The Office of Procurement recently hosted an 18 member delegation from Panama comprised of public sector officials here to learn about U.S. procurement practices at the federal, state, and local levels. They were part of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency's Global Procurement Initiative: “Understanding Best Value" which works with emerging economies to create transparent, open procurement systems in order to foster investments and promote international competition. Procurement Director Cherri Branson gave a presentation on the County’s procurement policies and practices and answered questions from the group via a delegation translator.