Procurement Reform Recommendation #19

1. Procurement ReformRecommendation #19 • “DGS shall authorize individual signature authority for contracting and procurement officials based on position held, experience, training, and certification.”

2. Background • Team established to research issues • Surveys to departments to capture current environment • Best practices of other states/Federal Government • Ca. State Departments employ a wide variety of practices to grant signature authority • Many states and Federal Government have formal training and certification requirements

3. Policy • Executive Officers may sign contract and procurement documents, and may delegate that authority to executive level staff* • Authority for all other persons to sign contracting and procurement documents shall be granted by the Procurement Contracting Officer * Within delegation guidelines

4. Principles to Consider • Training and certification in accordance with guidance provided by DGS • The method of contracting or procurement employed • The good and/or service for which the department is contracting • The complexity and value of the contract or procurement

5. Principles to Consider (cont’d) • The delegated purchasing authority of the department • The knowledge, experience, and expertise of the person signing the contract “Granting signature authority is a selective process and will be based on experience with the principles of sound contracting and procurement policies, and demonstrated familiarity with the process of contract formation, execution and administration”

6. Policy Designed To • Provide checks and balances • Ensure accountability at appropriate level • Improve quality of state contracts and procurements • Enhance professional development

7. Implementation • In conjunction with Recommendation 8, Training and Certification Program • Implementation of Recommendation 1, Broadening the Delegated Purchasing Authority Program sandi.russell@dgs.ca.gov william.fackenthall@dgs.ca.gov