Message from the Director of Purchasing

During Fiscal Year 2011 Broward County experienced similar economic challenges as our counterparts in both the public and private sector.  Broward County has, for the past several years, taken affirmative steps to address these challenges by making organizational, operational, and fiscal policy changes.  As part of this progression, the Purchasing Division advanced numerous strategies to improve and to incorporate best practices in the procurement process to optimize efficiency.

I am pleased to submit the Purchasing Division’s Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Report (PDF). It provides comprehensive information about the Division’s achievements, major activities, business intelligence, performance, and benchmarking during the past fiscal year, including our organizational structure, and other general information concerning the Division’s responsibilities, and organizational focus.

In Fiscal Year 2011, 58,732 contract awards were processed totaling $561,849,353.  Our procurement analysis reveals that Broward County plays a vital role in being an economic engine in the local and state community as well as a strategic partner.  More than half (55%) of Broward’s tax dollars are circulating within the county; almost three-quarters (74%) within the tri-county area (Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade); and over three-quarters (78.4%) within the State of Florida. 

The Purchasing Division amended various operational policies in 2011 to enhance transparency in how business is conducted and to expand process efficiency.  Major changes include the increase of the mandatory bid amount from $30,000 to $50,000 and the amendment to the Cone of Silence policy, which prohibits communication between vendors and various Broward County members during a formal competitive process, strengthening the ethics and integrity of the process.  In addition, ongoing process improvements over the past years has resulted in the reduction of procurement processing times, regardless of the method of source selection, procurement type, or dollar threshold.

The attention to procurement excellence by Purchasing Division staff continues to garner positive recognition by purchasing professional peers and organizations.  In 2011, the Division received numerous awards for innovation, leadership, professionalism, productivity, publications and e-procurement.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation for the continuing support of the Broward County Commission, County Administrator, and all county employees.  A special thank-you to those who contributed to this report and to my entire staff for their unending dedication in providing “Our Best. Nothing Less.” service to Broward County.

 
Brenda J. Billingsley

Director

View the Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Report (PDF)

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