New Procurement Office

The Mission Continues To Strengthen Transparency, Equity, and Opportunity

MAIN PHOTO: Pamela Ford Dickerson, Acting Director of the Office of Procurement

July 9 marks the official launch of Prince George’s County’s newest agency, the Office of Procurement (OOP). This milestone is a realization of County Executive Alsobrooks’ vision, made possible by the passage of CB-025-2024 by the Prince George’s County Council in April 2024. 

"The new Office of Procurement marks a pivotal moment for our County," said County Executive Alsobrooks. “This office will help foster transparency and efficiency in our procurement process every day while also providing a high-impact means to promote equity. Through the new Office of Procurement, we can support small, local, and minority-owned businesses, creating new opportunities for our residents to work in and improve the community where they live.”

Pamela Ford Dickerson has been appointed as the inaugural Acting Director of the Office of Procurement. With over 20 years of experience in public procurement, contract compliance, and public policy, Ford Dickerson is well-prepared to lead the new office. She previously served as Deputy Director of the Office of Central Services (OCS) since July 2023 and has a proven track record in managing complex procurement operations.

“I am honored and excited to lead the new Office of Procurement," said Ford Dickerson, "I look forward to building on the significant steps already taken under County Executive Alsobrooks' administration to streamline our contracting processes and increase efficiency. Together, we will continue to foster transparency, promote equity, and create opportunities for small, local, and minority-owned businesses to thrive in our community."

The Office of Procurement will comprise three main divisions: the Office of Accountability, Business Services, and Office of Administrative Services. These divisions will house critical functions including Contract Compliance, Contract Administration & Procurement, and Supplier Development & Diversity, formerly managed under OCS.

County Executive Alsobrooks expressed gratitude to Jonathan R. Butler, Director of OCS, for his visionary leadership over the past four years. Director Butler’s efforts were instrumental in prioritizing procurement from local and minority-owned businesses, notably through initiatives such as the County Supply Schedule and the Greenbook initiative. His advocacy for separating procurement functions from general services within OCS paved the way for the establishment of the Office of Procurement.

The Alsobrooks Administration is optimistic about the positive impact the Office of Procurement will have on Prince George’s County and looks forward to collaborative efforts with all stakeholders.