Jim Howard is current IT Procurement Manager for the City of Austin, Texas. He manages technology purchases across the City of Austin and for the Austin Energy Utility. Jim is deeply involved in product selection, evaluation, contract negotiations and contract management for projects ranging from standing up Cloud Data Centers in support of City requirements to outfitting Police cars with the latest cutting edge technology. Jim’s team processes millions of dollars of technology transactions each year. Sustainability, consolidation and efficiencies are priorities in the City’s technology mission and organization. The City’s IT Purchasing unit has been consolidated across the various Departments to ensure consistency in our efforts. Innovative approaches of purchasing, implementing and operating are constantly being looked for. Looking for opportunities for Small and Minority businesses and active meeting with those businesses is also a priority. Austin is very interested in the growth and expansion of its minority businesses.

Jim Howard has been in government purchasing for over 20 years. As an Air Force Intelligence Officer, Jim was involved in the evaluation and selection of next generation technology in support of military intelligence. Jim was also Director of Purchasing for the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana for 10 years. As Director he was involved in significant technology purchases. Jim is currently a licensed Attorney with the State of Texas and is Certified as a Professional Purchasing Officer (CPPO) with the National Institute of Government Purchasing.