Striving each day for ethical procurement processes, the Purchasing and Contract Administration team always makes sure El Paso Water gets the best service for the best value. These passionate stewards of public trust help ensure that El Paso will have reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services for years to come.
For their unwavering commitment, EPWater honors the utility’s professionals during National Procurement Month.
“The Purchasing and Contracts Department is a vital section because they have the responsibility of procuring construction contracts, goods, materials and services needed for the utility to operate effectively,” Chief Financial Officer Art Duran said.
“Recognizing National Procurement Month allows the utility to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our staff every day, no matter the challenge,” said Luz Holguin, Assistant Chief Financial Officer.
Roles and responsibilities
Duties vary for the detail-oriented, hard-working team of 13 – 10 full-time professionals, with two interns and one temp – and days are rarely the same, said Rose Guevara, Utility Purchasing and Contracts Manager.
“It’s fun and can be stressful, but at the same time the passion that one has for public procurement supersedes whatever comes to them that day,” said Guevara, who is working toward officer certification with the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. “One minute you’re providing information, another minute you’re putting bids out and another one you’re getting quotes.”
The team includes a subdivision of employees focusing on construction contracts, led by Contract Construction Administrator Robert Davidson who has more than 40 years’ experience in the area.
“That breadth of experience allows me to share and pass on to our folks here the bigger picture – not just procurement, purchasing, construction or professional services – but what it takes to support this city and community,” Davidson said. “You have to have an open mind and the big picture to really put all that together.”
Showing appreciation
Both Davidson and Guevara gratefully acknowledge team accomplishments – intense workloads despite challenges such as supply issues and minimal staffing. An upcoming ebidding update will help streamline operations.
Recognition is welcome from the dedicated staff of procurement professionals.
“Purchasing is something I love,” said Senior Purchasing Agent Mirtha Solis, who recently returned to EPWater for an opportunity to work with Guevara and Davidson again. “I feel people don’t realize the importance of our department, and we get overlooked. Every single person in this department is a really hard worker, and we have an awesome team.”
Purchasing Agent Jesus Hernandez summed up the importance of the department to EPWater.
“We are a big part in helping to maintain the workflow of the utility,” Hernandez said.