Port's Central Procurement Office "Up and Running"

Move implements key audit recommendation

Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani recently announced the creation of a Central Procurement Office and appointment of an acting Chief Procurement Officer. At today's public meeting, Commissioners heard the details of how the centralized procurement department will function within the organization.

"I am very pleased with how quickly our CEO moved to implement a centralized procurement process," said Commission President John Creighton. "The Port Commission is committed to increasing transparency and efficiency, and the Central Procurement Office is integral to changing how the Port does business."

The Chief Procurement Office will oversee all procurement for the Port, including construction contracting and professional and personal service agreements. The CPO will also be responsible for implementing the changes included in HB 3274, legislation which clarifies some procurement authority for ports in Washington State. The department will be supervised by a recently created Managing Director position.

"Centralizing our procurement function will enable the Port to manage complex projects and contracts more efficiently," said CEO Tay Yoshitani. "I am particularly pleased with how quickly the staff was able to get the new department up and running. We will have a permanent Chief Procurement Officer on board by summer, as well as a Managing Director, Capital Development. I look forward to having the full team in place."

A 2007 performance audit provided several recommendations to the Port for improving contracting and procurement processes, and increasing Commission oversight. The Port's Audit Response Action Plan, which clarifies how the organization will implement each of the audit recommendations, is available on the Port's website.

Port of Seattle transportation facilities support nearly 200,000 jobs in the Puget Sound region and generate more than $12 billion in business revenue and $626 million in state and local taxes annually.