HISD’s Procurement Services Department has been recognized for excellence in public procurement after a rigorous application process through the National Institute of Government Purchasing’s Institute for Public Procurement.

Specifically, HISD achieved OA4 Accreditation, which recognizes excellence in public procurement by establishing a body of standards that should be in place for a solid purchasing operation and the demonstration of best practices.

While the NIGP membership represents over 3,000 governmental agencies throughout the United States and Canada, only 136 governments have attained that distinction, according to the Virginia-based organization.

“This is a significant accomplishment, and it’s a testament to the hard work of the procurement team that we have achieved this recognition,” said Rick Gay, HISD’s Chief Procurement Officer. He said the goal is to continue to strengthen the department’s procedures and policies to ensure ongoing excellence.

Gay joined the district in August 2015 after spending 14 years with the Baltimore County Public Schools as the purchasing manager with the Division of Fiscal Services in the Business Services Department.

HISD’s Procurement Services Department oversees contracts and purchasing for the district’s $1.8 billion annual budget.