Conclusion

Changing the ingrained dynamics of public procurement requires a transformative vision that is people-centered, accessible, and open. Despite the complex procurement landscape of regulatory and compliance structures, antiquated requirements, legacy systems, and frequent vendor and solution lock-in, there are several opportunities for real progress. While much of state procurement reform falls squarely in the lane of improved public administration, opportunities to improve the way governments buy, build, and manage technology can be maximized through innovation and cross-sector collaboration that lifts up what works and adjusts what does not.

Smarter public procurement practices are just one aspect of improving safety net program delivery and access, but a clear foundational approach can lead to meaningful advancements to better ensure that people who are eligible for benefits can safely access and trust the systems that deliver them. The implementation of many of the recommendations identified in this report does not need a large amount of new funding, political will, or the latest technology. Instead, many are manageable and actionable changes that can be folded into a larger and incremental approach to greatly improve outcomes for families and individuals. With the right incentives and support, the culture and practice of public procurement can be reconceptualized toward improving the provision of government digital solutions and the impact it has on people’s access to information, services, and programs.