NASPO Pulse

Josh and Kevin look back on 2021, discussing their favorite moments, and look ahead to 2022 as NASPO celebrates its 75th anniversary. 

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Prepare to expand your understanding of cybersecurity and IT procurement as we welcome Montae Brockett, the Deputy CIO and Chief Information Security Officer at Washington DC's Department of Healthcare Finance. Montae shares his expert insights on the intricate dance of integrating cybersecurity into IT procurement processes. With the evolving threat landscape in mind, we explore the strategies necessary to synchronize procurement, IT, and cybersecurity teams to meet agency needs and retain top talent, especially during Cybersecurity Month.

Our conversation shifts gears as we explore the modernization of procurement offices, focusing on technological and business process advancements. Highlighting the transformative potential of generative AI, we delve into its role in streamlining operations and the complexities of contract terms and legislative landscapes. Montae's insights on these topics underscore the importance of aligning technology with organizational missions and visions, offering listeners valuable knowledge on bridging the gap between open source and commercial products.

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Ever wondered how public procurement professionals manage to keep municipal fleets running smoothly despite numerous challenges? Get ready to uncover the answers in our latest NASPO Pulse episode. Join us as we host Tom Zembruski from Waukesha County's Department of Public Works and Brian White from Milwaukee's Fleet Services. These seasoned experts offer a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes about the complexities of fleet procurement, touching on the unique struggles they've faced in recent years.

Discover how the ongoing effects of COVID-19 have complicated vehicle acquisition for municipalities, leading to an over-reliance on aging fleets. Brian sheds light on Milwaukee's strategy for dealing with continuous repairs and planning for unpredictable events, such as potential strikes and political shifts. Learn why managing expectations and staying prepared for the unexpected are essential tactics for public fleet managers in today’s volatile environment.

As we look toward the future, explore the promising yet challenging transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels. Hear how Milwaukee navigates legislative mandates for low-emission vehicle procurement, and understand the critical disconnect between current EV offerings and municipal fleet needs. From the practical applications of maintenance vans to the potential of hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty vehicles, this episode offers a balanced perspective on the innovative solutions shaping the future of fleet management. Don’t miss this comprehensive discussion on public procurement’s evolving landscape.

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Ready to master the art of state procurement contracts? Join Telice Gillom and our illustrious guest, Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, as we unravel the complexities of negotiating tricky terms and conditions in state contracting. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into consulting internal counsel and safeguarding your state's interests, all with a sprinkle of humor to keep things lively. Learn the critical elements involved in securing robust cyber liability insurance to protect against financial losses from data breaches and cyber attacks, and discover the types of coverage you absolutely need. Our goal is to arm you with the knowledge to advance technology and secure public benefits through strategic and innovative procurement practices. So, tune in and get ready to elevate your state contracting game!

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Ever wondered how state governments tackle workforce development and procurement challenges? Tune in as we chat with Dr. Rebecca Holwerda , Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration and the upcoming President of NASCA. Dr. Holwerda enlightens us on the unique trials Chief Administrative Officers face, often unseen by procurement offices. She breaks down Indiana’s groundbreaking strategies for workforce transformation, aimed at recruiting and retaining top talent. Plus, get an inside look at her priorities for NASCA, emphasizing resourcefulness, responsiveness, and a much-needed re-energizing of state operations. This is your chance to understand the intricate dance of communication and trust that keeps state government functioning smoothly.

In our deep dive into succession planning and workforce development, we uncover a multi-phase approach to tackling employment barriers, starting with the surprising identification of child care access as a key issue. Learn how legislative changes and a comprehensive compensation study led to pay equity and increased job satisfaction. Dr. Hallwerda also shares the successful restructuring of the procurement office, which resulted in clear career progression paths and the resolution of long-standing recruitment challenges. We wrap up with a festive note, sharing some light-hearted holiday humor that adds a touch of joy to the professional world. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights and practical solutions that could inspire similar innovations in your own state or organization.

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Ever wondered what happens to confidentiality clauses after a contract ends? Tune in to our latest NASPO Pulse episode as Telice Gillom and Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education, break down the complexities of contract terms and conditions. We'll guide you through the significance of survivability and severability clauses, illustrating how they protect crucial elements like intellectual property and indemnification long after the ink has dried. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek into NASPO’s Law Institute and why it's vital for anyone involved in procurement.

But that's not all! We also dive into the evolving world of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), exploring both the perks and pitfalls of mediation and arbitration. Learn why mediation often proves to be a confidential lifeline and how binding arbitration could trap you into unappealable decisions through hidden click-through agreements. As we dissect the risks associated with click-through agreements and data compliance, you’ll gain practical insights into safeguarding public data in the digital age. Don't miss this essential episode that blends legal expertise with actionable procurement strategies.

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Curious about the building blocks of strong public procurement contracts? Join us as we uncover the core elements that make contracts legally binding with Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education. From the basics of offer and acceptance to the critical importance of clear communication between legal and procurement teams, this episode is designed to demystify complex contract terminology. Learn why understanding these fundamentals is crucial for protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring successful procurement outcomes.

Click here to view a transcript of this episode.

Check out Procurement U's newest courses on Risk Management to learn even more!
Risk Management: Identifying and Analyzing Risk
(Part one of a two-part series)
2 contact hours
This Procurement U online course is designed to provide public procurement professionals with an overview of common considerations when engaging in risk management. The course outlines basic steps in the risk management process and discusses techniques for identifying and analyzing risks.

Risk Management: Responding To and Monitoring Risk
(Part two of a two-part series)
3 contact hours
This Procurement U online course is designed to provide public procurement professionals with an understanding of common risk-mitigation techniques in procurement. The course discusses options when developing a risk response, including contract terms and conditions, as well as considerations for tracking risk during the life of a project.

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Unlock the secrets of integrating cutting-edge AI into state procurement processes with insights from Amy Glasscock, Program Director of Innovation and Emerging Issues at NASCIO and Megan Smyth, NASPO's Director of Legal Education.

Curious about how AI like natural language processing and facial recognition is already shaping our daily interactions with technology? Amy breaks it down, explaining the importance of differentiating between traditional and generative AI (Gen AI), and why state governments need tailored policies and safeguards. Hear firsthand how these advanced technologies are transforming government functions and why it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve.

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Unlock the secrets of government procurement with our esteemed guest, Bob Gleason, Broward County's procurement director, as we navigate the delicate intricacies of state and local government purchasing. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone keen to understand the legislative frameworks and strategic approaches that distinguish procurement at these two governmental levels. Gain exclusive insights as Bob dissects the governance, processes, and stakeholder dynamics that ensure transparency and compliance in public procurement, all while highlighting how these systems can learn from each other to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

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Unlock the potential hidden within your workforce as Blair Corcoran de Castillo from Opportunity at Work joins us to discuss the transformative STARS program. Skilled Through Alternative Routes is not just an initiative; it's a revolution in recognizing the value and capability of the over 70 million American workers who lack a bachelor's degree yet are equipped with diverse and robust skill sets.

In this episode, we shed light on the challenges that state governments face in recruitment and workforce development, diving into the myriad of talents brought to the table by veterans, self-taught individuals, and those with on-the-job training. We also tackle the outdated barriers to employment, revealing how skills-based hiring can enhance competitiveness and drive economic mobility across our great nation.

Click here to view a transcript of this episode.

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