City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PROCUREMENT
MANAGER TO ATTEND THE 2026 EXCHANGE CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE PROCUREMENT OFFICIALS (NASPO)
Whereas, in correspondence dated December 8, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Management Services formally requested authorization for the Procurement Manager, Gimeno Simmonds, to attend the 2026 Exchange Conference sponsored by the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and the Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA), to be held March 9-12, 2026, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon seeks to ensure that its procurement practices are efficient, compliant, transparent, and aligned with nationally recognized best practices; and
Whereas, the Exchange Conference is a nationally recognized, executive-level procurement forum that convenes senior procurement officials from all U.S. states and territories to engage in advanced professional development, policy discussions, and strategic procurement planning; and
Whereas, the conference program includes educational sessions, strategic roundtables, continuing education units (CEUs), and peer-to-peer exchanges focused on modern procurement strategies, vendor engagement, and compliance practices; and
Whereas, a distinguishing feature of the conference is the opportunity for up to ten (10) structured One-on-One meetings with pre-qualified suppliers, providing direct exposure to emerging technologies, vendor capabilities, and innovative procurement solutions relevant to municipal operations; and
Whereas, participation in the Exchange Conference will enhance the City’s procurement function by strengthening vendor evaluation methods, improving market intelligence, modernizing sourcing strategies, and reinforcing compliance with applicable procurement laws and policies; and
Whereas, NASPO will provide hotel accommodations, meals, conference registration reimbursement, and airline reimbursement up to Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00), and the early registration fee of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) is fully refundable upon participation and includes two (2) years of membership in the Procurement Professionals Alliance; and
Whereas, no City funds will be expended for travel, lodging, meals, or conference registration in connection with attendance at the Exchange Conference; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that attendance at this conference serves a valid public purpose and will directly benefit the City of Mount Vernon by improving operational effectiveness and the professional development of key personnel.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON:
Section 1. Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes the Procurement Manager, Gimeno Simmonds, to attend the 2026 Exchange Conference sponsored by the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and the Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA), to be held March 9-12, 2026, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Section 2. No Expenditure of City Funds. No City funds shall be expended for travel, lodging, meals, registration fees, or related expenses associated with attendance at the conference, as such costs shall be covered or reimbursed by NASPO as described herein.
Section 3. Public Purpose. The City Council determines that attendance at the Exchange Conference serves a legitimate public purpose by enhancing the City’s procurement capabilities, strengthening vendor engagement strategies, expanding market intelligence, and promoting best practices in municipal procurement and compliance.
Section 4. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unenforceable, such judgment shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.