March 2023: Procurement Month

WHEREAS, public procurement is an essential function of state government, providing for the purchase of goods and services necessary for the safe, effective operations of the state, including education, health and human services, transportation, administration, and more; and,

WHEREAS, the work of the state procurement office benefits state agencies, citizens, and entrepreneurs alike through fiscally responsible investments and effective use of taxpayer dollars for state operations; and,

WHEREAS, public procurement requires specific knowledge and skills to maintain fair and competitive bid practices, conduct thorough market research, administer effective negotiations for the mutual benefit of the state and supplier, and successfully monitor and evaluate all state contracts; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is supported by a qualified and dedicated state procurement staff who exemplify professionalism and understand the importance of the work they perform; and,

WHEREAS, the month of March has been designed as National Procurement Month;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as Procurement Month in Michigan and call upon all citizens and state employees to familiarize themselves with the activities required in providing quality, ethical purchases for our state, and the effort that the Michigan Procurement Office puts forward every day to ensure these activities are carried out with the utmost professionalism.