Baltimore Highlights Major Strides in Procurement Reform Over Two-Year Span

Baltimore’s Bureau of Procurement has marked two years of significant advancements in overhauling its purchasing systems, showing measurable improvements in staffing, training, and operational efficiency. As the agency responsible for managing nearly $1 billion in city purchases annually, the bureau’s transformation reflects a broader city-led initiative to streamline government operations and improve service delivery.

Since 2023, the bureau has tripled the number of senior procurement specialists, rising from five to fifteen by 2025. These staffing gains, combined with process refinements, have accelerated contract registration and vendor payments, enhancing how the city manages its procurement responsibilities. The boost in capacity is credited with helping Baltimore more effectively utilize its extensive purchasing power.

To support a culture shift within city departments, the Bureau introduced online training modules for procurement in July 2024. More than 300 courses have already been completed by staff, demonstrating early success in educating employees on updated procurement practices. In tandem, leadership roles have been fortified. Bola Oluwasuji was promoted to the newly created Deputy Chief position, and Kimberly Moeller was hired as Director of Procurement Contracts and Operations, filling a leadership gap left by Oluwasuji’s advancement.

These improvements stem from reforms launched by Mayor Brandon Scott shortly after taking office in early 2021. He tasked the Chief Administrative Officer and the Department of Finance with a comprehensive review of the city’s procurement system, including its technology, administrative framework, and operational structure. City leaders say the changes are central to broader goals of government modernization and expanded access for local vendors.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the City of Baltimore

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