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Vendor Vetting for Government Pros: 6 Secrets to Stress-Free Selection

Government purchasing can be complex, with strict regulations, unique contracts, and specialized purchasing processes that set it apart from the private sector. Whether you are part of a State, Local Government, or Education (SLED) organization, streamlining purchasing is essential to saving time and resources while ensuring compliance.

With more than 200+ SLED customers, Vertical is an expert in this space, having developed a proven framework for success we help government agencies navigate procuring, designing, installing, and supporting government communication solutions – worry free. Here are five key ways to simplify the process and make smarter, more efficient purchasing decisions.

1. Use Standard Contracts to Expedite Purchasing

Government agencies rely on established contracts to eliminate lengthy negotiations and speed up purchasing. National and state contracts such as PEPPM, NASPO, and Sourcewell provide vetted purchasing pathways that simplify compliance and reduce administrative burdens. Working with vendors that are already on these contracts ensures a smoother purchasing process. Vertical works with the National and State Contracts that matter to you; and we’re always looking to secure more.

2. Choose Vendors Who Understand Government Regulations

System requirements vary widely across government entities, making it crucial to work with vendors experienced in SLED. Vertical actively participates in organizations such as the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD) and the Association of Government Contact Center Professionals (AGCCP) to stay ahead of industry trends and ensure tailored solutions that meet government-specific needs.

3. Stay Informed with Educational Resources

A well-informed government buyer makes better purchasing decisions. Leading vendors provide educational content, including webinars, whitepapers, and conference panels, to help agencies stay updated on evolving regulations, best practices, and technology solutions. Prioritizing education over sales ensures smarter long-term purchasing strategies. Vertical is constantly producing educational content and has a vast catalogue of articles and webinars.

4. Utilize Dedicated Government Support Programs

To make purchasing even easier, Vertical is launching GovCARE, a government-focused initiative designed exclusively for SLED customers. Launching next month, GovCARE provides enhanced support, purchasing guidance, and tailored resources to help agencies navigate the purchasing process with confidence.

This initiative reflects Vertical’s commitment to empowering government agencies with the knowledge and resources you need to make strategic, confident decisions. Stay tuned… with Vertical’s new program, SLED customers will have an unprecedented level of support designed specifically for them.

Not all vendors are equipped to handle the unique demands of a SLED organization. Before making a purchase decision, it’s important to see how many government or education organizations your vendor actually works with. Does their expertise align with your specific needs? Some vendors offer generalized solutions but government organizations require a specialized, custom approach.

Vertical has 200+ SLED Customers

Consider asking these key questions:

• Do they have deep experience in SLED or is it just one of the many areas they serve?
• Are they actively engaged in industry organizations and policy discussions, staying ahead of regulatory changes?
• Do they have a proven framework or program tailored to the needs of SLED organizations, their needs, quirks, and requirements?

5. Follow a Clear Implementation Roadmap

Navigating the implementation of a new system can feel overwhelming but following a structured process can help eliminate uncertainty. Vertical’s Steps to Success framework guides organizations through each stage, from identifying needs to securing the right solutions, streamlining approvals, ensuring worry-free implementation and world-class continued support. A well-defined approach prevents delays and keeps projects on track.

6. Reevaluate Your Vendor Relationships

The government purchasing landscape has changed significantly over the years and so have the organizations you’ve worked with previously. If you’ve been working with the same folks for decades, it’s worth reassessing their capabilities. Loyalty is valuable but your purchasing needs demand the most relevant, up-to-date solutions. Ask yourself: Is my vendor still aligned with the latest industry standards? Regulations? Technological advancements?

While the landscape of vendors has changed, so have their organizations. While they may have had a robust team of technicians, project managers, and salespeople when you first started working with them; that large organization may now just be a small team. If your vendor offers hundreds of solutions, they can’t possibly offer the deep expertise and support you need. Evaluating your vendors with fresh eyes ensures you’re working with partners who can proactively meet your evolving needs rather than relying on outdated information.

Final Thoughts

Government purchasing doesn’t have to be complicated. By leveraging standard contracts, choosing specialized vendors, following a structured framework, and utilizing dedicated support programs like GovCARE, government agencies can streamline purchasing and secure solutions that meet your unique requirements.

In the end, effective purchasing is about strategy, expertise, and partnership. With the right partner, government agencies can transform purchasing into an efficient, stress-free process; saving time, maximizing budgets, and securing solutions that truly meet your unique needs.

Ready to make Vertical your partner? Reach out: