Procurement

Procurement Models Study

This report, conducted by a research team at Arizona State University and generously funded by the Arizona Board of Regents, examines current procurement practices, highlights challenges such as staffing and vendor gaps, and offers actionable strategies to improve efficiency, transparency, and value for taxpayers. It also introduces tools like ROI analysis to help governments make informed, cost-effective decisions.

PROCUREMENT

Counties purchase a wide range of goods and services to keep essential operations running, from road maintenance to public safety equipment.

Learn more about effective procurement practices below.

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WHAT ARIZONA LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE DOING NOW

Hybrid structures are the norm.
Strategic misalignment limits effectiveness.
Staffing capacity remains limited.
Efficiency pressures shape behavior.
Compliance drives daily practice.
Vendor and technology gaps persist.

USING COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT IN ARIZONA LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Cooperative procurement is widespread.
Collaboration among governments remains limited but valuable.
Professional networks fill critical gaps.
Outsourcing and shared services offer pragmatic alternatives.

HOW ROI ANALYSIS CAN HELP

Introduces ROI analysis as a tool for evaluating procurement reforms.
Four savings areas: administrative, personnel hour reductions, purchase price reductions, and savings from eliminating inefficiencies.
Explains how to estimate implementation costs using local salary data.
Shows how context affects ROI and decision-making.