Learning Center

For countries that host the Olympics, the procurement of goods and services has always been an important part of the planning and execution of the Games. Because the organization of the Olympics involves complex arrangements of different sports - all of which require specialized facilities - and the hosting of teams of athletes from around the world, there are many different areas of procurement that Olympic administrators must handle in the lead up to, during, and after the Games. These include the building and renovation of sporting facilities and the sourcing of maintenance and grounds keeping, sanitation, food service, transportation and construction equipment, recreation and residential facilities, healthcare services, legal and administrative support and much more.

Buying agencies and local vendors alike benefit when a county or municipality adopts a regional purchasing policy...right? In reality, the answer isn't always so black-and-white. While regional purchasing policies, as a general rule, tend to be very beneficial for agencies and vendors within a given area, there are some situations where the drawbacks of local purchasing regulations can outweigh the benefits. Of course, regional purchasing laws are adopted for good reason, and once in place must be respected by the entities and companies that fall under their jurisdiction. But it's also worth exploring the exceptions to the rule that make a compelling case for purchasing policies that aren't hemmed in by geographic restrictions. 

The practice of sourcing materials, labor and expertise for the large-scale production of value-added goods stretches back through recorded history, leaving no doubt as to the importance of procurement and supply chain to the development of complex societies. Beginning with the ancient Greek, Roman, Chinese and Mesopotamian civilizations, leading up to the Middle Ages, the Industrial Revolution and finally to the global supply chain of the late twentieth century, the principles and practices of procurement as we know them have long been intertwined with, and essential to, the expansion of human societies.

As we kick off 2016, it's a great time for purchasing professionals to review their procurement strategies and tactics for the upcoming year. By taking the time to examine your procurement process you will likely be able to identify areas where time savings and/or efficiency improvements can be made. Read on for some of the best resolutions a procurement professional can make this year and learn how to start 2016 in a positive way!

As a small business, is it possible to do business and win an NFL contract? Why, yes. In 1994, the National Football League launched the Emerging Business Program to give the opportunity to minority- and women-owned businesses to provide products and services to consumers during the Super Bowl.