From high profile capital projects to food delivery services for senior, Multnomah County is integral in millions of dollars of economic opportunity in the community. Last fiscal year, the county awarded
The work is facilitated by people behind the scenes. Professionals with an understanding of supply chain management and their influence on economic conditions.
“This month, we’re really acknowledging the people who make it happen and the energetic and talented individuals who are on our team,” said Purchasing Manager Brian Smith.
March is National Procurement month, when procurement professionals nationwide are recognized for their contributions.
Nearly 300 employees are involved in Multnomah County’s procurement and contracting activities. The county prioritizes making procurement and contracting opportunities for key public projects or services more transparent and easier for small businesses to access, said Smith at a recent Multnomah County Board meeting proclaiming March as National Procurement Month.
“It’s a strategic function that helps the county maximize the use of our tax dollars in ways that instill confidence in the public and among our vendors,” Smith said.
Last year, the county was instrumental in more than 100 meetings, tradeshows and outreach events focused on support for disadvantaged business enterprises, minority-owned, women-owned, service disabled veteran-owned and emerging small businesses.
The county has set [specific] aspirational participation goals for minority-owned, women-owned, service disabled veteran-owned and emerging small business on major capital projects such as the Central Courthouse and Health Department Headquarters.
“Multnomah County just wrapped up replacing the Sellwood Bridge and we’ve got work underway on the Burnside, Broadway and Morrison bridges,” said Chair Deborah Kafoury at a recent Metro and Multnomah County Small Business Open House. “And we’ve broken ground on two important developments in the central city: a new courthouse and health department headquarters.
“Each of these projects will make a lasting impact on the safety and quality of our community, and they’ll bring new opportunities for people to learn trades and advance their careers. These are good jobs,” Kafoury said.
The county has forged regional partnerships with organizations such as Metro to create more opportunities for local businesses and worked closely with the state’s Certification Office Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) to help certify and streamline opportunities for organizations in the community.
“Myself and all the commissioners agree, that people who live here should reap the benefits from our community. Anyway we can be helpful we want to do that,” Kafoury said.
In 2016, Multnomah County Purchasing received national recognition for its work in the public procurement arena including: the Outstanding Agency Accreditation Award from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) and an achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACO). The Oregon Environmental Council recognized the county for its sustainable business practices and the Small Business Champion Award by the Business Diversity Institute in 2015-16.
“So why does purchasing deserve a month? The short answer is we have a lot to celebrate here in Multnomah County,” Smith said.
Click here to learn more about Multnomah County Purchasing opportunities and to read the annual report.
