The City of Carrollton is celebrating a notable repeat victory, having been awarded the Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) for the second year straight, according to an announcement by the City. This award, granted by the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI), represents a dedication to procurement excellence and indicates that Carrollton adheres to notable standards in innovation, professionalism, leadership, and the effective use of e-procurement technologies.
Preparation for the award submission is not an overnight affair, requiring months of effort and a detailed application process that showcases the city's procurement strategies, policies, and training programs. "It takes a few months to complete and prepare the submission, and I am very proud we have brought home the NPI’s Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award for the second year in a row," Carrollton's Director of Finance, Melissa Everett, told the City of Carrollton's news page. The procurement team's hard work culminated in a score of 140 points for their submission, noticeably beyond the 100-point minimum required for achievement.
To win the AEP award, cities like Carrollton must provide evidence across a variety of purchasing practices. These include, but are not limited to, the establishment of internal policies, ongoing staff training, leveraging technology in various procurement phases, and adherence to state or federal statutes. Carrollton's score suggests a well-above-average commitment to these principles.
The AEP is sponsored by several important bodies in the procurement field, including the California Association of Public Procurement Officials, the Canadian Public Procurement Council, and the Texas Public Purchasing Association, among others. For the year 2025, Carrollton stood out among 216 successful applicants, which included a diverse mix of cities, counties, special districts, and educational agencies. "The award represents a commitment to Carrollton residents for sound procurement principles," said Everett, underlining the city's pledge to uphold the best procurement practices, per the City of Carrollton's news page.
Acknowledgements were handed out at NPI's annual conference held in October, bringing attention to the winners and setting a benchmark for procurement standards nationwide. Citizens interested in understanding more about what makes their city's procurement office award-worthy can visit the City of Carrollton's Purchasing Department online for more insights.
