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 December 2024
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The Office of Procurement Equity is the product of the collective work of those who see inequities in our government procurement systems. This includes the Racial Justice Council (RJC), the RJC Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, state agencies, legislative leaders, leadership within the Governor's Office, and many others.
The work began with the 2021 Oregon Disparity Study budget, which was passed in HB5006 at the end of the 2021 legislative session. In 2022, former Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 22-15, outlining specific initiatives for embedding equity in state contracting.
The Office of Procurement Equity is staffed to align the work of the executive order with the implementation of the disparity study recommendations. The overall goal is to improve equity and irradicate disparities in state procurement.
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The Office of Procurement Equity utilizes three teams to accomplish their work.
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Jesse Juárez
Education and Community Engagement Analyst
I enjoy traveling around Oregon with my family and teaching our children about different cultures through global cuisine.
Noelle Scott
Procurement Equity Project Manager
I love art. So I really like to go out to the last Thursdays in the Alberta Arts District and see local artists and vendors in the summer time. It’s a fun time to enjoy the sunshine and local community.
Jenine Gomez
Communication & Outreach Analyst.
What do dragons, marshmallow shooters, and evergreens have in common? These are a few of my favorite things! I'm an everything outdoorsy Oregon gal and many different fresh air adventures.
Mateo Rivera
Training & Technical Assistance Analyst
I love going to the Portland Thorns games and watching the best players in the world compete. Portland has a reputation for showing up for its women's sports and I love getting to be a part of that culture.
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Laurent Beauregard
Procurement Equity Data & Research Analyst
I love hiking Oregon trails in the sun. I've enjoyed standing at the top of Steens Mountain in Harney Count, looking down the Alvord Desert. My favorite peak is Mt. Jefferson and every summer I try to get closer to it or discover a new trail leading to it.
Aubrey DuBois
Research Analyst
I love Oregon's uniquely diverse geography – there's always something beautiful to see and explore.
Jose Flood
Research Analyst
I like the diversity and the sense of community within the State. I'm glad I'm able to raise my son in this type of environment.
Michael Muzoora
Research Analyst
I like Oregon’s stunning natural beauty, especially the Columbia River Gorge and the famous Portland Japanese Garden’s beauty and social cultural serenity, providing a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
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Alexandria Straub
Strategics Initiatives Analyst
I am a hybrid employee working out of Baltimore, MD so when I come to visit, I love the landscape of Oregon; from waterfall hikes to the rocky shoreline - I'm a big fan of the Pacific Northwest.
Jennifer Godfrey
Process Improvement Analyst
I am a 5th generation Oregonian. One of the things I value most about Oregon is its commitment to preserving the dark, star-filled skies of Eastern Oregon.
Christopher Wilson
Procurement Equity Program Manager
I love Oregon, especially its hip-hop scene, which I've been a part of for years. ONE-stop records, at 16th and Killingsworth in Northeast Portland, was a key spot for local artists to sell their music and share their talent. Though it's gone now, many of us still remember it fondly.
Naima Chambers
Nonprofit Grant Procurement Equity Analyst
As a hybrid employee working from WA, I always look forward to traveling to Oregon and exploring its diverse array of restaurants.
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Aug. 2022 Executive Order 22-15 announced by Governor to directed state agencies to take specific steps to improve equity in state procurement and contracting
Oct. 2022 Disparity Study initiated by BBC
Jan. 2024 Office of Procurement Equity established
April 2024 Office fully staffed
April 2024 Quantitative Dashboard launched, highlighting data collected between fiscal years 2018-2022 concerning utilization of COBID contracts with state agencies.
June 2024 Governor's Marketplace event held in Salem in collaboration with the Governor’s office and the Office of Procurement Equity. Brought back after several years.
October 2024 Governor’s Marketplace event held in Portland in collaboration with the Governor’s office and the Office of Procurement Equity.
June 2024 OregonBuys adds self-reported demographic data request
2024 Three Connect 2 Oregon Events launched in Redmond, Eugene, and Newport connecting state procurement efforts with local small business communities.
2024 OPE Outreach Team attends 74 events attended by the Office of Procurement Outreach team. OPE team attended, trained, or tabled at a variety of community, business, and chamber events
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As part of our first newsletter, I want to honor one of the most remarkable Oregonians I’ve had the privilege to know: Robert Lewisohn Hamm, also known as Bob. Bob was an author, educator, and extraordinary individual. Though we lost him in 2016, his lasting contributions continue to inspire those who knew him and those touched by his work.
Bob was the author of Becoming Oregon: From Expedition to Exposition, a book that vividly captures Oregon’s transformation from its early days of exploration to the vibrant community it is today. As a longtime education leader, Bob dedicated his career to developing and collaborating with Oregon’s teachers, students, and administrators. His passion for education was matched by his deep love for Oregon—its history, landscapes, arts, and diverse communities.
Whether marveling at Oregon’s iconic trees, championing its cultural heritage, or encouraging students to delve into its rich history, Bob’s enthusiasm inspired everyone around him. His work as an educator and advocate brought people together and strengthened their connection to the state. He had a saying: "Be interested, be interesting."
Becoming Oregon reflects Bob’s lifelong fascination with the state he loved. It celebrates Oregon’s resilience and growth, weaving its stories with care and insight.
Bob was not only an author and educator but also a steadfast advocate for Oregon and its people. His legacy lives on through the countless individuals he mentored and the stories he shared.
As I reflect on Bob’s contributions, I invite you to use your local library to find a copy of Becoming Oregon and celebrate the values he exemplified: a dedication to learning, a respect for history, and a commitment to community.
Bob’s life reminds us that one person’s passion and dedication can leave an enduring impact. Let us honor his memory by continuing to appreciate and be stewards of the Oregon he cared for so deeply.
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we'll define key terms with Oregon-specific context to support a shared understanding between vendors and state procurement.
Word: Procurement
Definition: The entire process of purchasing goods that includes the purchasing decision, the selection of the goods, and the payment made by the buyer to purchase the goods. It Involves
(1) Planning the purchase
(2) Determination of the standards
(3) Development of specifications
(4) Researching and selecting
(5) Analysis of the value
(6) Financing
(7) Negotiating the price
(8) Purchase the goods
(9) Supply contract administration
(10) Controlling the inventory
(11) Disposals
Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.
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Our office will be doing providing even more outreach, technical assistance, and data storytelling. The best way to keep up with the work of OPE is through the outreach calendar and this newsletter.
Connect 2 Oregon will be happening statewide from February to August. Registration information will be coming soon.
Keep an eye out for information about 2025 Governor's Marketplaces and other networking opportunities.
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