When local companies meet state’s needs, we win
As someone who comes from a long career in the private sector, I understand that doing business with the state government can be a difficult process. However, I also have come to realize that it is absolutely worth the time and resources needed to make this possible.
Each year, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services manages over 800 public-private contracts that total in value at more than $1.2 billion in agency and statewide spending. As the state’s chief operating officer and executive director of OMES, it’s my job to ensure Oklahoma is getting the best value for its money. For over three decades, I have built a career creating better financial and business processes for some of America’s largest companies. This experience has helped me realize there are inherent issues at the state level that need to be evaluated and changed in order for us to better serve our communities and help local businesses more easily seek out partnerships with the state.
We need to empower local businesses to meet the needs of our state government, which in turn will provide better services for our citizens.
Many Oklahoma businesses are small operations with only a handful of employees. Often, these entities don’t have the time or resources to investigate opportunities with the state or draw up large bids and wait to find out if they were awarded a state contract. That, coupled with a historically cumbersome sign-up process, discourages suppliers from seeking profitable and critical projects within government that could help them grow. The fact of the matter is that, predominantly, only large corporations come to the table to bid on state projects. Unfortunately, this means less competition in the marketplace and less options for state agencies to choose from.
Your state government is actively improving internal procurement processes to make doing business with the state faster and easier. In addition to these improvements, a collaborative effort is underway between our state agencies. Oklahoma will host the first-ever State Suppliers Expo on Oct. 19 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
This free, come-and-go event will seek to bridge the gap between the state and local businesses. We invite companies from all over Oklahoma to participate and learn about the state’s top current and upcoming projects and hear live speakers throughout the day. Prospective suppliers also will have the chance to learn how to sign up to do business with the state and how to bid on projects. This includes everything from infrastructure, energy, technology and public safety, to agriculture, health, human services and education. We need to empower local businesses to meet the needs of our state government, which in turn will provide better services for our citizens.
When more local companies fulfill the state’s needs, Oklahoma wins. The state’s executive leadership is empowering the public and private sectors to come together and collaborate in a way that’s never been done before. By combining both worlds, we get better outcomes, provide better services and drive innovation. Additionally, this is our chance to invest money back into our own economies, and we will do whatever we can to help local businesses have a seat at the table. Filling the gaps to drive efficiencies is my priority. It’s time our neighbors on Main Street have a clear path to opportunities with the state.