Accreditation for Quality Public Procurement Departments (QPPD)

We have updated the Accreditation Program for the Quality Public Procurement Departments (QPPD). The application period will be March 1 through May 31 (11:59 PM EST). To assist you in preparing for the updated requirements, a PDF version is available for your reference. View

VERY IMPORTANT: Entities must have their application completed and submitted before the deadline. Any unsubmitted applications will be archived on May 31, 2025. 

The application fee for the QPPD is $550 for members and $775 for non-members.

Current Accreditation Holders: 

We greatly value your commitment to procurement excellence. To ensure a smooth transition to the new application window, current QPPD expirations will be ajdusted as follows:

• QPPD accreditations set to expire between September 2024 and June 2025 have automatically been extended to June 30, 2025.
• QPPD accreditations set to expire between July 2025 and June 2026 will automatically be extended to June 30, 2026.
• QPPD accreditations set to expire between July 2026 and June 2027 will automatically be extended to June 30, 2027.

Begin application

Note: We are referring to "Procurement Departments" with the acknowledgement that each entity may use a different name such as Division or Unit.

Criteria in the QPPD application are based on the values and guiding principles and global best practices. For example, the criteria of mission, vision, and values statements are based on the values of Accountability and Ethics and their guiding principles of applying sound business judgment and maintaining consistency in all processes and actions, respectively. The Values and Guiding Principles as well as the global best practices and other procurement resources are located on the NIGP website under "Our Profession."

The QPPD provides Procurement Departments with an opportunity to examine how they are implementing and integrating all coursework, seminars, and other information and guidance. A consistent theme throughout the application is the importance of citing written support for the authority and responsibility of Procurement. Procurement professionals must specify which statute, ordinance, code, or section of a manual supports the named activities of the Procurement function.

We strongly recommend that a procurement professional complete the application. Each application will be reviewed by a team of public procurement subject matter experts. A first review will be conducted and feedback provided. The Applicant will have an opportunity to respond to the feedback. If requested, a second review will be conducted.

Accreditation extends for three years from the date of accreditation. If a Procurement Department earns accreditation, the person indicated in the application will receive a formal letter and certificate from NIGP's CEO Rick Grimm. A trophy will be sent to the designated person. The Procurement Department will be recognized on the NIGP website and at NIGP's annual Forum. 

If the Procurement Department does not meet the minimum score (107 points) for accreditation, it must wait until the next application window to submit another application. The application fee will not be refunded.

We hope the application process provides value to you and your Procurement Department. We have revised the application to include definitions, examples, additional information, and resources. Please submit any questions to Accreditation@NIGP.org.