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Purchasing agent reports heavy workload, seeks four new positions and sets 180‑day solicitation goal
Summary
Purchasing Agent Dennis Rowland told the Procurement Standards Board the procurement team handled an above‑normal workload this quarter, has requested four additional budgeted positions, and has set a 180‑day solicitation target pending approval of new resources.
Purchasing Agent Dennis Rowland told the Procurement Standards Board that procurement volume was “much higher than normal” this quarter and that the team has requested four additional positions in the mayor’s FY‑26 budget that are awaiting final approval.
"If we get the approvals, we are in a position to make significant improvements to our processes going into FY 26," Rowland said, describing staffing shortages this year caused by several leaves and saying new resources would help implement a 180‑day solicitation target developed by a Kaizen cycle‑time team.
The nut graf: the department reported discrete wins that staff say will speed procurements if additional positions are funded. Rowland described several operational changes already implemented, including a buyer‑standardization effort that will be accompanied by targeted training, an increase in delegation purchasing authority from $25,000 to $50,000 to match the State of Tennessee level, and automated weekly project‑tracking emails to departments.
Rowland said the team rolled out a "precision procurement" training concept and is deploying an Adoption Readiness Tool (ART) for training; the department received six ART licenses. He credited BAO staff for leading a recent Titan EBO audit and for presenting at a national ACCA event in Seattle.
Rowland also summarized outreach and sourcing activity: the "Choose How You Move" outreach has held four community events to date, with a June 26 event scheduled at the Davidson County Sheriff's Office from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; an IDIQ procurement for A&E services for MDOT is in process; and staff are in the final phases of program management for the Chime Transportation Plan implementation. He said Lendly Hall permanent office space is estimated to be complete on Aug. 22.
Board members asked whether outreach events are open to the public and how board members learn about them. "The mayor's office is leading the blitz that goes out," Rowland said; Zach added that events are generally included in a monthly email to board members and asked any member not receiving the email to notify staff.
Rowland closed by congratulating staff who earned Certified County Finance Officer certifications on June 5, including Christopher Wood, Christina Alexander and Michelle Lane. Chair Bridal thanked the purchasing team for their work and urged continued focus on reducing procurement cycle times.
