WHAT IS PUBLIC PROCUREMENT? DEFINITIONAL PROBLEMS …

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INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC procurement CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, VOLUME 3 2004 WHAT IS PUBLIC procurement ? DEFINITIONAL PROBLEMS AND IMPLICATIONS Robert E. Lloyd and Clifford P. McCue* ABSTRACT. At all levels of government, inconsistencies exist regarding the body of knowledge and terminology used to define PUBLIC procurement . Perspectives on what PUBLIC procurement is or should be vary from routine ordering to sophisticated analysis of government spending. DEFINITIONAL ambiguity has hampered attempts to define the field and unify its focus. This exploratory article examines the implications of the range of definitions that has led to debate and uncertainty about the proper role of PUBLIC procurement professionals. The lack of clarity in PUBLIC procurement challenges the profession as it seeks to enhance its competency and expand its influence beyond traditional control oriented roles.

finance, budgeting, and procurement. Robert E. Lloyd, CPCM, is Director, Policy Division, Office of the Procurement Executive, U.S. Department of State. His research interest is public procurement economics and human factors; the views are solely the authors’ and do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Government.

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