Overview
CAPPO was formed in 1915 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professional behavior and ethical conduct in public procurement. As the oldest public procurement association in the United States, CAPPO works to provide tools to buyers in the public sector that will help them develop their professional skills for their benefit and the benefit of their agencies. CAPPO members exchange ideas in an effort to resolve problems affecting California's public agencies by sharing information on technical advances, cost factors, new laws, and sources for products. This open collaboration helps to strengthen the skills of public procurement officials as they fulfill their responsibilities to the public they serve. CAPPO helps cities, counties, schools, colleges, universities, special districts, and the State to build and strengthen fully effective procurement departments. CAPPO's ongoing educational programs and high ethical standards have provided substantial benefits to these entities. Good government and good procurement are mutually beneficial. CAPPO is dedicated to both. CAPPO's Board of Directors consists of five Officers and four Directors. Two Directors represent members in Northern California and two represent members in Southern California. The officer position of Secretary/Treasurer is the first step in the progression for those who wish to become President of CAPPO. A new Secretary/Treasurer is elected from Southern California or Northern California in alternate years. Board meetings are held at the call of the President throughout the year and at the annual conference. CAPPO has many opportunities for volunteers to help contribute to the health of the organization through participation in committee assignments. Current committees include: Certification, Legislative, Membership, Professional Development, Conference, Bylaws/Resolutions, Historical, Nomination, AEP Award, Technology, Audit, and Leadership Development. CAPPO members come from public agencies in every county within the state. At a local level, members have formed CAPPO Chapters typically cover a geographical area that allows for a faster exchange of information and the opportunity to meet on a regular basis for informative programs and to share ideas and productive experiences. Chapters welcome procurement staff from all types of public agencies in their area. Currently there are seven chapters in Northern California and nine in Southern California. Members are encouraged to share in leadership responsibilities by managing local chapters, working on committees and running for the Board. Personal growth and gratifying experiences are a direct result of service to advance the purpose of the professional Association. The advantages of membership include:
Certification is the mark of a dedicated professional, and CAPPO encourages all members to achieve procurement certification. Certification is a personal and professional investment of tremendous value to the buyer and their employer. CAPPO's educational programs help members work toward the most widely recognized professional certification programs available. For more details, see the Certification page. CAPPO's President is responsible for producing CAPPO's annual Conference and Supplier Exposition, typically held in January. In odd-numbered years, it is in Northern California and in even-numbered years in Southern California. The conference program includes:
Standards of Procurement Practice
We subscribe to these standards. |