CAPPO was formed in 1915 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professional behavior and ethical conduct in public procurement. As the oldest public procurement association in the United States, CAPPO works to provide tools to buyers in the public sector that will help them develop their professional skills for their benefit and the benefit of their agencies. CAPPO members exchange ideas in an effort to resolve problems affecting California's public agencies by sharing information on technical advances, cost factors, new laws, and sources for products. This open collaboration helps to strengthen the skills of public procurement officials as they fulfill their responsibilities to the public they serve. CAPPO helps cities, counties, schools, colleges, universities, special districts, and the State to build and strengthen fully effective procurement departments. CAPPO's ongoing educational programs and high ethical standards have provided substantial benefits to these entities. Good government and good procurement are mutually beneficial. CAPPO is dedicated to both.