Redefining Procurement Practices: An Insightful discussion with Chris Sawchuk

In this episode of the RFP secrets podcast, host John Matta discusses the pressing issue of separating 'procurement success' from 'business success' with Chris Sawchuk, a procurement expert with 24 years of experience. They speak about the crucial role that procurement plays in vendor selection and accountability, and how it greatly influences the outcome, so much so, that it's time to look at procurement through a holistic perspective rather than just procedural compliance. They delve into key topics such as the importance of focusing on individual team expertise during selection rather than companies at large, and the questioning the reliability of contracts in ensuring performance. They also highlight the need to bridge the gap between procurement teams and end users as their contributions should be celebrated when things go well, and they should be held accountable when there are discrepancies.

00:16 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:42 Engaging with the Guest: The Icebreaker

02:21 Diving into the Topic: Accountability in Procurement

03:11 Understanding the Disconnect in Procurement Practices

04:17 Exploring the Differences between Public and Private Procurement

06:33 The Impact of COVID-19 on Procurement Practices

07:42 The Role of Tendering Practices in Procurement

08:20 The Inconsistency of Project Outcomes

11:15 The Importance of Supplier Management

16:58 The Role of Key Personnel in Vendor Performance

19:42 The Importance of Accountability in Procurement

44:12 The Role of Contracts in Vendor Performance

52:30 The Future of Procurement: AI and Intelligent Tools

53:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts