Procurement Pulse - April 2025
Procurement Pulse
Volume 1, Issue 3 | From the Office of Procurement and Contract management
Publication Date: April 03, 2025
Information Beat
Did you Know?
Did you know that collaborative purchasing agreements in higher education can save institutions up to 20% on goods and services? By leveraging system-wide contracts and cooperative procurement strategies, colleges and universities not only drive cost savings but also reduce administrative burden and improve compliance. As procurement teams navigate increasingly complex supplier landscapes, the emphasis on shared contracts and strategic sourcing continues to grow—making collaboration one of the most powerful tools in higher ed procurement today.
Behind the Buy: Procurement in Action
Did you know that Minnesota State Colleges and Universities processes over 30,000 purchase orders each year across its 33 colleges and universities? From lab equipment and library subscriptions to IT services and construction contracts, the procurement teams behind the scenes ensure that each transaction supports student success while maintaining compliance, transparency, and value. It is a massive operation—and one that showcases the critical role procurement plays in keeping higher education running smoothly.
From the Office of Procurement and Contract Management
Celebrating Procurement Excellence Across Minnesota State
March was National Procurement Month, and Minnesota State proudly recognized the essential role procurement professionals play in supporting our mission. Through innovation, collaboration, and resilience—especially during our transition to Workday—your work continues to make a lasting impact. Special thanks to the Procurement Month Recognition Team for making this celebration a success.
This year’s Procurement Month Awards honored exceptional contributions from across the system:
- Process Improvement Award: Gina Walkup, Bemidji State University
- Systemness Award: Katie Nelson, Metro State University
- Expanding Supplier Relationships Award: Wayne Wolden, Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Innovation Award: A team from MSU, Mankato including Diane Huettl, Teresa Cox, Jake Flo, Jill Rollings, Julie Haskins, Cheryl Miller, Ranae Hiniker, Steve Smith, and Anne Gillespie
These honorees have shown exceptional leadership in advancing supplier diversity and inclusive procurement practices.
Contract Renewals
Contracts that are executed on an annual basis, where a new contract is issued each year for the same or substantially similar scope of work, shall be considered a single, continuous contract for the purposes of determining total contract term and value. The cumulative duration and financial obligation of such agreements must adhere to the applicable Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota State procurement policies governing contract limits, approval thresholds, and reporting requirements.
Reasoning and Compliance Requirements
- Regulatory Adherence: State law and Minnesota State policy require that contract term limits and financial thresholds be assessed in aggregate, rather than on a per-year basis, to ensure transparency, proper approvals, and compliance with public procurement regulations.
- Risk of Non-Compliance: Failure to consider the total term and value of recurring contracts may result in unauthorized commitments, violations of competitive bidding requirements, and audit findings that could lead to financial penalties or contract invalidation.
- Contract Management Best Practices: Tracking contracts as a cumulative commitment prevents contract fragmentation, ensures strategic financial planning, and upholds fiduciary responsibility within the system.
All institutions must ensure that multi-year or recurring agreements are properly reviewed for total contract term and value before execution. Contract managers must work with legal and procurement teams to confirm compliance before renewal or reissuance.
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Supplier Diversity
Minnesota State is taking significant strides toward enhancing supplier diversity across its campuses. The goal of this initiative is to advance economic growth and prosperity within the communities they serve by promoting business opportunities for historically underutilized minority-owned, women-owned, and disability-owned enterprises. Disclaimer Department and employees are encouraged to review all available options and follow established procurement guidelines when considering vendor solutions.
26th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair: Empowering Small Businesses
The 26th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair is set to take place on April 17, 2025, at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. This highly anticipated event serves as a vital platform for small businesses looking to engage with government agencies and prime contractors. Organized by the Small and Developing Business Opportunities Council (SADBOC) in collaboration with the Minnesota APEX Accelerator, the fair provides small businesses with the opportunity to connect with representatives from over 60 federal, state, and local agencies, as well as commercial contractors and nonprofit organizations.
The event features 21 workshops across four tracks, covering essential topics such as government contracting, business development, and marketing strategies. Minnesota State Procurement and Facilities will be putting on an hour-long presentation to help small businesses understand who we are and how to engage in business with Minnesota State and its campuses. Ryan Reis, System Director of Facilities Design and Construction, Justine Pliska, Program Manager, and Mo Yusuf, Supplier Diversity Manager, will be presenting.
With its combination of networking, education, and direct engagement with procurement officials, the 26th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair continues to be a valuable event for small businesses seeking government contracts.
If you wish to participate, please contact Mo Yusuf
Supplier Spotlight
Flourish, LLC is a small woman-owned graphic design studio founded in 2008 and proudly based in South Minneapolis. Led by Meg Olson, Flourish specializes in creating thoughtful and compelling design solutions that elevate brands and communicate ideas effectively. With experience working on various design projects for Aveda, New Balance, Caribou, Target, Sears, and The Minnesota State Fair, Flourish has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful visuals that align with each brand’s unique identity.
Offering a comprehensive range of graphic design services—including digital and print design, logo creation, branding, and impact reporting—Flourish is particularly experienced in sustainability and cause-driven initiatives. The studio also excels in designing publications and infographics, transforming complex data into clear, visually engaging narratives.
Meg’s approach to customer service is rooted in active listening, collaboration, and a commitment to providing creative solutions that are smart, practical, and budget-conscious. With a keen eye for design and a strategic mindset, Flourish ensures that every project is crafted with precision and purpose.
Flourish, LLC is located in Minneapolis, MN
SWIFT- 0000359922
Marketplace Administration
Fun Fact
Approvers are able to determine which workflow steps they are assigned to by going into their profile -> Ordering and Approval Settings -> View Assigned Approval Folders.
In this area, you can refine the approval folders by clicking on the "Type" dropdown and view the sourcing or contracts folders. This may be helpful in assigning substitutes while out of office or informing others on your assignment.
Sourcing Sync
Tariffs May be Coming: What You Need to Know in Public Procurement
In today’s global economy, procurement professionals must remain agile and informed—especially when navigating international trade policies. One such policy that is drawing attention in 2025 is the reimplementation and expansion of tariffs. But what exactly does that mean for our work in procurement and contract management?. Training topic courtesy of NASPO Procurement U
What are Tariffs?
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods, making them more expensive for consumers and businesses. These taxes are often used to protect domestic industries or to generate revenue.
Why it Matters for Procurement and Contract Management
How does it impact you? As a procurement professional, understanding tariffs is crucial. It can help you anticipate contract cost changes, adjust budgets accordingly, and make strategic procurement decisions that align with financial and supply chain strategies.
The effects of tariffs can be wide-ranging. The most immediate affects are price increases. Tariffs can result in higher cost for goods and materials that get passed on to the consumer. Another potential effect is supply-chain disruptions. Tariffs can limit supplier options, which can delay the supply chain. Lastly, tariffs is one of many factors that can lead to inflation because the increased cost of imported goods can drive up prices across the economy.
Types of Tariffs
- Ad Valorem Tariffs. Tariffs that are a percentage-based tax. The tax is calculated as a percentage of the value of the imported goods.
- Specific Tariffs. Tariffs that are fixed-amount per unit. A set dollar amount is charged for each unit of the imported item, regardless of its value.
- Retaliatory Tariffs. Tariffs that are imposed in response to other countries’ trade policies, often as a means of exerting economic pressure or as a form of protest against perceived unfair practices.
Strategic Responses for Public Procurement
Being proactive is key. Here are several strategies to mitigate potential disruptions:
- Renegotiating or locking in prices with suppliers to include a fixed-price agreement or escalation clause that cap price increases to shield against sudden increases in costs.
- Assess the cost-benefit of sourcing from domestic manufacturers that may be less affected by international trade fluctuations, supporting local economics while controlling costs.
- Explore alternative materials for specific project components where feasible, ensuring that safety and quality remain uncompromised.
- Stay informed about tariff trends and regulatory changes that could affect your procurement strategy
Resources: Procurement Tariffs 2025 and What Purchases Need to Know About Tariffs
New Master Contracts
Staffing Services
The Professional and Technical Services Master Contract between Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and Insight Global, LLC is designed to provide staff augmentation services. The contract covers recruitment, hiring, and management of contract employees for Minnesota State, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Prior to purchasing off this contract:
- Review Minnesota Statue 43A.047
- Staff must consult with their local HR department to ensure compliance with labor union considerations and verify alignment with HR policies.
For any questions regarding this contract, please contact Tim Anderson at the Minnesota State System Office.
Stay Connected
Resource Hub: Access policies, templates, and training materials on our Procurement Community Site (internal employee access only).
Suggest a Topic: What would you like to see in future editions? Share your feedback procurement@minnstate.edu.
Thank you for being part of Minnesota State’s procurement community. Together, we are building a more efficient, equitable, and resilient supply chain that reflects the diversity of our students and communities. Stay tuned for our next edition on May 08, 2025!