Trends Reshaping Government Procurement.

States are becoming more data driven and value focused in their purchasing. Those are just two of several findings in the Governing Institute's procurement survey, which highlights some of the biggest emerging trends, issues, and innovative best practices in state contracts and purchasing.

Responses revealed states in general are moving toward a more-modern approach to buying, with five overarching trends helping to reshape procurement operations: data and analytics are driving all phases of the procurement process; states are becoming more mature in applying best-value strategies; solutions-based contracts are delivering more-responsive engagements; procurement offices are forging closer relationships with vendors; and new types of contracting vehicles are emerging to boost acquisition effectiveness.

"Every day, state procurement offices face challenges from increasing customer expectations, acquisition...