The Ghosts of Procurement Precedents Past

The Ghosts of Procurement Precedents Past

10/31/2024

By: Chris Smith

On a cold Halloween night, the Procurement Office was dark and quiet, save for the soft rustle of papers. Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a chill swept through the room as the eerie spirits of Procurement Precedents Past began to materialize. Their voices echoed, each one a remnant of “the way things were always done.”

The first ghost floated forward, clutching a dusty, yellowed contract. “I am the ghost of We-Always-Did-It-This-Way!” it wailed. “Why change when we’ve been doing it like this for decades? Procurement approved it before—what’s the harm in doing it again?”

Shivering, the team gathered around, trying to ignore the ghostly whispers. But then, another spirit appeared, cloaked in shadow, muttering, “I am the ghost of Previously Approved Contracts! Even if policies have changed, why not just keep signing off?”

One brave team member spoke up. “But times are different now,” she argued, trying to ward off the apparitions. “We have new regulations, updated standards…even modern technology that could make these processes better!”

At her words, the ghosts howled in protest. “Change is dangerous!” they cried. “What worked in the past will surely work in the future. Why take risks by doing things differently?”

But as the clock struck midnight, a third figure appeared—glowing with a radiant, modern energy. This was the Spirit of Procurement Yet to Come, a guide to innovation, transparency, and compliance. “Let go of old habits,” it urged, its voice calm and steady. “True procurement excellence means adapting, evolving, and learning from the past—not repeating it.”

The Procurement team nodded in agreement, feeling the weight of the ghosts lift as they embraced the idea of moving forward. With a final, fading wail, the Ghosts of Procurement Precedents Past drifted back into the shadows, leaving behind a room filled with renewed purpose, clarity, and a commitment to do things the right way, not just the familiar way.

And from that Halloween onward, the team kept those ghosts at bay by remembering that procurement isn’t just about repeating history but improving upon it.

About the Author

Chris Smith, MBA, PMP, VCA, VCARM

Chris Smith is a dedicated and experienced leader in public procurement, committed to advancing excellence, efficiency, and integrity across all aspects of government purchasing. With a strong foundation in procurement management and certifications including PMP, VCA, and VCARM, Chris brings a wealth of expertise to his role as a Contract Specialist II with Fairfax County.

An active member of VAGP and NIGP, Chris is also engaged with MPPA and NIGP-DC (serving DC, VA, and MD chapters). Known for championing transparency, collaboration, and procurement best practices, Chris leverages his extensive knowledge to inspire and connect procurement professionals on LinkedIn and in professional forums. His mission: to drive public procurement forward to higher levels of performance, accountability, and strategic impact, one informed decision at a time.

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