Public procurement, the strategic process governments use to efficiently and ethically acquire goods and services, is a critical administrative function. And yet, few who practice or teach government contracting have received much formal training in the theories, tactics, and techniques of public procurement. The Essential Guide to Public Procurement is designed for all those who "fall into" procurement with little formal training: academic instructors teaching procurement courses without specialized backgrounds, students in Public Administration programs seeking to understand government contracting, researchers exploring this interdisciplinary field, and practitioners at all levels of government who manage over $10 trillion allocated annually in global procurement spending. Each chapter combines academic research with practitioner insights, capturing key elements of the procurement process. Teaching cases developed in partnership with professional organizations like NIGP and NASPO make it an invaluable resource for both classroom instruction and professional development. Covering essential topics including strategic frameworks, regulations, procurement processes, and contract management, the book offers a thorough and up-to-date overview of the theoretical and practical perspectives that drive and govern procurement activities. In each chapter, authors examine the context and objectives of public procurement, the rules and institutions that shape government contracts, and the phases of the procurement process, equipping readers with the necessary knowledge to design and manage high-performing contracts. The book further identifies strategies to align procurement with broader public policy goals, including social impact and sustainability, and provides in-class activities to facilitate student learning. By bridging theory and real-world cases, The Essential Guide to Public Procurement equips practitioners, educators, and policymakers with the tools to navigate the complexities of government contracting and partnership management.