ISG names GEP a leader in US public sector procurement BPO

Research firm ISG named GEP a leader in its ISG Provider Lens report on US public sector procurement business process outsourcing (BPO), transformation, and software platforms.

Procurement BPO solutions and services in the public sector are a nascent business for many providers, since government agencies have until recently been reticent to outsource core finance-related operations. However, interest is being driven up by a desire to cut costs and provide a high level of digitally optimized services amid a retiring and shrinking public sector workforce.

Several of the leaders in ISG’s report told the research firm they have seen a more than 30% increase in the number of contracts signed with US federal, state, and municipal agencies in 2021 over 2020. ISG expects that the government will increasingly spend on procurement software and procurement BPO through 2022, creating a boom for platforms in the sector.

Clark, NJ-based GEP was named a leader across the three categories of BPO services, digital transformation services, and software platforms and solutions. Since GEP uniquely provides its own proprietary software as well as related consulting and managed services, no other firm ranked as a leader across all three categories. IT consulting giant Accenture placed as leader in BPO services and digital transformation services.

ISG cited GEP’s comprehensive, end-to-end offering as a strength. The firm was also lauded for its dedicated public sector team, including a dedicated sales and support business unit. ISG also noted GEP works with agencies through all significant contract means, including GSA schedules, state and municipal buying consortia, direct contracting, subcontracting, and state procurement forecasts.

As a weakness, ISG said GEP’s self-contained ecosystem might be a concern for clients who wish to have a larger array of partners to acquire complementary tools and services – though GEP recently grew its partner network to include additional services and product providers.

"At a time when skyrocketing costs and inflation are undercutting public budgets, we're laser-focused on enabling federal, state, and local governments to transform procurement and drive maximum value to their taxpayers. GEP is the one-handshake solution for most of our clients' needs," said Jane Newman, senior director, public sector, GEP.

GEP has 5,500 employees globally and its US public sector practice has supported clients including US federal agencies, state and municipal agencies, military branches, Amtrak, and the US Postal Service.

The supply chain software and consulting specialist was recently named a leader in supplier value management platforms by Forrester.