Get in on the Buzz
by Mary Jo Furphy, Procurement
There is a new buzzword in Procurement—VRAMP. VRAMP stands for Vendor Registration and Messaging Portal and it’s the new online system that allows Internet access directly between businesses and Procurement. This system was an in-house collaboration between Information Technology and Procurement. The system went “live” in the middle of April.
When vendors log in, they will be authenticated and allowed to proceed to the Vendor Registration system. The vendor registration module allows businesses to register as a vendor with Pima County and to view and update their vendor data that is already on file with us. Once they are finished entering their information into VRAMP, the Procurement staff will verify the information and, if accepted, will be part of their record in Synergen.
Why did Procurement implement this system? We are constantly looking for ways to improve processes and efficiencies, not to mention the whole “green” movement. This system allows for instantaneous sharing of information with the public. In the past, a new business or the user department would fill out a new vendor form, submit it to Procurement, and then Procurement staff would manually enter the information. This will be a tremendous time saver for all parties. Likewise, if a vendor wanted to update their information on file, user departments would complete the form and Procurement staff would then have to manually enter any changes.
It’s to your advantage to encourage your vendors to use the new VRAMP online system!
We have expanded on what information we are now collecting. Until now, we have collected minimal data for the types of work or the commodities that vendors offer. As this new data is collected, we can perform more specific searches to exactly match the County’s needs to those vendors who provide that service or commodity. Also as part of making sure Pima County continues to serve minority and woman based enterprises, we can now more efficiently identify these enterprises.
What is the advantage to Pima County departments?
- As an end-user department, you no longer need to complete new vendor forms. Direct the vendor to the website to register: www.pima.gov/procure
- Vendors data can be updated at their convenience so records are more current.
- Essentially this takes you out of the vendor registration/update process.
What is the advantage to the business community?
- As a potential vendor to Pima County, they will have 24/7 access to their information that is on file with us.
- The data can be updated at their convenience and they can verify their own data.
- They can receive electronic notification of central Procurement solicitations.
They may ask, “Do I really have to register in VRAMP to do business with Pima County?” No, they do not have to, but we strongly encourage them to do so as this is a benefit for them. Everyone who wants to utilize this system must log in, even if you are in our current system. If you do not register in VRAMP, you may not receive notification of upcoming solicitations or information that may be of interest to you.
Very important note: We will not continue our practice of sending faxes out to notify potential vendors about upcoming solicitations. We will continue to place public notice advertisements and post the solicitations on our Internet site: www.pima.gov/procure
Procurement is in the process of sending notification to about 9,000 businesses. In order to utilize this system, they will be REQUIRED to take action. If you are speaking to a vendor, invite them to visit our website and register. Our staff is waiting to answer any questions that you or our vendors may have about VRAMP. Contact Procurement at 520-740-3807 or 520-740-8161. So what are you waiting for? Get in on the buzz and invite vendors to get registered!
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