Baltimore City is celebrating two years of progress in its ongoing effort to modernize procurement operations.
Baltimore City, led by the Bureau of Procurement (BOP), which manages nearly $1 billion in annual purchasing, has focused on improving efficiency, building staff capacity, and enhancing training and leadership. Since 2023, senior procurement specialists have increased from 5 to 15. This investment in talent has contributed to faster contract registration, quicker vendor payments, and better use of the city’s purchasing power.
From the press release:
The improvements we’re making to the procurement process are about getting the most bang for the Baltimore taxpayers’ buck. We take our financial responsibilities seriously, and that shows in the work we’ve done to modernize outdated systems and cut red tape for folks who want to do business with the city, said Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
In July 2024, BOP launched web-based procurement training modules for city employees. More than 300 courses have already been completed, helping to build a more consistent and professional procurement culture across departments. Chief Administrative Officer Faith Leach said the next phase of reforms will focus on using procurement as a strategic tool to support innovation, grow local business opportunities, and strengthen economic development.
Mayor Scott launched the reform initiative in 2021, directing city leadership to assess and overhaul outdated procurement systems, policies, and tools. Baltimore’s experience offers a valuable model for other jurisdictions looking to modernize procurement and improve service delivery.
