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Public Procurement Workforce Competency National Survey

Welcome to the Public Spend Forum (PSF) Public Procurement Critical Competencies and Skills Rating national survey.  We are pleased to roll out the Public Procurement Competency Model (PPCM) and this survey.  Developed initially with Volcker Alliance and evolved through partnership with academics and experts throughout the country, public procurement associations and other partners, the PPCM is rapidly being adopted across the public sector.  Our goal for this survey is to develop a baseline of the procurement workforce that informs future strategies/actions for workforce development as well as provide you benchmarking data that you can use to inform your organization's workforce plans.
SECTION A: Tell us about your organization by selecting one response option.
1.  Please select the public-sector organization type that best describes your organization.(Required.)
2.  What is your role within the procurement function?(Required.)
3.  How many total employees are part of your procurement function (reporting up to the chief procurement officer or senior procurement executive)?(Required.)
4.  What is your organization’s total annual procurement spend (spending with suppliers) including all products and services?(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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.  
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
2D) MARKET ANALYSIS: Understand supplier capabilities, costs, pricing, product and service trends, and overall supplier market dynamics.
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
2F) RISK ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT: Analyze and manage all aspects of financial, time line, performance, and legal risk associated with complex procurements.
(Required.)
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
2G) NEGOTIATIONS: Develop and execute effective negotiation approaches based on a strong understanding of supplier costs and pricing strategies, and of product capabilities.
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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.)
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
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. 
(Required.)
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
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.
(Required.)
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
Contact Information (optional)
We will share results of the survey with all participants. Responses will only be used for the purpose of reporting aggregate results, without attributing individual responses. We thank you for your participation in this survey and will alert you when the findings are published.