Historically, procurement has often been something of a backwater of state and local government management. But when the pandemic hit, procurement officers suddenly became either the heroes or the goats of government service. Shortages of masks, ventilators, cleaning equipment, and even toilet paper seized the public’s attention and provoked calls for reform.

Now, with the aid of vaccinations, the pandemic has been waning. But many in government continue to be focused on ways to improve their procurement practices. Even though the pandemic has been a singular event, other emergencies can easily smash supply chains, leading to shortages of necessary goods and services.

• Publication date: August 2021
• Authors: Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene