VENTURA, Calif. — In a remarkable milestone that underscores the County of Ventura’s dedication to exceptional public service, for the 25th year in a row the General Services Agency (GSA) Procurement Division earned the prestigious Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) from the National Procurement Institute. The County of Ventura is among an elite group of only 49 counties out of the over 3,100 counties in the entire United States to receive this honor in 2024 and only 1 other entity has ever won more awards than the County of Ventura.
“Twenty-five consecutive AEP awards are a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the enduring dedication and collaborative spirit of our entire GSA Procurement team,” said Cliff Chroust, County Chief Procurement Officer. “I’m grateful to everyone who plays a pivotal role in our continued success. Our team’s commitment to excellence drives us forward, to meet the County’s needs with forward-thinking strategies, supportive customer service, and innovative solutions.”
The award marks a moment of celebration— a testament to a powerful legacy of excellence, innovation, and leadership in public procurement. Established in 1995, the AEP Program sets the standard for procurement professionals and rigorous criteria factors in Innovation, Professionalism, Productivity, Leadership, and Commitment to e-Procurement. Ventura County’s Procurement Division consistently exceeds these benchmarks, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility in every project it undertakes.
In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, GSA Procurement managed an impressive total spend of over $543 million in Countywide services, goods, and minor construction projects. The County of Ventura is at the forefront in procurement modernization showcased through the County’s digital procurement transformation with its online solicitation platform, ventura.bonfirehub.com. This streamlines the competitive bidding processes and promotes the County’s strategic goal of increased sustainability replacing paper usage with easy-to-use electronic submissions. Vendors are encouraged to register online to participate in this transparent, efficient system do business with the County.
Brian Garrity, AEP Officer, praised the County of Ventura’s efforts: “Winning the AEP award year after year is a significant achievement in the procurement profession, that highlights Ventura County’s leadership and pledge to public procurement best practices.”
The County of Ventura’s legacy of procurement excellence is supported by the diverse range of organizations, including the California Association of Public Procurement Officials, Government Finance Officers Association, NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, National Association of Educational Procurement, Texas Public Purchasing Association, and the Canadian Public Procurement Council, among others who all participate in selecting the AEP award winners. These partnerships continue to drive procurement standards to new heights, ensuring that the County of Ventura remains a leader in public procurement.
For over two decades, Ventura County has proven that excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a standard. The GSA Procurement Division’s consistent achievement of 25 years winning the AEP Award solidifies its position as a leader in public procurement innovation, setting the bar for others to follow.
To learn more about the County of Ventura’s General Service Agency Procurement Division, visit: https://www.ventura.org/general-services-agency/procurement-home/
