Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques

The book supports the training effort for incoming procurement professionals. It is based on practical experience, lessons learned of a procurement professional, and material developed over the years to train internal procurement staff. The goal of the book is to offer current managers a tool to guide the new professionals in advancing their procurement skills. It focuses on the three basic procurement methods: the invitation to bid, the request for qualifications, and the request for proposals. It addresses the appropriate use of each method and explains the rationale for the inclusion of key components in the solicitation document, elaborating on how these components work together to make the process effective. The book also provides examples to illustrate the sections described. It touches briefly on standardization opportunities and the importance of using terminology that is consistent and in line with the method. It illustrates the difference between evaluation criteria and submittal requirements; and provides guidance for their development. A final high level guide depicting the use and evaluation milestones organized by method is also provided.

Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO is an accomplished procurement professional with over 25 years of procurement experience. She held executive level positions in major public organizations. As a visionary and change agent, she successfully led transformations resulting in substantial cost savings, innumerable operational efficiencies, legislative changes, automation, and enhanced staff performance. Lourdes authored several public policies and legislative changes, many of which were institutionalized and still exist in the organizations for which she worked. Lourdes also held positions in various Boards regarding energy, green procurement, minority and women business participation, and NIGP. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico and received her MPA from Florida State University.