Even 20 years ago the public sector was perfectly on-board with so-called "catalog purchases" using approved retailers, and "payment card" (e.g., company credit

Even 20 years ago the public sector was perfectly on-board with so-called "catalog purchases" using approved retailers, and "payment card" (e.g., company credit card) without prior approval. I don't know where your experience may have occurred but purchasing and supplier management process actually helps most places get what they need rather than hindering it.