Purchasing Division Receives Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award
    Purchasing Division Receives Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award
    City Media Releases

    Purchasing Division Receives Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award

    This is the division's fourth consecutive year to receive this award

    TEMPLE, TX (July 27, 2026) – The City of Temple’s General Services Department, Purchasing Division, has been awarded the 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award by the National Procurement Institute (NPI). This award recognizes organizational excellence in public procurement through a rigorous evaluation of innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership and e-procurement practices. 
    The City's Purchasing Division previously earned the award from 2002 through 2007 and again for the past four consecutive years, 2023 through 2026. 

    This award is recognition for the hard work and professionalism of our Purchasing staff. We hold ourselves to a high standard, and the AEP Award highlights the care and commitment our team brings to our daily operations and the recommendations we provide to City leadership and Council. We’re excited to see our team honored for the consistent, high‑quality services we strive to deliver, and we’re proud to celebrate this achievement together.

    Randi Hairston, Assistant Director of General Services

    Purchasing Division, July 2026.

    Purchasing Division, July 2026.

    Last fall, Randi Hairston, MBA, CPPB, Assistant Director of General Services, was appointed to the NPI AEP Evaluation Team to support the rigorous evaluation of procurement organizations seeking the AEP Award. Her volunteer service term began January 1, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2029. During the most recent award process, Hairston did not review or evaluate the City of Temple's application to avoid a conflict of interest. 
    This year, out of 269 applications, representing 28 U.S. states and Canada, 251 organizations earned the AEP Award, including 93 cities and 56 agencies in Texas. 

    The 2026 AEP Award reflects the extraordinary commitment of procurement professionals who are driving performance, accountability, and strategic value for their agencies. This year’s record participation and new milestones are a testament to the growing recognition of procurement as a critical function in public service.

    Carrie Mathes, FNIGP, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPPB, APP, FCCM, AEP Officer for NPI

    The AEP Award was established in 1995 and is open to all public and nonprofit organizations. The program aims to promote continuous improvement and elevate procurement as a contributor to good governance.