The N.C. Department of Information Technology's Statewide IT Procurement Office has received the prestigious National Procurement Institute Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® award.
This esteemed award recognizes public agencies that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in procurement practices, such as innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership and e-Procurement.
“This is a significant recognition within the public procurement profession, highlighting organizations that go beyond minimum requirements and embrace innovative solutions,” said NCDIT’s Chief IT Procurement Officer James Tanzosch. “This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time NCDIT has received the award.”
NCDIT was among 216 winners, including 85 cities, 48 counties, 23 special districts, 26 school districts, 15 higher education agencies and seven state or provincial agencies.
Unlike other procurements, IT services and solutions that state agencies purchase must meet specific technological, cybersecurity and privacy standards to comply with state policies and laws. This requires several divisions within NCDIT to coordinate, review and authorize all aspects of the procurement, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
The Statewide IT Procurement Office has developed a 10-step process to streamline the necessary IT procurement procedures while ensuring that the products and services are thoroughly vetted.
NCDIT is now working toward the goal of completing statewide IT procurements within 90 days so that state agencies can more efficiently implement the tools and technologies they need to best serve the people of North Carolina.
“Optimizing North Carolina’s IT procurement processes to drive efficiency and help government move at the speed of innovation remains one of our top priorities,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. “This recognition reflects the creativity and commitment of our team to finding better, faster ways to serve our state.”
Highlights listed in NCDIT’s award-winning 2025 application include:
“Continued Pursuit of Excellence” as illustrated by NCDIT’s procurement automation program, which includes generative AI and software robots to handle repetitive tasks to enhance efficiency and accuracy
Use of electronic sourcing, which includes online vendor registration, automatic vendor notification, posting of the solicitation and the resulting tabulations as well as the award documentation
Use of data analytics, dashboard reporting and key performance measures to allow greater transparency and effectiveness of procurement activities
Adoption of state statute and the Statewide IT Procurement Office's use of the Best Value procurement method
Education level of professional staff members whereby more than 75% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
The National Procurement Institute’s Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® award, established in 1995, continues to be a benchmark for recognizing excellence in public procurement. Visit the National Procurement Institute for more information about the award.
Visit the NCDIT Statewide IT Procurement Office for more information.