Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department

Background

The Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) serves as the central agency responsible for the acquisition of goods and services, including professional services such as architecture, engineering, and design-build services for County departments. The department's mission is to deliver value and integrate purpose in all sourcing decisions by ensuring processes are fair to suppliers, sustainable for the environment, and beneficial to the economy.

Key Strategic Focus

SPD's strategic focus encompasses:

Economy: Encouraging small and local businesses to participate in the County’s contracting opportunities, thereby increasing and improving product and service offerings and raising business standards.

Environment: Ensuring a well-managed built and natural environment that is resilient to climate stressors through the purchase of environmentally preferred products and services.

Equity: Promoting equitable and fair treatment of all suppliers and conducting procurement processes in an impartial, consistent, reliable, and ethical manner.

Engagement: Encouraging inclusion of all stakeholders in the County’s procurement processes, thereby promoting diverse ideas and accountable and transparent governance.

Financials and Funding

SPD manages over 900 active contracts valued at approximately $9 billion and annually awards contracts with a cumulative value exceeding $2 billion. The department's operating budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is detailed in the proposed budget document.

Pipeline Development

SPD oversees a diverse portfolio of contracts across various sectors, including technology, facilities, and administrative services. The department's focus on public-private partnerships (P3s) and unsolicited proposals facilitates innovative project development and delivery.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SPD utilizes the INFORMS Supplier Portal for the electronic management of solicitations, allowing vendors to review solicitation details, download documents, and submit responses. The department also employs the Procurement Business Intelligence Program, which uses Microsoft's Power BI application to compile data and generate real-time dashboards, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering estimated annual savings of $40,000.

Leadership Team

Namita Uppal: Director and Chief Procurement Officer.

Dr. Lydia Osborne: Assistant Director, Strategic Procurement.

Adil Khan: Assistant Director, Technology & Vendor Support.

Rita Silva: Assistant Director, Policy & Innovation.

Elena Quevedo: Assistant Director, Strategic Procurement.

Sophia Cunningham: Assistant Director, Strategic Procurement.

Leadership Changes

As of February 2026, there have been no publicly reported significant changes or appointments within SPD's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The public procurement sector in Miami-Dade County is characterized by a diverse range of contracting opportunities across various industries, including construction, technology, and professional services. The market is competitive, with numerous local and national firms vying for County contracts.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

City of Miami Procurement Department: Responsible for the acquisition of goods and services for the City of Miami, with a mission to ethically procure quality goods and services at the best value.

Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller: Manages procurement processes for the Clerk's office, offering resources and opportunities for vendors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SPD collaborates with various organizations to enhance its procurement processes and support small businesses. Notable collaborations include:

Vendor Academy Access Point: A countywide initiative offering resources, guidance, and opportunities directly to small businesses, with office hours at multiple locations throughout Miami-Dade County.

6th Annual Procurement Expo: An event connecting small businesses with County departments, municipalities, and other public organizations to explore contracting opportunities.

Operational Insights

SPD's strategic considerations include:

Vendor Outreach and Support: Initiatives like the Vendor Academy Access Point and the Procurement Expo aim to strengthen the local business ecosystem by providing resources and guidance to small businesses.

Technological Integration: The adoption of platforms like INFORMS and the Procurement Business Intelligence Program enhances operational efficiency and transparency in procurement processes.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

SPD's strategic roadmap focuses on:

Enhancing Small Business Participation: Expanding programs and initiatives to support small and local businesses in accessing County contracts.

Leveraging Technology: Continuously improving technological platforms to streamline procurement processes and enhance data-driven decision-making.