School of Procurement- History

Summary

In 1933, during the Great Depression, Governor Herman G. Comer created a centralized state purchasing agency to replace numerous smaller buying units across the government. This move aimed to ensure more efficient, economical, and honest purchasing practices amid limited state funds. An executive order mandated all purchases go through a state director, and many aspects of this system remain in place today, including public notices for bids and transparency of purchasing documents. In 1935, the Department of Purchases was formally established, with a continued mission to ensure cost-effective procurement for taxpayers.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ A central state purchasing agency was created by Governor Comer to replace smaller purchasing units in state government.
• 📉 This reform occurred during the Great Depression, a time when state funds were extremely limited.
• 🛑 Governor Herman G. Comp issued an executive order on August 4th, 1933, requiring all state purchases to be made by the Director of Purchases.
• 📜 Many components of this 1933 executive order, such as public notice for bids and assistance to local governments, are still in place today.
• 🔍 All purchasing documents are considered public record, ensuring transparency in state procurement.
• 🗳️ State Democratic Chairman Robert G. Kelly called the creation of the Department of Purchases one of the most far-reaching state reforms.
• 💰 The department's establishment allowed the state to purchase goods efficiently, economically, and honestly.
• 🏛️ In 1935, the legislative session passed a bill that formally created the Department of Purchases.
• ⚖️ Over the years, the purchasing division was under the oversight of various departments.
• 💡 Today, the division continues to adhere to its core principles, focusing on prudent and fair spending to maximize taxpayer savings while offering guidance to state agencies.

Q & A

What agency was created by Governor Comer?

A central state purchasing agency was created by Governor Comer.

Why was the central state purchasing agency created?

The agency was created to supplant the numerous small buying units within state government, improving efficiency and ensuring more prudent spending.

What historical event was happening during the creation of the purchasing agency?

The Great Depression was ongoing during this time, significantly impacting state funds.

What was Governor Herman G. Comer's action in 1933 related to purchasing?

Governor Herman G. Comer issued an executive order on August 4th, 1933, requiring that all purchases be made by the State Director of Purchases.

Which components of the 1933 executive order are still in place today?

Components such as the purchasing division's authority to buy on behalf of state agencies, public notice for solicitations, assistance to local governments, and ensuring all purchasing documents are public records remain in place today.

What did Democratic Chairman Robert G. Kelly say about the Department of Purchases?

He said that the creation of the Department of Purchases was one of the most far-reaching reforms the state had experienced, allowing the state to buy efficiently, economically, and honestly.

When was the bill formally creating the Department of Purchases passed?

The bill was passed during the 1935 legislative session.

Which department had oversight of the purchasing division in its early years?

The purchasing division fell under the oversight of various departments during its formative years.

What is the current mission of the purchasing division?

The current mission is to provide prudent and fair spending practices in procuring quality goods and services at the lowest cost to state taxpayers by maximizing efficiencies and offering guidance to their customers.

How does the purchasing division honor its past while moving forward?

The division remembers its past by building on its original principles to enhance its future work and continue serving state taxpayers effectively.