RISK MANAGEMENT MATURITY IN PROCUREMENT PROCUREMENTS FOR A
PURCHASING UNIT: A CASE STUDY IN PROCUREMENTS FOR
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
Risk Management; Public Procurement; Maturity; Public University.
The public sector faces significant challenges in risk management, particularly within higher education institutions, whose structural complexity and diversity of services increase their exposure to risks associated with procurement processes. Focusing on this scenario, this study investigated the maturity of risk management in procurement for operational support at the Prefeitura of the University of Brasília (UnB), considering its scientific, social, and administrative relevance, given the direct impact on the quality of services provided and the efficient management of public resources, aiming at strengthening public governance. The objective was to assess the maturity level of risk management in these processes, seeking to answer the following research question: what is the maturity level of risk management in operational procurements carried out by the UnB’s Prefeitura? Based on theoretical frameworks on risk management in the public sector and higher education institutions, this applied research employed a qualitative approach, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews, using an adapted assessment tool from the maturity model of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts. The results indicated that the Unit is at an initial stage of maturity, with fragmented practices and a lack of a consolidated risk management policy in procurement. As a technical-technological product, a conclusive technical report was developed, presenting the main findings and proposing practical measures for improving risk management, with potential applicability in other public institutions that share the essential characteristics of Brazilian public higher education institutions. The study concludes that it is essential to institutionalize systematic risk management practices, strengthen the organizational culture, and train the involved personnel to promote higher maturity levels and contribute to sound governance in public procurement.