In this inspiring and educational episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane engages in a powerful conversation with procurement thought leader Chris Smith about the evolving role of public procurement and what it means to lead with purpose in 2026 and beyond. Public procurement professionals, leadership‑minded listeners, and anyone passionate about ethical impact will discover fresh perspectives on how the field is transforming from a compliance‑driven function into a strategic engine of trust, innovation, and measurable outcomes. Together, Bill and Chris explore:

• Why public procurement is a tremendous opportunity for professionals driven by ethics and meaningful impact.
• The core principles of servant leadership and how putting people first builds more effective teams and sustainable results in government procurement.
• The role of AI and strategic thinking in optimizing procurement processes while safeguarding integrity and accountability.
• How professional certification, including the NIGP Certified Public Procurement (CPP) credential, boosts credibility, career growth, and elevates procurement as a respected profession.
• Real‑world insights on leadership, career development, and the future of public procurement that will inspire you to think differently about your role and opportunities ahead.

Appropriate to this episode, Bill shares a reminder that the 2025 David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award recipient will be named this week!

Whether you're a seasoned Chief Procurement Officer, an emerging leader in public procurement, or someone curious about the intersection of leadership and public service, this episode delivers compelling insights, practical advice, and strategic inspiration to fuel your professional journey.

If you believe public procurement should be more than a checkbox, you want to build trust, drive impact, and lead with purpose, this episode of The Big Bid Theory is made for you.

Rick Jennings shares the final Crazy Bids You Can Win of season 11. Don't miss it!

👉 Learn more about Chris Smith: Chris Smith, MBA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, VCO, VCA, VCARM, CSSYB, is a public procurement leader, educator, and keynote speaker based in Northern Virginia. He most recently served as a Contract Specialist II with Fairfax County’s Department of Procurement and Material Management and previously held procurement roles with the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Chris has led and supported complex formal solicitations, cooperative contracts, and strategic sourcing initiatives across transportation, public works, parks, solid waste, and general government operations, with a strong focus on compliance, transparency, and delivering best-value outcomes for the public.

In addition to his practitioner experience, Chris teaches, trains, and delivers keynote presentations on public procurement leadership, culture, compliance, and continuous improvement. He is deeply engaged in the procurement community through NIGP and multiple state and regional associations, and he regularly writes and speaks on advancing the profession. Chris is currently in the process of writing his next book focused on modern public procurement leadership and elevating excellence across the profession. He holds an Executive MBA from Virginia Tech, a BBA from James Madison University, and a Certificate in Higher Impact Leadership from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.Links to Include
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-mba
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes procurement leader Selena Leon, CPPB, as she shares her inspiring career journey and fresh insights into the world of public procurement. Selena brings seven years of experience in the field and currently serves as a Purchasing Manager in state procurement. Her professional path spans county and state levels and reflects a strong commitment to advancing the profession. We dig into key topics including:

• Selena’s transition from county procurement to state procurement and what that means for career development
• What she learned and experienced at the recent NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement Forum and the Arizona State Capitol Chapter of NIGP conference and vendor expo
• Her clear stance on reducing gatekeeping in the profession and ensuring an environment of service, support, and professional growth
• The successes and challenges of procurement work in the public sector, and why ongoing professional development and recognition matter more than ever

Whether you’re already working in government procurement, considering entering the profession, or advising vendors or agency leaders, this episode offers valuable lessons and thought‑provoking perspectives.

Rick Jennings closes out with his “Crazy Bids You Can Win” segment to add a light but meaningful wrap‑up.

🎥 YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/yzyOCladbuI

About Selena Leon

Selena Leon is a young procurement professional with seven years of procurement experience, showcasing a remarkable ability to advance in her career. Starting her journey in county procurement, she quickly transitioned to state procurement, where she currently serves as a Purchasing Manager for the State Procurement Office. Her expertise and commitment to the field have also led her to become an active member of NIGP, serving on the Member Council.

🔗 Connect with Selena Leon on LinkedIn.

This episode of The Big Bid Theory dives deep into what is possible in public procurement when the right people and technology come together.

Joining us are two standout leaders from the City of Houston’s Strategic Procurement Division — Yesenia Chuca and Perla Arredondo — who were pivotal in executing a full-scale e-procurement implementation in just 45 days. Yesenia shares how building the right team made the difference, while Perla reveals how their focus on the supplier experience helped grow Houston’s supplier database from 4,000 to over 10,000 vendors in five months.

We talk NIGP Forum 2025, supplier engagement, digital transformation in government, rapid implementation timelines, and lessons for any agency ready to modernize procurement.

Also: you won’t want to miss this week’s “Crazy Bid You Can Win”. Let’s just say it involves rain barrels AND websites.

Interview on YouTube

Perla Arredondo: With three years of experience in public procurement, Perla Arredondo has played a key role in implementing new procurement systems across the City of Houston. As a Training Administrator, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering training to ensure staff are equipped to navigate these evolving systems. Perla has contributed to efforts to modernize procurement processes, driving forward efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. She has helped integrate technology that improves the overall effectiveness of public purchasing for the City of Houston and its suppliers. Outside of work, she loves to travel and takes every opportunity to enjoy quick weekend trips, exploring new places and cultures.

Yesenia Chuca: Yesenia Chuca is a dynamic leader in modern government procurement, serving as Deputy Assistant Director with the City of Houston's Strategic Procurement Division. With over 16 years of experience in public-sector procurement, she specializes in professional services and technology-related acquisitions, driving efficiency and transparency in the City's processes. Yesenia is committed to advancing procurement strategies that streamline operations and foster innovation. Her expertise and dedication position her at the forefront of transforming government purchasing for the future.

In this special episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane speaks with Stephen Hetzel, CEO and Co-Founder of Beacon Bid and BidPrime, about the state of procurement and e-procurement following NIGP Forum 2025 in Denver.

Stephen shares Beacon Bid’s progress since 2022, lessons from the conference, and how agencies can simplify bidding, engage more suppliers, and improve project outcomes. The conversation covers balancing agency and supplier needs, strategies to connect with local vendors, and best practices for e-procurement implementation, including the City of Houston’s rapid go-live.

The Big Bid Theory is powered by Beacon Bid and BidPrime.

Don’t forget that the David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award nomination period runs September 1–October 15, with submissions due October 31. Recognize someone making a difference in procurement. Subscribe now for more insights shaping public procurement.

Stephen Hetzel bio summary: Stephen Hetzel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Beacon Bid and BidPrime, leading SaaS providers elevating government procurement through efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. For over 15 years, he has driven innovation in procurement technology, overseeing the development and execution of transformative solutions. Stephen has shared his experience through speaking engagements and written articles on business operations and SaaS management. He regularly presents at industry conferences, championing initiatives that lower entry barriers and encourage broader supplier participation in public contracting.

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes Elizabeth Dunning, Digital Navigator and Equity Specialist with AmeriCorps. Elizabeth offers a preview of Denver, shares her impressions of AWWA ACE 2025, and tells her inspiring story of moving from the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to environmental engineering and ultimately to AmeriCorps. She highlights efforts to close the digital divide, improve equitable access to technology, and support communities nationwide.

Bill also recaps recent and upcoming public procurement events, including the upcoming NIGP Forum in Denver, where he’ll host a panel session on the modernization of public procurement: AI, e-procurement, and implementation best practices. The session will deliver practical strategies for procurement professionals to expand vendor participation, leverage AI, and enhance sourcing even in challenging budget environments. 

Of course, Rick Jennings closes down the episode with a Crazy Bids about trees that’s sure to entertain. Watch or listen (on Youtube) to gain fresh, actionable insights into advancing public procurement, improving community outcomes, and making better purchasing decisions in today’s evolving landscape.

Resources:

AmeriCorps website
Learning Source / Digital Navigators

Welcome to Season 11 of The Big Bid Theory! Bill Culhane, our host, and the TBBT team kick off with a powerful episode focused on U.S. infrastructure and the recently released ASCE Report Card.

Our guest is Darren Olson, Vice President and Department Head for Water Resources at Christopher B. Burke Engineering and Chair of the ASCE Report Card Committee. Darren joins the show to break down what this year’s grades really mean for communities, procurement professionals, and the future of the country.

This marks our fourth time tackling infrastructure with ASCE. The latest conversation is perhaps the most critical yet.

🚧 Topics include:
• Infrastructure successes, challenges, and opportunities
• What the 2025 Report Card reveals
• The future for US infrastructure improvement

📢 Plus—don’t miss the Season 11 debut of Crazy Bids You Can Win! Rick Jennings will have you climbing the wall... or something similar.

Subscribe, share, and join us as we share the conversations that help connect you to public sector insights impacting the world around us.

ASCE Report Card: https://infrastructurereportcard.org/home/

🎧 Learn more at TheBigBidTheory.com

Season 10 of The Big Bid Theory concludes with a celebration of excellence in public procurement! Host Bill Culhane welcomes Keith Glatz, a legend with 45+ years of service, to discuss ethical practices, leadership, and his recent honor as the Albert H. Hall Memorial Award recipient.

We’re also thrilled to celebrate Brooke Smith, City Recorder for Murray City, Utah, as the inaugural recipient of the David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award. Congratulations to Brooke and all nominees for their exceptional leadership!

Producer Rick Jennings wraps up the season with another unforgettable Crazy Bids You Can Win! Do you agree there is something fishy about this Crazy Bids?

Thank you for an incredible season. We’ll return in 2025 with Season 11. Until then, revisit past episodes, and stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Nash Award nomination and selection process.

Keith Glatz bio info.

The Inaugural David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award Winner: Brooke Smith

We are thrilled to announce that Brooke Smith, City Recorder for Murray City, Utah, is the recipient of the inaugural David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award!

Brooke’s nearly 20-year career in local government is a testament to her passion, dedication, and excellence in public procurement. From her leadership in embracing innovation, such as AI in purchasing, to her collaborative efforts with Radio NIGP and impactful presentations, Brooke exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and mentorship.

Named in honor of David and Beverly Nash, this award celebrates individuals who drive innovation, foster excellence, and uplift others in the procurement community. David Nash joined us for this special episode to congratulate Brooke and share his inspiring reflections on leadership.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our selection committee, those who submitted nominees, and everyone in the public procurement profession who makes an important difference every day. Congratulations to Brooke and all the nominees—you are truly the heartbeat of public service!

A personalized award will be presented to Brooke, and her name will be featured on a perpetual plaque in our The Big Bid Theory studio.

Learn more about the award and stay tuned for details on the 2025 David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award at TheBigBidTheory.com.

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes Damonique Sonnier, a Government Innovation Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Government Performance Lab. Damonique shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to public procurement and discusses how reimagined procurement processes can empower communities.

She introduces the Procurement Excellence Network, a collaboration hub for procurement professionals, showcasing how innovation in purchasing can drive social impact, strengthen small businesses, and transform local economies. The conversation explores Damonique’s opinions on how efficient procurement fosters equity, lowers barriers for small businesses, and builds stronger communities.

As always, don’t miss the fan-favorite Crazy Bids You Can Win segment. Rick Jennings highlights the Colorado Health Foundation’s Nonprofit Sabbatical Program, a unique opportunity for nonprofit leaders to rejuvenate while enhancing organizational capacity.

For more on the initiatives mentioned in this episode, visit the Procurement Excellence Network  and the Government Performance Lab.

Go here for more on 'The Big Big Theory'.

In this episode of The Big Bid Theory, host Bill Culhane welcomes you inside ICMA 2024 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bill visits with Clayton Feick, CEO of Ontopical, to explore how AI is transforming government procurement. 

Clayton shares his key takeaways from ICMA 2024, where he and Stephen Hetzel, CEO of Beacon Bid, delivered a joint presentation moderated by Bill. Their session, “Empowering Local Governments: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Government Contracting Processes,” sparked a lively discussion on how AI-powered tools help businesses discover government opportunities long before their competitors.

Clayton highlights how Ontopical’s AI-enabled government market intelligence software gives businesses an early advantage by uncovering key opportunities from cities, towns, and counties across the USA and Canada. He explains that many successful ventures start with a “spark”—a vital insight that leads to major opportunities down the road.

Bill also reminds listeners to submit nominations for the Dave and Beverly Nash Leadership Award, celebrating excellence in public procurement. The deadline for nominations has been extended to November 1st. Don't miss Rick Jennings' return with another fun segment of “Crazy Bids You Can Win!”

Listen in to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of public procurement!

For more information about BidPrime, call 888.808.5356 or visit www.bidprime.com. For details on Ontopical, go to www.ontopical.com.