Behind the Scenes: Purchasing and Contracts Division Ensures Value, Integrity

Posted On: November 17, 2025

When Volusia County acquires goods and services – from office supplies to construction projects – the Purchasing and Contracts Division works behind the scenes to ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely and every transaction follows proper procedures.

Led by Pam Wilsky, the division serves as the county's procurement experts, handling the complex process of soliciting bids, evaluating proposals, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The team manages everything from small purchases to multi-million-dollar contracts, always seeking the best value while maintaining strict ethical standards.

Staff develops and oversees competitive bidding processes, maintains vendor relationships, ensures compliance with procurement laws, and establishes policies that promote transparency and accountability. This work protects taxpayers by preventing favoritism, ensuring fair competition among vendors, and maximizing the purchasing power of public funds.

Mission-Driven Excellence

The division's mission reflects its commitment to integrity: "To provide for fair and equitable treatment of all persons involved in public purchasing by the county, to maximize the purchasing value of public funds in procurement, and to provide safeguards for maintaining a procurement system of quality and integrity."

This dedication to excellence hasn't gone unnoticed. The division has received a 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute – marking the 18th time they've earned this prestigious recognition, including 12 consecutive years.

The award recognizes public and nonprofit organizations for outstanding performance in public procurement. Volusia County is one of only 216 agencies in the United States and Canada, and one of just 48 counties, to receive this honor, which recognizes innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and e-procurement.

This consistent recognition demonstrates the division's ongoing commitment to best practices and continuous improvement in how Volusia County manages procurement.

While their work may happen behind the scenes, the Purchasing and Contracts Division plays a vital role in ensuring county operations run smoothly, efficiently, and ethically. Their expertise helps every county department deliver services to residents while maintaining the public's trust and making the most of every taxpayer dollar.

Thanksgiving Cheer

The team also used their buying skills to provide 16 boxes to the Volusia Basket Brigade this Thanksgiving. The team priced the items for the best price and collected funds among themselves. Because of their generosity, 16 families across Volusia County will have a bountiful Thanksgiving!