Publication Date

Spring 2020

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Urban and Regional Planning

First Advisor

Frances L. Edwards

Keywords

Sustainable Procurement, County Of Santa Clara (SCC), Procurement Department (PRC), SCC Sustainability Policies, Sustainable Purchasing Practices

Abstract

In brief, this study aims to address sustainable procurement in SCC and its Procurement Department (PRC). A multi-varied analysis and discussion of market industries and the vendor community, present SCC policies and programs, and the overarching feasibility and environmental impact of sustainable procurement is provided to assist SCC in meeting its vision of sustainability. Procurement is a dynamic process, and for that reason, requires transformation and "strategic decision-making about how to best pursue and achieve long-term sustainability aims and goals" through SCC's purchasing vehicles (SCC OOS, 2018c, para. 4). Today, SCC, like many other governments, is grappling with the problems and threats of "a weaker economy, a growing income divide, a degraded environment, and a broken economy" (Pew Research Center, 2019, p.1). This study can potentially help PRC navigate sustainability as well as guide the department as it joins SCC in its cross-collaborative efforts to prevent and mitigate costs to the social welfare of its constituents via sustainable policies, programs, and practices. Accordingly, the central research question that will direct this study is as follows: Research Question: Do SCC purchasing practices promote sustainability initiatives, support sustainability policies, and leverage sustainability practices employed by its vendor community?

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