasing a new Inside Public Procurement podcast every two weeks. Stay tuned! And be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter to let us know what you think. If you have an idea for the show or want to come on as a guest, email us at [email protected]