Procurement Management Review (PMR) / Level 2 Introduction

As many of you may be aware, the Department of General Services (DGS) / Division of Purchases and Supply (DPS) will be conducting a Procurement Management Review (PMR) of the VCCS. The PMR is a standard practice for DGS/DPS that is typically done every 3-5 years. The review will be a deep dive assessment of the VCCS Procure-to-Pay function across the organization. As such, it will impact everyone involved in purchasing goods and services -- including but not limited to individuals requesting goods and services, eVA end users, SSC Buyers, SSC A/P specialists, and individuals responsible for entering receiving in eVA. It will be a whole-of-VCCS effort, and we are in this together.

If our PMR results are satisfactory, there will be an opportunity for us to apply for Level 2 Delegated Authority for the Procurement of Goods and Services. Achieving this objective has been a long-running goal of the VCCS. And, through the years of maturation of our Procure-to-Pay function, the achievement is within our reach. This is no small feat! It has only become possible by the collective efforts of all Colleges, the System Office, and the SSC.

With a successful Procurement Level 2 Delegation of Authority, the VCCS will be allowed much greater flexibility with our purchasing procedures. This flexibility will make purchasing easier and faster for our Colleges -- i.e., it will reduce the administrative burden for many of the purchases our Colleges make.

The SSC understands that many Colleges are extremely busy with meeting the higher education needs of your communities and your time is very limited. The Level 2 program has been discussed with the SSC Management Council, the SSC Executive Council, the Technology Council, and most recently, the VCCS Advisory Council of Presidents (ACOP).

While the SSC will lead this VCCS-wide effort, College involvement is critically important. College perspectives and input are needed throughout the process. For example, Colleges will be needed to:

• Assist in the development of procedures that impact Colleges
• Participate in the development of the VCCS "Informal Competition" procedure for purchases under $200k
• Help with the review of end-user training
• Aid with the development of expanded Business Rules (internal policies)

To ensure effective communications and participation, PLEASE send the names of your College participants to Rainy Webb (rwebb@ssc.vccs.edu).

In the coming days, we will engage with representatives from the Colleges, listen to your feedback, and ensure you are kept up to date on the progress and status of our collective efforts.

Thank you very much for being a valued partner as we strive to obtain Procurement Level 2 Delegated Authority for Goods and Services for the benefit of all Colleges.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact SSC Customer Engagement at 877-340-5577 or help@ssc.vccs.edu.