By Lourdes Coss, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Public procurement is more than a system of rules, contracts, and transactions. It is a mechanism through which government agencies serve their communities, uphold public values, and build trust.
And trust—once lost—is difficult to regain.
As stewards of public resources, procurement professionals must understand that every action, every document, and every decision contributes to a bigger story: how the public perceives the integrity and value of government.
Why Trust Matters
Public procurement decisions affect schools, infrastructure, public health, housing, and more. Citizens want to know that:
- Public dollars are being used wisely.
- The process is fair and open.
- Local needs are being prioritized.
- Agencies are acting in the public’s best interest.
When procurement lacks transparency or communicates poorly, even legally compliant decisions can appear suspicious. Perception becomes reality.
Procurement’s Role in Shaping Public Confidence
Here are three powerful ways procurement contributes to—or erodes—public trust:
1. Transparency in Process and Purpose
Openness isn’t just about posting bid notices. It’s about making processes understandable, timelines clear, and decisions traceable.
Best practices:
- Use plain language in public communications.
- Explain evaluation criteria and how decisions are made.
- Make contract award data easily accessible.
2. Effective Communication
Technical correctness is not enough. Procurement must communicate with elected officials, internal stakeholders, vendors, and the public in a way that builds clarity and confidence.
Best practices:
- Prepare talking points for controversial decisions.
- Create briefing memos that explain procurement strategy in non-technical terms.
- Respond to public inquiries respectfully and thoroughly.
3. Community Impact
Procurement can be a powerful tool for social and economic impact—supporting local businesses, advancing equity, and ensuring the public gets lasting value.
Best practices:
- Track and publish spending with local, minority-owned, or small businesses.
- Engage communities early in projects that affect them.
- Align procurement strategies with community development goals.
Trust Is Built Through Everyday Actions
It’s not just about big scandals or high-profile awards. Trust is built—or broken—through the small things: timely responses, clear documentation, respectful treatment of vendors, and consistency in how policies are applied.
The professionalism of your team reflects on the whole agency.
Final Reflection
In this season of gratitude and reflection, let’s remember that trust is procurement’s most valuable currency. It can’t be legislated or fast-tracked. It’s earned—day by day, contract by contract, conversation by conversation.
As public procurement professionals, we’re not just buying goods and services. We’re helping shape how our communities view government itself.
Let’s lead with transparency. Let’s communicate with integrity. And let’s never lose sight of the people we serve.
Procurement Transformation 