The current recession has stimulated many firms' desire to contain or reduce costs. This article discusses a study that explored the role of purchasing in analyzing cost savings projects. The author argues that it is important for purchasing to be involved in purchasing cost savings projects. Such projects may be strategic in nature, and they may affect purchasing's decision‐making process and its supplier relationships. Results of the study indicate that most purchasing departmentsareinvolved in cost savings projects, and believe that theyshould beinvolved in such projects. The purchasing function also expects to play a greater role in cost reduction projects of all types in the future. To support growing involvement in such projects, the author concludes that purchasing professionals must educate themselves to a greater extent in the techniques used to analyze cost savings projects. Further, the purchasing function must assume a more aggressive, proactive role in becoming involved in purchasing cost savings projects, educating top management, and publicizing the results of such projects.