In this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha explore the intricate and often misunderstood partner ecosystem involved in government procurement. They dive into the roles of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), resellers, value-added resellers, and managed service providers (MSPs). By dissecting the processes and relationships between the state, vendors, and various partners, they aim to demystify how procurement works and who the key players are. They also discuss the challenges and advantages of these partnerships, including pricing dynamics and risk mitigation.

00:00 Introduction to GovTech Today

00:20 Understanding the Procurement Ecosystem

01:54 Role of Resellers in Procurement

04:18 Challenges in the Procurement Process

08:13 Value Added Resellers and Distributors

14:41 Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

20:59 Risk Mitigation in State Contracts

24:54 Conclusion and Future Topics