The streak continues.

Cal State San Bernardino’s Department of Procurement and Contracts is the recipient of the 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award from the National Procurement Institute Inc. (NPI). That makes it four consecutive years – since 2023 – that the department has been honored with the award.  

CSUSB has also been the only California State University campus to receive the AEP Award in each of the past four years, reflecting the department’s sustained commitment to procurement excellence and continuous improvement.

 The AEP recognizes public and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence through innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and e-procurement. The program also encourages continued organizational improvement, requiring recipients to demonstrate their qualifications each year.

AEP graphic: 2023-2026 award winner

This year’s achievement was especially significant because the procurement and contracts team pursued the award while fully implementing CSUBuy, the university’s new comprehensive e-procurement software suite. The implementation required extensive training, process redesign, campus support and collaboration across the entire department. Despite these additional demands, the team continued serving the university while successfully meeting the rigorous standards of the AEP program.

 “Receiving this award for the fourth consecutive year is an extraordinary accomplishment, particularly given the magnitude of the CSUBuy implementation,” said Jay Wood, executive director and chief procurement officer. “Every member of our procurement and contracts team contributed to this achievement while navigating one of the most significant operational changes our department has undertaken. They rose to the challenge without losing sight of our responsibility to serve the campus community.

 “I am truly honored to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team,” Wood continued. “Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to excellence are reflected not only in this award, but also in the fine work they perform each and every day on behalf of CSUSB.”

Members of the department honored are:

  • Amy Beran, procurement professional III
  • Ashley Alcazar, procurement professional II
  • Robin Frostrom, contracts specialist III
  • Rodrigo Melesio, procurement professional III
  • Angelica Jara, procurement lead IV
  • J.C. Cortez, procurement lead IV 
  • Megann Martinez, procurement professional III 
  • Karo Alba Hernandez, universal card specialist
  • Cristhian Godines, universal card specialist
  • Hayden Moore, procurement professional I

CSUSB’s Department of procurement and contracts is responsible for purchases and contracts made by the university. Its staff assists the campus community with purchasing and contracting needs and serves as a liaison among university departments, vendors and service providers.

The department issues purchase orders, agreements, memoranda of understanding, fee-for-service agreements and other contracts. It also coordinates competitive solicitations, evaluates bids and proposals, administers the university’s corporate and universal card programs, manages strategic contracts, and obtains quotes for needed goods and services.

In addition to the NPI, the AEP is sponsored by leading public procurement organizations throughout the United States and Canada. The award program recognizes organizations whose procurement practices reflect high standards of innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership and technology.