Following our realignment as part of MSU Finance in July 2025, we set out to transform the procurement experience at MSU. Following a structured approach to continuous improvement, each step of the plan is categorized into one of three themes:
The details for each of the ten steps are outlined below.
Category: Engagement
Target completion date: October 31, 2025
Status: completed
Capitalize on the success of existing forums, such as the Accounting Q&A, and establish a regular cadence of live opportunities for stakeholders to engage with MSU Procurement directly.
Category: Self-improvement
Target completion date: November 30, 2025
Status: completed
Map the current state of our indirect business processes to uncover inefficiencies, clarify roles, and highlight opportunities for streamlining operations, improving compliance, and enhancing MSU Procurement's value delivery.
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Category: Self-improvement
Target completion date: February 28, 2026
Status: completed
Create a complete suite of branded templates, and launch the new procurement.msu.edu website. Update branding on existing training materials to align with MSU Finance.
Category: Engagement
Target completion date: February 28, 2026
Status: completed
Build a culture within MSU Procurement where team members actively provide and seek out feedback; establish group of key external partners to inform continuous improvement efforts.
Category: Resetting expectations
Target completion date: July 1, 2026
Status: completed
In partnership with the Office of the Controller, reorganize (and rename) teams to improve efficiency across our operations, making it easier for business partners (MSU stakeholders and suppliers alike) to navigate.
Category: Self-improvement
Target completion date: September 30, 2026
Status: training underway
Recognizing that the “Procurement black box” is a major pain point for stakeholders, establish and enforce a standard for all business communications, and identify options for ongoing individual training.
Category: Engagement
Target completion date: October 31, 2026
Status: participation in Finance World Tour underway
Identify units across campus that have a large stake in the procurement process. Work with the units individually to identify opportunities for MSU Procurement to be better business partners to stakeholders and suppliers.
Category: Resetting expectations
Target completion date: June 30, 2027
Status: implementation planning underway
Leverage MSU Procurement’s expertise to document the considerations for obtaining goods or services—regardless of dollar amount, signature authority, or payment method—for use across MSU.
Category: Self-improvement
Target completion date: June 30, 2027
Status: MSU policy and state law reviews completed, federal regulation review in progress
Review existing processes and guidance against MSU policy, state law, and federal regulations to understand the reasoning behind established requirements, and re-assess what is (or isn’t) currently necessary.
Category: Resetting expectations
Target completion date: September 30, 2027
Status: pending completion of Examine and Share the "Why"
Incorporate the “why” into stakeholder training materials to drive a mutual understanding of how practice applies to policy.