The procurement function plays a crucial role in managing the purchase of goods and services for an organization. However, several challenges and emerging issues can impact its effectiveness. The COVID$-19$ pandemic has brought new complexities to the procurement function, highlighting the need for agility, resilience, and strategic decision$-$making. In this discussion, we will explore some of the key challenges and emerging issues that impact the procurement function and provide relevant examples related to the pandemic. Challenges in Procurement Function: Supply Chain Disruptions: One of the most significant challenges faced by the procurement function during the pandemic was supply chain disruptions. The sudden surge in demand for personal protective equipment $($PPE$)$ and medical supplies led to global supply chain shortages. Organizations struggled to secure sufficient stock of essential items, leading to delays and potential risks to patient care. $2.$ Remote Work and Cybersecurity: The shift to remote work during the pandemic introduced new challenges for the procurement function. With employees working from home, there was an increased need for digital procurement tools and software. However, this also heightened cybersecurity risks, requiring the procurement function to implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent cyberattacks. $3$