The collapse of global trade, murky protectionism, and the crisis:

VOX
Research-based policy analysis and commentary from leading economists
ing, improving retention and incentives, and identifying best practices for efficient
procurement. These stimulus outlays in acquisition professionalism will generate significant
return on investment, both in the short- and long-term.
Now is the time to spend public money wisely. Government purchasing decisions
should be calculated to return the greatest amount, and the highest quality, of goods,
services, and construction. Restricting markets unnecessarily impedes optimizing
value-based results. These difficult economic times offer States a unique opportunity
to invest in and upgrade their professional acquisition human resources. Seizing that
opportunity will increase public confidence in government, demonstrate responsible
fiscal stewardship, and provide lasting benefits through more efficient and effective
government spending.
About the authors
Steven L. Schooner is associate professor of law and co-director of the Government
Procurement Law Program at the George Washington University Law School. He previously
served the associate administrator for procurement law and legislation at the US Office of
Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). He practiced law in the US Department of Justice, with
private law firms and, as an Army judge advocate. He is a fellow of the National Contract
Management Association and a certified professional contracts manager (CPCM). He is the
faculty adviser to the ABA's Public Contract Law Journal and also serves on the Procurement
Round Table. He is the co-author of The Government Contracts Reference Book and author
or co-author of dozens of articles related to government contract law, policy, and practice. He
has worked with numerous governments as well as government and quasi-government organisations,
including the United Nations, World Bank, and the WTO.
Christopher R. Yukins is associate professor of government contracts law and co-director of
the Government Procurement Law Program at the George Washington University Law
School. He is a Council member of the Public Contract Law Section of the American Bar
Association and serves on the steering committee to the International Procurement
Committee of the ABA International Law Section. He is a faculty advisor to the Public
Contract Law Journal, and has published pieces on procurement reform, international procurement,
electronic commerce and information technology to a broad range of journals. He
served as an attorney at the US Department of Justice. He is an advisor to the US delegation
to the working group on reform of the United Nations Commission on International Trade
Law (UNCITRAL) Model Procurement Law.
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