Mia Boykin and Ìbùkúnolúwa Dàda
Prince George’s County launched its newest agency on July 10, the Office of Procurement (OOP), marking a significant step towards enhancing government efficiency and promoting economic equity in the local community. The office, which opened its doors following the passage of CB-025-2024 by the County Council in April 2024, aims to streamline the county’s procurement process while creating opportunities for small, local, and minority-owned businesses.
The OOP’s primary mission is to foster transparency and efficiency in where the county spends its money while providing a means to promote equity. By supporting small, local, and minority-owned businesses, the office aims to create new opportunities for residents to work in and improve their own community.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who spearheaded the creation of the OOP, emphasized its potential impact on social media, “Through the new Office of Procurement, we can support small, local, and minority-owned businesses, creating new opportunities for our residents to work in and improve the community where they live.” In June, Alsobrooks announced economic plans that received positive feedback as she emphasized the importance of inclusivity in economic decisions.
Structurally, the OOP comprises three main divisions: the Office of Accountability, Business Services, and Office of Administrative Services. These divisions will oversee critical functions including Contract Compliance, Contract Administration & Procurement, and Supplier Development & Diversity. This reorganization is expected to streamline processes that were previously managed under the Office of Central Services (OCS).
For local businesses, particularly minority-owned, the OOP represents a significant opportunity. The office’s focus on supplier development and diversity could open doors for these businesses to secure government contracts, potentially leading to growth and job creation within the community.
Pamela Ford Dickerson, appointed as the inaugural Acting Director of the OOP, brings over 20 years of experience in public procurement, contract compliance, and public policy to the role. Her expertise will be crucial in implementing the office’s objectives and ensuring its success in supporting local businesses.
Reacting to her appointment as Acting Director, “I am honored and excited to lead the new Office of Procurement,” Dickerson said. “We will build upon the significant progress made under County Executive Alsobrooks’ administration to streamline our contracting processes and increase efficiency. Our goal is to continue fostering transparency, promoting equity, and creating opportunities for small, local, and minority-owned businesses to thrive in our community.”
Dickerson brings over two decades of experience in public procurement, contract compliance, and public policy to her new role. Since July 2023, she has served as Deputy Director of the Office of Central Services (OCS), demonstrating her ability to manage complex procurement operations effectively.
Alsobrooks also appreciated Jonathan R. Butler, Director of OCS who has been key to prioritizing procurement from local and minority-owned businesses, notably through initiatives such as the County Supply Schedule and the Greenbook initiative. His advocacy for separating procurement functions from general services within OCS was a key factor in the establishment of the new Office of Procurement.
The establishment of the OOP builds upon previous initiatives such as the County Supply Schedule and the Greenbook initiative. These programs have already made strides in prioritizing procurement from local and minority-owned businesses, and the OOP is expected to further enhance these efforts.
For residents of Prince George’s County, the OOP could lead to several tangible benefits. As local businesses secure more government contracts and grow, this could translate into more job opportunities within the community. Additionally, the focus on transparency in the procurement process may lead to more efficient use of taxpayer money and potentially better services for residents.
The OOP’s creation comes at a time of potential transition for the county. Alsobrooks recently won the Democratic primary for Maryland’s open U.S. Senate seat, setting up a contest with former Governor Larry Hogan in the fall. Regardless of the election outcome, the OOP is positioned to continue its work in supporting local businesses and promoting economic equity in Prince George’s County.
As the second-largest jurisdiction by population in Maryland, the reforms implemented in Prince George’s County have the potential to impact a significant portion of the state’s residents. Additionally, since Prince George’s County is so close to Washington D.C., access to a larger DMV market could be in the works for local business owners. If successful, the OOP’s model for supporting local businesses through improved procurement processes could serve as an example for other counties or even influence state-wide policies.
In the coming months and years, residents and businesses in Prince George’s County will be watching closely to see how the Office of Procurement translates its mission into concrete results. Especially, if County Executive Alosbrooks wins a seat in the senate, hopefully, the opening of this office will be a bright light of her legacy for the county. The OOP’s success could mean a more vibrant local economy, increased job opportunities, and a more efficient and transparent county government.
