Welcome to the Public Spend Forum (PSF) Public Procurement Critical Competencies Benchmarking survey. The survey is based on the Public Procurement Competency Model, which has been developed based on our work with the Volcker Alliance and NIGP. The original competency model, which was funded by the Volcker Alliance, has been modified into version 2.0 based on additional input from public procurement leaders, practitioners and academics from all levels of government. 

The goal of the survey is to help public sector leaders and stakeholders develop a better understanding of the needs of the public procurement workforce. The data from the survey can be used to both inform future strategies/actions for workforce development as well as to provide public sector leaders with benchmark data that can be used to develop organization specific plans.

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* Contact Information (optional)

SECTION A: Tell us about your organization by selecting one response option.

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* 1.  Please select the public-sector organization type that best describes your organization.

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* 2.  What is your role within the procurement function?

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* 3.  How many total employees are part of your procurement function (reporting up to the chief procurement officer or senior procurement executive)?

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* 4.  What is your organization’s total annual procurement spend (spending with suppliers) including all products and services?

SECTION B: How well does your public procurement function in general currently demonstrate each of the 17 competency areas listed and described below? For each of the 17 competency areas below, please select one of the following ratings:

      4 – Very Well – the knowledge/competency area is demonstrated widely with high proficiency
      3 – Reasonably Well – only minor improvements are needed within
            the knowledge/competency area
      2 – Improvement Needed – many improvements are needed within
            the knowledge/competency area
      1 – Significant Improvement Needed – the knowledge/competency
            are/is not currently demonstrated

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* GROUP 1: PROCESS AND POLICY COMPREHENSION
1A) POLICIES AND REGULATIONS: Understand the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations that govern procurement decisions and contract design. Apply these policies in a manner that enables innovative solutions to achieve desired outcomes rather than imposes constraints.
Comply with public policy mandates, such as procurement-related socioeconomic goals and support for disadvantaged businesses.

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* 1B) PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Provide effective coordination for the purchase of public goods and services through project planning, developing and executing schedules and time-lines, and managing for outcomes.

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* 1C) CONTRACTING PROCESS: Understand the mechanics of contracts and the contracting process, including the acquisition life cycle, elements of a contract, method and strategy, pricing techniques, competition, and principles of contract management. Understand electronic contract management systems and reporting tools that support contract workflow and data reporting.

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* GROUP 2: FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ANALYTICAL SKILLS
2A) REQUIREMENTS PLANNING AND UNDERSTANDING: Comprehend internal customer needs and desired outcomes; structure requirements for solicitations and contracts to support overall mission.

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* 2B) SPEND ANALYSIS: Understand past, current, and future projected spending. Leverage analysis of spend to inform procurement & sourcing strategies and inform compliance management to organization procurement policies.  

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* 2C) COST & PRICE ANALYSIS: Ensure that government is getting the best value in exchange for its investment, and understand alternative cost and price strategies and how they are influenced by requirements.

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* 2D) MARKET ANALYSIS: Understand supplier capabilities, costs, pricing, product and service trends, and overall supplier market dynamics.

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* 2E) PROBLEM SOLVING AND CRITICAL THINKING: Apply critical thinking skills to develop innovative solutions that balance internal customer needs, best practices, core mission objectives, and procurement regulations.

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* 2F) RISK ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT: Analyze and manage all aspects of financial, time line, performance, and legal risk associated with complex procurements.

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* 2G) NEGOTIATIONS: Develop and execute effective negotiation approaches based on a strong understanding of supplier costs and pricing strategies, and of product capabilities.

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* 2H) CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION: Work with internal customers to ensure suppliers are meeting agreed-on deliverables. Manage contract change orders with appropriate justifications. ensure government is providing suppliers with appropriate feedback and resources. Close out contracts efficiently and effectively.

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* GROUP 3: ENGAGEMENT & ALIGNMENT
3A) INTERNAL CUSTOMER ALIGNMENT AND EXPERTISE: Serve as a business adviser and manager throughout the procurement life cycle, and demonstrate a firm grasp of business goals.  Collaborate with internal customers to understand the mission or program objectives and requirements. Use influence to assist with defining and shaping procurement strategy, resolve disagreements, and obtain buy-in across departments and groups. Maintain a clear customer service mind-set.

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* 3B) MARKET ALIGNMENT AND EXPERTISE: Possess deep expertise in targeted industry sectors, including market trends, innovations, pricing and cost, competition, and best practices for structuring relationships. (Examples of targeted sectors common to public agencies include information technology, facilities management and services, and professional services.)

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* 3C) SUPPLIER ENGAGEMENT: Partner with suppliers throughout the procurement process to ensure proper understanding of internal customer requirements and needs. Provide ongoing management of relationships with suppliers through the entire process to ensure performance against requirements and alignment with broader mission goals.

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* GROUP 4: LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATION & DRIVING CHANGE
4A) LEADERSHIP: Focused on achieving results for the broader organization through team work and management, promoting the function, demonstrating integrity, and continually seeking out opportunities for individual and team learning and development.

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* 4B) COMMUNICATION: Communicate ideas, logic, and recommendations clearly, concisely, and effectively through both written and verbal communications. Develop effective presentations appropriately targeted for the audience with an emphasis on articulating key messages, and recommended actions supported by logic and fact base. 

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* 4C) DRIVING CHANGE: Work collaboratively across the organization in supporting mission goals through developing effective working relationships, and the ability to influence and persuade based on competence and professional value contribution. Work effectively within a context of facilitating and teaming/partnering with cross-functional teams from across the organization.

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