Mayor Pro Tem Chitovella proclaims March as National Procurement Month, honors Austin procurement staff

Mayor Pro Tem Chitovella read a proclamation on March 12 recognizing March as National Procurement Month and honoring the Austin Financial Services Central Procurement Division for its role in sustaining city operations.

"We're here to recognize the incredible work of Austin Financial Services Central Procurement Division as we recognize March as National Procurement Month," Chitovella said, noting the division’s history of national awards. He said procurement work touches "nearly every service the city provides" and helps preserve taxpayer dollars through transparent, competitive processes.

Chitovella pointed to the division’s record of achievement: "For the past 12 years, this team has received the achievement of excellence in procurement from the National Procurement Institute," an award the proclamation described as reflecting high standards in innovation, professionalism and leadership. The proclamation also cited the division’s work to advance minority- and women-owned business participation, local and small business initiatives, and living and prevailing wage efforts.

Matt Duree, introduced as division chief of the grama division at the Austin Financial Services Department, thanked staff and said the small group attending represented a larger team. "We have another 80 to 100 staff that work very hard day in and day out that aren't here," Duree said, dedicating the recognition to those employees.

The council paused for a photo with procurement staff following the proclamation. No formal council action or vote was associated with the recognition.

The proclamation cites the Institute for Public Procurement’s designation of National Procurement Month and frames the recognition as an opportunity to highlight public procurement’s contribution to efficient, ethical competition and stewardship of city resources.