Upcoming Events

CPPB Virtual Prep

Pro-D Event

Mar 1 - 29, 2010
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Your Computer

Fees for this event:

NIGP National Member (2.00 points): $360.00

NIGP Non-Member (2.00 points): $500.00

Special Notes: The CPPB Online Prep course is an online course.

Date and time:

March 1       12:00 - 2:00 PM (Eastern)
March 8       12:00 - 2:00 PM (Eastern)
March 15     12:00 - 2:00 PM (Eastern)
March 24     12:00 - 2:00 PM (Eastern)
March 29     12:00 - 1:00 PM (Eastern)

Presented by: William Hertwig

Click here for William Hertwig's bio.

Course Objective and Intended Outcomes: In an effort to prepare candidates for the computer-based CPPB exam containing 175 questions, this virtual course provides a review that addresses key information on topics identified in the 2008 UPPCC Body of Knowledge. Considered as a tool to help the student in assessing their own strengths and weaknesses, as they relate to the subject matter, this course is only a part of the candidates overall study plan for preparation. Participation in this class does not guarantee success on the UPPCC examination.

Clickhere to view a more detailed description.

Online Format:

The CPPB Online Prep course consists of 5 live online classes, homework assignments, online practice quizzes, and online discussion. Attendance at all sessions of the online course is mandatory and monitored. Successful completion of the online course will earn 16 contact hours. NIGP will not issue partial contact hours. An evaluation form must be completed and returned to NIGP prior to the completion of the course. Certificates will be emailed to each participant within two weeks of the course completion. CEUs are not awarded for attendance

 Technical Requirements:

Computer with internet access and phone. (Full System Requirements)

Course Syllabus:
This course addresses the 10 domain areas identified in the Body of Knowledge.

• Administration aspects of purchasing (19%)
• Procurement requests (17%)
• Solicitation and evaluation of bids/proposals (20%)
• Supplier analysis (8%)
• Negotiation process (3%)
• Contract award and administration (18%)
• Internal/external relationships (9%)
• Materials Management (2%)
• Human Resources/Personnel (2%)
• Forecasting and Strategies (2%)

Click here to register.  Registration is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration and payment must take place via the NIGP website (deadline is February 24th)

2010 RMGPA SPRING CONF/NAEP EVENING EVENT

General Meeting

Mon, Mar 22, 2010
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center
700 - 14th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
[ register for this event ]

Fees for this event:

2010 RMGPA Spring Conf / NAEP Evening Event: No Charge

Attachments for this event:

2010 RMGPA Spring Conference Agenda

There is no charge to attend NAEP's evening function in the Exhibit Hall.  Please register if you would like to attend so they can get your tickets prepared for the event.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THIS EVENT IS MARCH 12, 2010

2010 RMGPA SPRING CONFERENCE

General Meeting

Tue, Mar 23, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center
700 - 14th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
[ register for this event ]

Fees for this event:

2010 RMGPA Spring Conference (1.00 points): $75.00

Attachments for this event:

2010 RMGPA Spring Conference Agenda

Please take advantage of carpooling, light rail, RTD, and any other forms of transportation.  Parking information is attached with the Agenda.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THIS EVENT IS MARCH 12, 2010

Introduction to Public Procurement

Pro-D Event

Mar 31 - Apr 2, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Aurora Municipal Building
15151 E Alameda Pkwy
Aurora, Colorado 80012

Fees for this event:

NIGP Natl Members - 60 days or more before event (3.00 points): $550.00

NIGP Natl Members - 31-59 days before the event (3.00 points): $575.00

NIGP Natl Members - 30 days or less prior to event (3.00 points): $625.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-60 days or more before event (3.00 points): $725.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-31-59 days before event (3.00 points): $750.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-30 days or less prior event (3.00 points): $800.00

Instructor: Ms. Jen Johnson

Phone: (202) 434-3182
Email: Cjenjohnson@AARP.org

Duration: 3-day
Contact hours: 24 hours
UPPCC* Re-Certification points: 3
CEU Units**: 2.2

General Description:

The work of public procurement is no longer a clerical function performed independently by various people throughout different agencies or departments within a government entity. This class provides an overview of the ever-changing profession by identifying fundamental concepts that will affect procurement in the public sector.

Intended Audience:
This course is intended for individuals interested in an overview of procurement functions for the purpose of understanding the basic elements that underlie all areas of public procurement. Any government employee who has delegated authority to purchase goods and services on behalf of the government should take advantage of this class. Discussion and content is relevant for those outside the profession who are impacted by the public procurement environment.

Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this class. Successful participants will either be new to the profession or have less than one year of experience and anyone employed in various positions within the government.

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Describe the roles, organization and functions of public procurement
• Explain the steps in the procurement cycle and the stakeholder relationships inherent in each step
• Demonstrate how public procurement adds value to the delivery of public services
• Describe the cultural, social, political, economic and legal environments that impact public procurement 
• Demonstrate the importance of ethics and professionalism in public procurement

Course Outline:
The following is an outline of the material for this course. Practical examples, group exercises and case studies will be utilized throughout the course. The content presented during any given class may vary depending on the background and experience of the participants.

Day One:  

• Pre-test
• History and Value
• Private and Public Purchasing Organizations
• Differences
• Similarities
• Purchasing Cycle 

Day Two:  

• Legal Issues
• Ethics/Professionalism
• Contract Administration
• Organizational Structure
• Roles
• Centralized vs. Decentralized 

Day Three:  

• Planning
• Specifications
• Market Conditions
• Socio-Economic Factors
• Technology
• Federal
• Post-Test

This outline may be modified slightly at the course instructor's discretion.

Click here to register.  Registration for this course will take place using NIGP's new online registration system.  Please contact kspicola@pueblowater.org if you need assistance.

Click here for a link to lodging for the local area.

 

Board Work Session (INFORMATIONAL)

Board Meeting

Wed, Apr 7, 2010
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
City of Thornton Civic Center
9500 Civic Center Drive 2nd Floor Conference Room
Thornton, Colorado
[ register for this event ]

Fees for this event:

Board Member (0.50 points): No Charge

Board Work Session on 2010 Budget

Board Meeting (INFORMATIONAL)

Board Meeting

Wed, Apr 28, 2010
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
City of Thornton Infrastructure Maintenance Center
12450 N Washington Street, Room 130 124th & Washington
Thornton, Colorado
[ register for this event ]

Fees for this event:

Board Member (0.50 points): No Charge

Ethics: A Survival Kit for Public Procurement

Pro-D Event

Fri, May 7, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Academy School District 20
1110 Chapel Hills Drive
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920

Fees for this event:

NIGP Natl Members - 60 days or more before event (1.00 points): $135.00

NIGP Natl Members - 31-59 days before the event (1.00 points): $160.00

NIGP Natl Members - 30 days or less prior to event (1.00 points): $210.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-60 days or more before event (1.00 points): $200.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-31-59 days before event (1.00 points): $225.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-30 days or less prior event (1.00 points): $275.00

Instructor: Mr. Rob Rickard

Phone: (503) 986-2357
Email: robin.rickard@state.or.us

Duration: 1-Day Seminar

Contact hours: 8 hours
UPPCC* Re-Certification points: 1
CEU Units**: .7

General Description:
This course will introduce the student to ethical practices needed during the procurement process. The course will empower the student with the ability to make distinctions between competing choices that face the procurement professional. Being ethical is not always easy, but it is always important. The participant will learn to focus on discernment, discipline and effectiveness as vital elements of ethical decision-making. Both moral and business considerations will be analyzed in this seminar.

This seminar is designed to offer a practical hands-on approach to ethical decision-making in the public procurement process by engaging in exercises and case studies that reinforce presented concepts. Being ethical isn’t always easy. Procurement professionals have to make many decisions under economic, professional, social and political pressure. From the basic day-to-day to the complex decisions, this will be a comprehensive study that will equip the public procurement professional to deal with those decisions ethically.

Intended Audience:
All professionals involved in Public Procurement.

Prerequisites:
None.

Course Objective and Intended Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Identify the foundational structure of ethical decision-making.
• Recognize questionable ethical situations when they occur.
• Explain the value of ethical behavior.
• Deduce proper ways to respond when confronted with a potential unethical situation.
• Formulate a process for investigating a questionable situation.
• Develop ethically sound procurement documents.
• Recommend ethical expectations to customers and suppliers.

Course Outline:

• Historical overview of the evolution of ethical behavior
• Reasons for being ethical
• Six Pillars of Character
  - Trustworthiness
  - Responsibility
  - Fairness
  - Caring
  - Citizenship
• Factors that Contribute to Unethical Behavior
• Bidding Do’s and Don’ts
• Areas of High Risk for Ethically Inappropriate Behavior
  - Conflict of interest
  - Kickbacks and bribes
  - Circumventing purchasing authority
  - Back door selling
  - Employment
• Supplier Relations

This outline may be modified slightly at the course instructor's discretion.

Click here to register.  Registration for this course will take place using NIGP's new online registration system.  Please contact kspicola@pueblowater.org if you need assistance.

 Click here for a link to lodging for the local area.

World Class Procurement Practices

Pro-D Event

Wed, Jun 2, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Vail

Fees for this event:

NIGP Natl Members - 60 days or more before event (1.00 points): $135.00

NIGP Natl Members - 31-59 days before the event (1.00 points): $160.00

NIGP Natl Members - 30 days or less prior to event (1.00 points): $210.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-60 days or more before event (1.00 points): $200.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-31-59 days before event (1.00 points): $225.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-30 days or less prior event (1.00 points): $275.00

Instructor: Mr. Darin Matthews

Phone: (503) 797-1626
Email: darin.matthews@oregonmetro.gov

General Description:

The concept of World Class Procurement has application to both the public and private sectors. This workshop will address what is meant by “World Class” and what practices countless public agencies are adopting to achieve such status. Case studies shared in the class will illustrate many common practices of agencies and procurement professionals that are considered World Class.

Intended Audience:
This course is targeted to all levels of professionals involved in the public procurement process; senior procurement staff and management will particularly benefit from this course.

Prerequisites:
None

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Identify and explain the procurement practices of leading agencies.
• Assess the value and practicality of these practices
• Identify procurement methods that are considered world class.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction
   
   1. Definition of world class; public and private sector perspectives
   2. Evolution of procurement techniques
   3. Industry trends and survey data
2. Pre-Solicitation Approaches
   
   1. Sourcing and effective market research
   2. Building departmental relationships that are win-win
   3. Analyzing usage data and financial reports
   4. Developing a quality training program for procurement
3. Leading Procurement Techniques
   
   1. Creating standard procurement documents
   2. Advantages and disadvantages of proposal processes
   3. Alternative procurement methods
   4. Delegation of authority and de-centralization
   5. Developing an effective procurement card program
4. Post-Award Activities
   
   1. Contract administration plans
   2. Managing contract disputes
   3. Developing contract performance measurements
   4. Evaluation of contractors and suppliers
5. Implementation of World Class Practices
   
   1. Achieving short term wins
   2. Longer term strategies for implementing new practices
   3. Cultivating a world class culture
   4. Case studies, agency examples of world class practices. Making sure your Project Manager/Construction Inspectors are doing their jobs. Are these folks internal or external? What role do they play? What should be their limit of authority and how do you maintain it?

This outline may be modified slightly at the course instructor's discretion.

Click here to register.  Registration for this course will take place using NIGP's new online registration system.  Please contact kspicola@pueblowater.org if you need assistance.

Lodging will be at the same hotel as the Summer Conference.

SUMMER CONFERENCE

General Meeting

Jun 3 - 4, 2010
Vail

Sourcing in the Public Sector

Pro-D Event

Jul 21 - 23, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Denver Department of Personnel
1001 E. 62nd Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80216

FEES FOR THIS EVENT:

NATIONAL MEMBER
Register 60 or more days before the event: Pay only $550
Register 31-59 days before the event: Pay only $575
Register 30 days or less prior to the event: Pay $625

NON-MEMBER
Register 60 or more days before the event: Pay only $725
Register 31-59 days before the event: Pay only $750
Register 30 days or less prior to the event: Pay $800

Instructor: Mr. Allen Register  

Phone: (803) 737-3410
Email: aregister@mmo.sc.gov

Click here for a link to the instructor's bio.

Duration: 3-day
Contact hours: 24 hours
UPPCC* Re-Certification points: 3
CEU Units**: 2.2

General Description:  This course provides the participant with a comprehensive overview of the sourcing process within the public sector. Essential elements, including pre-sourcing planning, needs assessment, specifications, scope of work, deliverables, procurement strategies, value analysis, and internal control processes are explored. Determining the appropriate sourcing method, preparing the relevant sourcing invitation document, managing the acquisition process, evaluation of response submissions, and contract awards will also be explored. In addition, trends and technology developments and their effect of processes will be discussed.

Intended Audience:
Sourcing, by government organizations is a different and complex process, filled with rules, regulations, procedures, court decisions, conflict of interest prohibitions, and issues that can complicate and confound the lives of government officials charged with procurement responsibilities. This course is intended for those who want to learn how to navigate the process and increase their understanding of the critical issues that frame the concept of public sector sourcing and discusses future sourcing challenges. Procurement practitioners at all levels aspiring to public procurement professional certification, senior agency managers, suppliers, and internal customers who wish to understand their role in the public sector acquisition process are encouraged to attend.

Prerequisites:
Though no prerequisites are stipulated for this class, successful participants should have one to two years of public procurement experience prior to enrolling. Others may find completion of Introduction to Public Procurement, and Planning, Scheduling and Requirements Analysis to be of benefit.

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Describe how to determine responsiveness and responsibility when evaluation suppliers
• Describe how to create and maintain a vendor data base while reaching out to global suppliers/green suppliers/minority suppliers, etc.
• Identify when prequalification is appropriate and methods of prequalifying suppliers and products
• Determine appropriate sourcing strategy while balancing risk and price through market research and the use of pricing and award strategies
• Describe how to develop and maintain short term and long term supplier relationships 

Course Outline:
The following is an outline of the material for this course. Practical examples, group exercises and case studies will be utilized throughout the course. The content presented during any given class may vary depending on the background and experience of the participants.

Day One: 

• A Framework for Sourcing
• Stages in the Solicitation Process
• Requirements Analysis
• Sourcing Suppliers

Day Two: 

• Specification and Standards
• Authorization and Approvals
• The Sourcing Document: Instructions and General Terms/Conditions
• The Sourcing Document - Special Terms and Conditions

Day Three: 

• The Sourcing Document: Technical Specifications or Statement of Work
• The Sourcing Documents - The Bid Proposal Form
• Receiving, Opening and Evaluating Bid/Proposal Responses
• Post-test

Click here to register.  Registration for this course will take place using NIGP's online registration system.  Please contact kspicola@pueblowater.org if you need assistance.

Click here for a link to lodging for the local area.

Board Meeting (INFORMATIONAL)

Board Meeting

Wed, Jul 28, 2010
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
City of Thornton Infrastructure Maintenance Center
12450 N Washington Street, Room 130 124th & Washington
Thornton, Colorado
[ register for this event ]

Fees for this event:

Board Member (0.50 points): No Charge

Warehousing and Inventory Control

Pro-D Event

Aug 26 - 27, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
South Metro Fire Rescue Authority
Training Room #1 - 9195 E Mineral Ave
Centennial, Colorado 80112

Fees for this event:

NATIONAL MEMBER
Register 60 or more days before the event: Pay only $335
Register 31-59 days before the event: Pay only $360
Register 30 days or less prior to the event: Pay $410

NON-MEMBER
Register 60 or more days before the event: Pay only $475
Register 31-59 days before the event: Pay only $500
Register 30 days or less prior to the event: Pay $550

Instructor:  Mrs. Theresa M. Gerhardt, CPPO, CPPB
Purchasing Agent - Fayette County Board of Education
Phone: (770)460-3535 (ext. 141)
Email: gerhardt.terri@mail.fcboe.org

Click here for a link to the instructor's bio.

Duration: 2-Day Seminar

Contact Hours: 16 hours
UPPCC* Re-Certification Points: 2
CEU Units**: 1.5

General Description:
Public priorities don’t always wait for the supply chain to react to needs. In addition, budgets are too tight for “just in case” inventories waiting for policy-makers to decide whether to install more “children at play signs” or provide additional environmentally-friendly trash bags at parks. How does today’s procurement professional proactively prepare to satisfy client needs? One answer may be an effective warehouse and inventory control system. This course focuses on optimizing the development/management/maintenance of a supply chain that includes a warehousing and inventory management strategy. It enables the procurement professional to gain command of the key elements of a successful operation and provides a guide to complementing procurement activities with prudent inventory management techniques. Can these concepts help your procurement function add value to meet often unpredictable demands? Check it out!

Intended Audience:
Finance, procurement and supply chain professionals looking for ways to become more effective and efficient by improving their inventory management methodologies. Warehouse managers and warehouse employees.

Prerequisites: None

Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

Evaluate how public warehouses and inventory control can help meet organizational needs.
• Discuss various techniques for safely and effectively managing inventories and optimizing services to clients.
• Provide for effective management, including disposal, of surplus, scrap and excess inventory.
• Identify current trends in public warehousing.

Course Outline:
The following is an outline of the material that will be covered in this two day course. Practical examples, group exercises and case studies will be utilized throughout the course.

Day One   Pre-Test

• Introduction to Warehousing and Inventory Control
      Organizational Placement
      Funding and Costs
• Management
      Safety and Security
      Performance Measurement
      Technology
      Working Stock and Safety Stock

Day Two

• Forecasting
      Demand
      Long Range
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Just in Time Inventory Management
• Types of Surplus and Disposal Methods
• Summary
• Post Test 

This outline may be modified slightly at the course instructor’s discretion.

Click here to register.  Registration for this course will take place using NIGP's online registration system.   Please contact kspicola@pueblowater.org if you need assistance.    

Click here for a link to lodging for the local area.

Protest and Disputes: What's a Buyer to Do?

Pro-D Event

Fri, Oct 8, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Durango Public Library
1900 East 3rd Avenue
Durango, Colorado 81301

Fees for this event:

NIGP Natl Members - 60 days or more before event (1.00 points): $135.00

NIGP Natl Members - 31-59 days before the event (1.00 points): $160.00

NIGP Natl Members - 30 days or less prior to event (1.00 points): $210.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-60 days or more before event (1.00 points): $200.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-31-59 days before event (1.00 points): $225.00

Non-NIGP Natl Members-30 days or less prior event (1.00 points): $275.00

Duration: 1-Day Seminar

Contact hours: 8 hours
UPPCC* Re-Certification points: 1
CEU Units**: .75

Instructor: Mr. Rob Rickard

Phone: (503) 986-2357
Email: robin.rickard@state.or.us

General Description:
You followed every policy, regulation and procedure to determine a contract award. Regardless, it happened to you – a protest! Take it one step at a time to understand the nature of a protest and its nuances, which are contributing factors. This lively seminar will provide an opportunity to discuss real live examples, determine root causes, predict opinions, and execute improved processes 

Intended Audience: All public procurement professionals who coordinate bid protests.

Prerequisites: None

Course Objective and Intended Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

•  Define what a protest is 
•  Discuss ways to reduce the probability of a protest 
•  Explain how to respond to a protest

Course Outline:

•  Understand what protest is 
•  Learn to distinguish between kinds of protests
•  Learn how to reduce the potential for protest 
•  Learn how to effectively "debrief" with "non-award" vendors 
•  Learn what to do if you receive protest 
•  Learn how to formally respond to protest 
•  Learn to eliminate the emotion related to protest 
•  Review and discuss some case studies of protests

This outline may be modified slightly at the course instructor's discretion.

Click here  to register.  Registration for this course will take place using NIGP's new online registration system.  Please contact kspicola@pueblowater.org if you need assistance.

Click here for a link to lodging for the local area. 

Board Meeting (INFORMATIONAL)

Board Meeting

Wed, Oct 27, 2010
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
City of Thornton Infrastructure Maintenance Center
12450 N Washington Street, Room 130 124th & Washington
Thornton, Colorado
[ register for this event ]

Fees for this event:

Board Member (0.50 points): No Charge

Risk Management in Public Contracting

Pro-D Event

Nov 4 - 5, 2010
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Denver Department of Personnel
1001 E. 62nd Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80216

Fees for this event:

NATIONAL MEMBER
Register 60 or more days before the event: Pay only $335
Register 31-59 days before the event: Pay only $360
Register 30 days or less prior to the event: Pay $410

NON-MEMBER
Register 60 or more days before the event: Pay only $475
Register 31-59 days before the event: Pay only $500
Register 30 days or less prior to the event: Pay $550

Instructor: Ms. Lynda Allair

Phone: (416) 264-3581
Email: seventowers@ymail.com

Click here for a link to the instructor's bio.

Duration: 2-Day Seminar

Contact hours: 16 hours
UPPCC* Re-Certification points: 2
CEU Units**: 1.5

General Description:    Risk is a critical consideration in the contracting and procurement process. A thoughtful and proactive approach toward risk, as it relates to specific procurement actions, contributes to the success of contract performance. Risk is directly related to the successful achievement of targeted goals and objectives. The procurement manager must ensure that the risks associated with each procurement action have been identified, assessed, and mitigated to the practicable maximum extent, while taking cost and other factors into consideration. The emphasis of this course will be on developing a solid understanding of the complexities of risk management and recognizing the importance of planning, monitoring and proactive insight and oversight into risk areas related to the contract’s stated performance outputs and outcomes.

Intended Audience:
People who deal with complex contracts.

Prerequisites:
Contract Administration

Click here to register.  Registration for this course will take place using NIGP's online registration system.  Please contact kspicola@pueblowater.org if you need assistance.                     

Click here for a link to lodging for the local area.