Abstract

Sustainable public procurement is a significant public policy towards sustainable development. In this context, this study investigated the public agents’ commitment to the procurement process within Brazilian public institutions regarding the implementation of sustainable public procurement and their perceptions of organizational and political commitment to the issue. A nationwide quantitative survey was conducted with 201 participants in the planning, selection, or execution phases of public procurement. The findings reveal that individual commitment to sustainable public procurement is moderate, while organizational and political commitment is low or nonexistent. Increased knowledge among public agents and the availability of organizational resources are identified as key factors that could enhance commitment to sustainable public procurement. The results have significant social implications, promoting more sustainable practices in the public sector and supporting responsible development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article is original in addressing sustainable public procurement from the public policy implementation perspective and the individuals’ viewpoint regarding individual, organizational, and political commitment to the issue, providing a deeper understanding of the variables that interfere with the implementation of this policy.

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