Inland Empire Health Plan Earns Recognition in Procurement
For the second consecutive year, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has proudly secured the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI). This recognition highlights IEHP's dedication to improving operational efficiency and collaboration with its external vendor network.
Recognized Among Distinguished Organizations
IEHP is one of 216 organizations nationwide awarded this distinction, standing out as the only health plan among the 2025 recipients. The accomplishment reflects IEHP's strategic approach to adopting innovative procurement technologies that enhance overall efficiency.
Partnerships That Matter
"Our department operates as a partnership between IEHP and our vendors, fostering a collaborative environment where we consult, provide advice, and share feedback," said Cita Hendricks, IEHP's Director of Procurement. This collaborative spirit is inherent to the IEHP procurement strategy and directly contributes to their sustained success.
Voices from the Team
Vendors who collaborate with IEHP were surveyed as part of the award consideration process, emphasizing their professionalism in creating a unified experience between the health plan and its partners. Shawn Marie Cox, Manager of Procurement, expressed pride in the team's achievements, stating, "The hard work has evidently paid off, as we continually excel and elevate our procurement processes to new heights."
A Commitment to Excellence
The Achievement in Excellence in Procurement program, initiated by NPI in 1995, aims to acknowledge public agencies for their excellence in procurement operations. The recognition criteria are designed to evaluate innovation, professionalism, and productivity—a testament to IEHP's operational excellence.
According to Carrie Mathes, NPI AEP Officer, "IEHP's repeated recognition through this prestigious award underscores its strong leadership in public procurement, reflecting a lasting commitment to innovation and continuous improvement." Achieving this distinction for the second time validates IEHP's focus on providing impactful services to the communities it serves.
Acknowledgment of Excellence
The 2025 awardees, including IEHP, will be celebrated at NPI’s annual conference in a prominent venue. Other local agencies recognized alongside IEHP include Cal State San Bernardino, the City of Redlands, and the Ontario International Airport Authority. This accolade not only emphasizes IEHP’s superior performance in procurement but also its role within the community.
About Inland Empire Health Plan
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is committed to healing and inspiring the human spirit. As one of the largest Medicaid health plans in the nation, IEHP operates as a non-profit entity and has consistently been recognized as A Great Place to Work. Founded in 1996, IEHP serves over 1.5 million residents eligible for Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice, providing them with quality health care services. Additionally, with the introduction of Covered California plans, IEHP expands its outreach to ensure comprehensive health care access across its service areas.
With an extensive network of dedicated healthcare providers, nearly 4,000 team members, and a vision to optimize community health, IEHP continues to resonate with the core mission: to enhance care and promote vibrant lives within its communities. For more inquiries about IEHP, visit the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award?
The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award honors organizations for their exemplary performance in public procurement practices and innovation.
How many organizations were recognized alongside IEHP?
This year, 216 organizations were awarded, with IEHP being the only health plan recognized.
What factors contributed to IEHP's award?
IEHP was recognized for improving efficiencies through technology adoption and for fostering collaborative relationships with its vendors.
What is IEHP’s mission?
IEHP aims to heal and inspire the human spirit, ensuring high-quality health care access for its members.
Where will the award recipients be honored?
Award recipients will be recognized at NPI’s annual conference, where they will receive their accolades in recognition of their achievements.
