Government procurement is vital to any economy. The U. S. Government spends approximately $200 billion each year for the acquisition of services, supplies, and construction. State and local government procurement is equally vital to state economies and adds significantly to the spending total. The international marketplace is driving toward a global economy in many areas and it is only a matter of time before public procurement takes center stage in this evolution. The field of international and comparative public procurement is getting increased emphasis, and the significance of the World Trade Organization has focused market participants on the role of public procurement throughout the Pacific Basin and Asia.

Functions and Programs
By establishing the Hawai'i Procurement Institute in partnership with the State of Hawai'i, the University of Hawai'i, William S. Richardson School of Law functions as an education and coordination source for procurement training in Hawai'i. The Hawai'i Procurement Institute operates as a "think-tank" for the development and analysis of state and local procurement policies, laws, and regulations. The Hawai'i Procurement Institute is a model for the United States and its Commonwealths and Territories to follow. The Hawai'i Procurement Institute offers conferences, programs, and courses geared to government officials, public and private legal practitioners, and students interested in keeping current in the practice and policies of government procurement. The Hawai'i Procurement Institute is ready and willing to train public and private procurement personnel from all of these sectors about effective and appropriate procurement policies and contracting.