07/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2025 08:27
The Division of Purchases has been designated a Quality Public Procurement Department (QPPD) by NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP). Metro Nashville joins an elite group of only 36 public entities across the United States and Canada to achieve this distinction for their commitment to industry best practices.
"This is a major achievement for our organization and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement," said Dennis Rowland, Purchasing Agent and Chief Procurement Officer for Metro Nashville. "Our team have been working on this since 2020. I want to thank all of them, including my predecessor Michelle Lane, for their efforts toward this goal. We would not be here without the support we've received from the administration, departmental leadership, and our policy makers."
The QPPD is an online, value-driven self-assessment for procurement organizations as they move along the pathway to organizational maturity. During the application process, organizations identify their codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, statutes, and business practices relative to procurement activities. They also assess the extent to which the organization employs NIGP's Global Best Practices. Organizations that meet the minimum requirements are QPPD-accredited for three years. Metro Nashville met 107 of 125 criteria for excellence.
"On behalf of NIGP and the NIGP staff, [we] extend our message of congratulations and thanks for this accomplishment and commitment to professional procurement practice," said Chanda Carpenter, Director of Content Research and Design at NIGP. "Truly, well done!"
Metro Nashville's accreditation is active through June 30, 2028.