CITIZEN ADVOACY CENTER
GUIDE TO ILLINOIS PROCUREMENT -
INTRODUCTION
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What is Procurement?
The American Bar Association defines procurement as the buying, purchasing,
renting, leasing, or otherwise acquiring of supplies, services or
construction, and functions that pertain to the obtaining of any supply,
service, or construction. Model Procurement Code for State and Local
Govn'ts § 1-301(15) (1979). Similarly, DuPage County defines procurement
as "The process DuPage County follows when buying, purchasing, renting,
leasing, or otherwise acquiring any supplies, services, equipment
or construction." DuPage County, IL Code Art. 6 §2-300-1-101(2)(1999).
Who conducts Procurement?
All organizations engage in some form of procurement. The federal
government, the state government, county governments, and municipal
governments all engage in the procurement of supplies, services, construction
and equipment. After a government entity identifies which general
goods and services are needed, the procurement process determines
which specific goods and services will be purchased.
Why should citizens be concerned about Procurement?
The process by which a government organization decides from whom
it will obtain goods or services has important economic and political
consequences. From an economic perspective, the design of the procurement
process directly affects the efficiency with which an organization
spends tax dollars. The more efficient the procurement process, the
more goods and services can be purchased at a given level of funding.
The procurement process also has important political consequences.
Each procurement transaction places money from the collective coffer
into a vendor's private account. Consequently, procurement presents
an opportunity for government officials with the power to influence
the procurement process to reward individuals and firms who have supported
them in the past, or to curry favor with individuals and groups they
hope will support them in the future. Similarly, a firm seeking to
obtain a government contract has an incentive to maximize its economic
return on political contributions by targeting county officials who
can influence the procurement process.
The Citizen Advocacy Center, a non-partisan, 501(c)(3), non-profit
organization, is dedicated to building democracy for the 21st century
by strengthening the public's capacities, resources, and institutions
for self-government. The Center does not engage in partisan political
activities and does not endorse or oppose candidates.
If you are interested in more information, becoming a volunteer,
or making a tax-deductible contribution to the Center, please contact
us. Citizen Advocacy Center Phone: (630) 833-4080 182 N. York Rd.,
ELmhurst, IL 60126 Fax: (630) 833-4083
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