We were thrilled to launch this newsletter in 2024 and are grateful for your support and interest throughout the year. As we continue through 2025, we’re excited to keep providing valuable insights and resources to enrich our legal community.
If you have questions, comments, or ideas for features in the future, please reach out to Megan Smyth.
Register for the April Attorney Call
April 24 | 4:00 PM ET
On these calls, we discuss topics relevant to the practice of government contracting law and the influences and trends shaping the profession today. If you have an idea for a discussion topic, please let Megan know.
Mark your calendars now to enjoy learning, networking, and partnering with procurement attorneys from all around the country! NASPO will offer three attendee spots to each state/territory, with one reserved for the CPO at their discretion
Featured NASPO Resources
Legal Research Toolkit
Have you ever faced a procurement law question and weren’t sure where to start? NASPO’s Research and Innovation Team is here to help with the Legal Research Toolkit, a valuable resource designed to help you approach answers with confidence. Inside the Toolkit you’ll find:
Step-by-step approaches to legal procurement questions.
Strategies to arrive at well-informed, professional opinions.
Key resources to deepen your understanding of procurement law.
Have resources to add? Please submit them here and we will include them in an update!
Special thanks to Keith McCook, General Counsel for the State of South Carolina State Fiscal Accountability Authority, for his contributions to this resource and continued support of NASPO Legal Education.
NASPO 2025 Top 10 Priorities for State Procurement
The 2025 Top Ten Priorities for State Procurement identify the areas of importance for state procurement offices and staff to best serve their agencies and taxpayers over the coming year. This year’s Top Ten reflects the voices of 54 state chief procurement officers. Here’s number one – click the button below to see the entire list and read more!
1. Modernizing the Procurement Process – including process automation, digitizing solicitations, bids, contracts, and record-keeping.
Curated news items, information, guides, and other curiosities for the legally minded.
Tariffs
Tariffs are top of mind for many right now – we discussed how to deal with potential changes and uncertainty on the February Attorney Call. Some key points that were shared and discussed among the attorney attendees included:
Always return to the contract language to determine what remedies and/or options are in place for you when there is a question of a price increase.
What goes up, must come down! Negotiate for a price revisit farther down the road to readjust pricing.
Sit down with your legal counsel and read the contract together to find solutions!
Remember that tariffs are considered “foreseeable” and may not trigger force majeure clauses – but always read them carefully to be sure!
Identify the solicitations that involve federal grants/tariff-effected goods/etc. and tag those for discussion among your staff – be proactive, not just reactive!
Professor Chris Yukins at George Washington University Law School co-authored the article, “President Trump and Tariffs – The Procurement Exception”, which you can read here!
Digital Inclusion
Digital spaces should be as accessible as physical ones, and “states are the primary policymakers and are making organizations think again about digital inclusion.” Read more here from Route Fifty about how states are taking the lead when it comes to the digital accessibility revolution, while the federal government still lacks comprehensive guidelines.
Oklahoma's New AI
The State of Oklahoma’s Office of Management Enterprise Services is deploying Process Copilot, “…a generative AI platform… that flags mistakes in submission forms, such as missing vendor contracts or including the wrong type of procurement order.” Read more on StateScoop’s website!
Call for Volunteers!
The ABA is partnering with NASPO to update the Model Procurement Code, last revised over 20 years ago. If you are interested in being on an Article Committee, please reach out to Lydia Ruizor Megan Smyth, for more information.
Model Procurement Code Article Committees You Can Join
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