City procurement team selects OpenGov to enhance efficiency and streamline processes

The Santa Fe City Council's Finance Committee meeting on April 7, 2025, spotlighted a significant shift in the city's procurement process, as officials discussed transitioning from the Tyler system to OpenGov. This change aims to streamline procurement operations, which have faced ongoing challenges, including system outages and inefficiencies.

Councilor Cassette raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current Tyler bid module, citing frequent technical issues that hindered vendor participation. "Today, for instance, the bid module went offline," he noted, emphasizing the urgency for a more reliable solution. The procurement team, led by Travis, responded with optimism about OpenGov, describing it as "best in class" and highlighting its superior customer service capabilities. This new system promises to alleviate the burden on city staff by providing direct support to vendors during the bidding process.

The committee discussed how OpenGov's features, including a comprehensive vendor network and AI-driven request modules, could significantly reduce procurement timelines. "We hope to get projects moving faster," said Travis, indicating that the new system would streamline the entire procurement process from start to finish.

However, concerns about integration with the existing Tyler system were raised. Travis acknowledged that while OpenGov would serve as a separate procurement module, data would still need to be manually transferred to the Munis system, which could complicate operations. The committee emphasized the importance of robust training for staff to ensure a smooth transition, with plans for comprehensive training sessions and resources already in development.

The timeline for implementing OpenGov is projected at three to six months following final approval from the governing body. The committee unanimously approved the motion to proceed with the transition, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing the city's procurement efficiency. As the city moves forward, officials remain committed to addressing the challenges of procurement and improving the overall experience for both staff and vendors.