Retaining Top Talent in the Federal Government

When it comes to the world of procurement, experienced staff members are in demand now more than ever. As the industry evolves with advancements in automation, analytics and technology, organizations need proficient acquisition professionals with a broad range of skills beyond the traditional Request for ‘X’ (RFX) processes. These individuals not only have a deep understanding of the market but also possess the technical skills needed to manage complex procurement systems and processes in a compliant manner.

However, the rapid pace of change can make it challenging for organizations to recruit and retain top talent. No entity is experiencing this more acutely than agencies within the U.S. federal government. As a result, procurement leaders are tasked with finding ways to retain their best and brightest staff members, while continuing to keep abreast of commercial best practices.

Strengthening Teams and Navigating Risks

Every year, the federal government initiates four million new contracts and orders. However, due to limited central capacity for analytics and insights, there has been a struggle to compare prices and terms both across and within agencies, hindering the ability to maximize the benefits of the U.S. Government's scale as a buyer. The Better Contracting Initiative (BCI) is looking to leverage data across Federal agencies to drive best value in support of the agency's mission and for the taxpayer.

In addition to these challenges, procurement leaders are tasked with ensuring their teams can function effectively on a large scale amidst ever-changing rules and regulations. Since 2017, the federal procurement budget has increased by $137 billion, while the acquisition workforce has grown by about 3,200 workers. Despite this growth, there is a shortage of Federal contracting officers (1102s), and attrition rates are higher than in the overall civilian workforce. Without clear direction or understanding of procurement options, teams may create additional inefficiencies that could impact their agency's overall mission.

To mitigate these risks, tools like Amazon Business' Guided Buying allows users to set their purchasing preferences upfront, ensuring that buyers can find the required or mandatory items in the most efficient and compliant way possible. This includes adhering to certifications and regulations like Section 889, AbilityOne®, and others, thereby ensuring procurement operations remain compliant while also being efficient and effective.

Easy Purchasing Experience

In today's age, consumers crave a frictionless buying experience that offers convenience, responsiveness, reliability and quality. Amazon Business' 2024 State of Procurement Report found that over one-third (38%) of business buyers now prefer to order products from a supplier e-commerce website versus a direct sales model, and nearly half (45%) prefer to reorder through e-commerce channels.

Given this shift in commercial buyer preferences, it's crucial for federal procurement teams to integrate these e-commerce solutions into their routine operations. This can be achieved by simplifying processes, automating tasks, and digitizing manual procedures, which leads to streamlined workflows and increased agility within the procurement organization. Moreover, the introduction of features like Request for Quote (which meets the competitive intent of the FAR) or Bulk Buying allows agencies to request pricing for multiple items or large quantities from sellers, further enhancing the convenience and efficiency of the procurement process.

Also, Amazon Business features the ability to integrate into commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and government off-the-shelf (GOTS) e-procurement systems including Punchout, e-Invoicing, Integrated Search and more. Integrating purchasing systems simplifies both managed spend and tail spend purchases. Leveraging these integrations can enhance team efficiency in any organization. Coupled with strong leadership and a focus on team development, these tools support a culture of empowerment, which is instrumental in attracting and retaining top talent. By combining advanced e-procurement technology with effective managerial strategies, leaders can optimize their procurement processes and maintain a competitive edge in talent management.

Reliable Suppliers

In any procurement function, suppliers are the lifeblood that feeds the organization. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped consumer ideas around purchasing and sustainability, and impacts on supply chains. The 2024 State of Procurement Report found that the majority (81%) of survey participants stated that they now have mandates to purchase from various types of certified sellers, reflecting a growing internal emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Part of the BCI highlights the importance of selecting suppliers who resonate with an organization's values and goals. It also stresses the need to get contract requirements right the first time, to avoid expensive adjustments or re-negotiations and to promote competition in government contracting.

Adaptability and Efficiency

Flexibility and multiple acquisition options are a crucial aspect of unleashing a high-performing procurement team. This refers to flexible work arrangements to include work from home, but also to the options on how procurement tasks are carried out. Ordering on Amazon Business is available 24/7, accessible to requisitioners and their buyers wherever they work (office buildings, military bases, installations, etc), including using a mobile app to access millions of products, keeping the mission momentum intact.

The fulfillment experience we’ve become accustomed to as consumers, is available to the federal procurement community, delivering a near real-time ordering and fulfillment experience with positive impact on both the buyers and their customers. Such flexibility includes setting delivery preferences at the most convenient time and place decided by the customer.

The world of procurement is undergoing a rapid transformation that requires talented and proficient staff members who can keep up with the changes and deliver value to their organizations. This is especially true for the U.S. federal government, which faces unique challenges in modernizing its procurement processes to support its diverse and complex missions. Procurement leaders in the federal government need to find ways to retain their top talent, while also strengthening their teams, navigating risks, ensuring an easy purchase experience, choosing reliable suppliers, and fostering adaptability and efficiency. Procurement teams that follow through on these principles will be best positioned to cultivate top talent within the federal government.