Procurement
The SPCOD regularly liaises with procurement personnel in
other organizations, openly sharing information on best practic-
es and lessons learned. Our internal documents, such as decks
and briefing notes, are shared if requested wherever possible.
Often the same initiatives occur across departments and the
time and effort that can be saved by sharing work already un-
dertaken is substantial. Open discussion and sharing ideas have
led to the SPCOD finding successful alternative sourcing strat-
egies for critical commodities. This type of community-minded
efficiency will be critical to the success of the whole PG group.
The CBSA’s contracting team is attempting to positively
transform the PG community in the agency, and ultimately to
influence the PG community across the government. As our
efforts begin to take root and the outcome of our hard work
becomes apparent, the SPCOD grows ever more motivated to
continue this task of leading change within the PG group.
In times of transformation, it is easy to see only obstacles
and challenges and not the opportunity. With changing expec-
tations, staffing challenges and scarce resources, contracting
teams across the federal government may feel daunted, as alone
these hurdles may seem insurmountable. But we don’t have
to face them alone. I think this is a thrilling time to be a PG: a
time to make real change and shape the future of the PG group.
Working together, our community has the chance to shine and
we must rise to this challenge with optimism.
The ideal approach is for this change to start from the top
with leadership and support from the most senior levels. This
support for our group, and belief in our value and what we can
achieve, is key to achieving the vision for the PG community
within the federal government.
In the meantime, we can take steps together to make a differ-
ence in our community. We can invest in our people, staff more
creatively and openly, engage students and simply talk to each
other. We can continue to promote the PG group as partners
and business enablers who fundamentally influence an orga-
nization’s success. With senior support in place we can better
tackle professionalization, tools, certification and career paths.
The approach I put forward might be revolution ary and would
require a fair amount of work to become reality. But with impas-
sioned leadership and true agents for change to drive this vision
forward, I believe we can achieve it. The result will be a vibrant,
capable PG community that enables business, protects the gov-
ernment’s interests and whom clients value as a partner. We can
fundamentally help the federal government to achieve its agen-
da. This is a vision for the procurement group that we can be
proud to be a part of.
Jessica Sultan is director, Strategic Procurement and Materiel
Management Division, at the comptrollership branch of the
Canada Border Services Agency.
For more information on the program, contact Rosa Paliotti,
director, Acquired Services and Assets Sector Communities
Management
Office,
at
[email protected]
or 613-369-3147.
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SUPPLY CHAIN CANADA • QUARTER 1 2017 • 19