As a result of a 1999 partnership agreement between the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP), and Florida Atlantic University's College for Design and Social Inquiry, the Public Procurement Research Center was created to assist the public procurement profession by providing applied research, training, education and scholarly publication.  Moreover, the PPRC's purpose is to build a professional community of scholars and practitioners devoted to improved efficiency, equality and transparency in public procurement.

News Releases

IPPC5: Satisfaction Numbers Suggest a Logistic Success for NIGP

Building on their close and long standing relationship, NIGP and Florida Atlantic University have organized this year’s International Public Procurement Conference (IPPC). The conference is the leading event in the field that takes place every two years, and this occasion represented its 5th anniversary. IPPC5 was held on August 17-19 in Seattle, Washington.  The city of Seattle validated its designation of a wonderful location by serving as a warm and welcoming host to over 150 professionals, academics, students and NGO representatives, from over 30 countries.  The three conference days were filled with numerous insightful presentations, productive discussions and passionate exchanges of ideas.

Inter alia, the conference denoted an organizational landmark for NIGP. Although NIGP has a vast experience with academic events, this represented the first time that it coordinated an international conference of this scale. As the numbers of the post-conference survey have come in, based on the responses of 82 participants, it can be stated with confidence that IPPC5’s organization was a resounding success.  On average 93% of participants indicated satisfaction with the U.S. location, conference hotel and facilities; while 94% were satisfied with the conference materials (conference book, conference proceedings and the issues of Journal of Public Procurement). Reaching high levels of satisfaction was extremely important, in particular since for the majority of those responding (63%) indicated this represented their first IPPC conference. An impressive 95% of those who have completed the survey have suggested that they will consider attending the IPPC6, which will be held in Dublin, Ireland in 2014.

Taken together the conference provided a great opportunity for NIGP members to share their knowledge and to become informed on the latest developments in the field.  The event made clear that the current realities will inescapably increase the role played by public procurement in governance. Conferences such as IPPC provide the much needed platform for bridging the gap between scholarly research and knowledge derived form practice. The importance of such communication and collaborative efforts cannot be understated.  Within this context, NIGP will continue its efforts to provide an increasing number of educational and networking opportunities for its members.