Certified Staff in Miami-Dade County to Receive Five Percent Pay Differential

Miami Dade County’s Department of Procurement Management is pleased to announce the approval of a 5 percent pay supplement for procurement professionals who have achieved professional certification. Only certifications issued by the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC), the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) or the State of Florida will be considered for approval of the supplement. 

Miriam Singer, Director, Miami-Dade Department of Procurement Management led the approval of this important recognition for the Miami Dade County purchasing professionals. “I am hoping other jurisdictions around the country will consider the establishment of similar incentive programs to promote our professionals and our profession. Miami Dade County has an extraordinary purchasing team and I am privileged to work with this group of professionals.”

Certification of procurement employees will benefit Miami-Dade County through value added performance of the purchasing function.  To be considered for the supplement, employees must obtain and maintain certification from one of the three aforementioned professional certifying bodies.

Inclusion of this supplement in the overall employee compensation package strengthens the County’s ability to recruit and retain qualified purchasing professionals and raise the importance of the profession.

For more information about UPPCC's CPPO and CPPB certification for public procurement professionals, visit www.uppcc.org.

Education: Five New Special Topic Courses Now Available

Marketing 101 for the Procurement Professional


•  Addresses how to put together a Marketing Plan to
   promote the procurement function.

Instructor:

Paul J. Brennan, CPPO, CPPB, founder and president of Municipal Purchasing Services with over seven years of sales and marketing experience in the public sector.

Effective Management of Construction Contracting 

•  Focuses on how to handle the special challenges of construction contracting

Managing Your End-Users and Suppliers: It's All About Relationships 

•  Examines the value of investing our time and resources to reach out to our
   stakeholders and how it can improve procurement's effectiveness

World Class Procurement Practices 

•  Defines what is meant by “World Class” and the practices countless
   public agencies are adopting to achieve such status. Case studies
   shared in this three-day class provide real-world examples you can
   learn from and emulate to elevate your agency to World Class.

Instructors:

Aaron D. Howell, CPPO, C.P.M. and Darin L. Matthews CPPO, C.P.M.  Mr. Howell is currently the Associate Director of Business Services, overseeing all non-research contracting at Oregon State University.  Darin Matthews, Immediate Past President of NIGP is Chief Procurement Officer for Metro, the regional government of Portland Oregon.

Ethics: A Survival Kit for the Procurement Professional 

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 is a comprehensive study that equips the public procurement professional to deal with those decisions ethically. This course provides 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.

Instructors:

A cadre of NIGP instructors who care deeply about ethical practice teach this course.

The above courses do not have special enrollment requirements.  To host one of these courses, NIGP Chapters or Agencies should complete a 2007-2008 Seminar Request Form.

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Board News: Bill Brewer Announces his Resignation from the NIGP Board

 Applications for his replacement are due July 31, 2007

The NIGP Board has received, with deep regret, the resignation of Bill Brewer, CPPO, C.P.M. as First Vice President as well as the Board member representing the Southwest United States (Region 11). His resignation is effective August 9, 2007 with the close of the NIGP Forum in Hartford.

While disappointing, Bill’s resignation is a tribute to his efforts within his municipal government at the City of Glendale, Arizona to advance procurement as a strategic function of the city.  With that organizational placement comes the responsibility of planning, directing, guiding, and supporting a city that is experiencing explosive population growth, along with retail and commercial development.   It has become a professional sports hub that will host the 2008 Super Bowl and annually host the Fiesta Bowl and the rotating BCS Bowl.  The escalating responsibilities of procurement do not allow Bill the opportunity to continue his commitment as a board representative from Region 11 and as the Institute’s First Vice President.  The Institute wishes Bill the very best in his career as a key leader within our profession.

Bill’s resignation leaves a vacant seat on the NIGP Board that will be appointed by the NIGP Directors in accordance with the NIGP by-laws. Therefore, the NIGP Nominating Committee is currently seeking applications from persons who are eligible to serve on the NIGP Board of Directors as the Region 11 Representative for the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

To be eligible, the candidate shall:

•  Hold national membership in NIGP either as an employee of a
   national Agency Member or as an Individual Member who is
   currently employed in a public procurement agency;
•  Hold either a current CPPO or CPPB certification or hold a
   current certification issued by a professional purchasing
   organization recognized by NIGP; and
•  Live within the geographic boundaries of Region 11

This appointment to fill an unexpired vacancy will run through June 30, 2008; at which time, this individual will be eligible to seek additional terms on the NIGP Board.

At a minimum, Board members must commit to three face-to-face Board meetings each year at various locations plus the possibility of occasional telephonic meetings.  Board members also serve as committee liaisons to a specific committee so attendance at committee meetings is compulsory.  NIGP does not reimburse Board members for the cost of travel to Board meetings or for teleconference meetings.  All expenses are the responsibility of each Board member.  The Board member's governmental agency is strongly encouraged to financially support these travel and teleconference expenses.

If you are interested in serving the public procurement profession and your association as one of fifteen governing leaders on the NIGP Board of Directors and meet these minimum eligibility requirements, please apply by no later than Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 5PM EST.

The application process includes the following items to be submitted by interested candidates:

•  A Letter of Interest
•  Potential Board Member Questionnaire
•  Current Resume
•  Short Essay on why the applicant aspires to join the NIGP Board 

To learn more about the responsibilities of a Board member, please review the Board of Directors Position Description and the Potential Board Member Questionnaire.

All application materials should be sent to Rick Grimm, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP Chief Executive Officer, at rgrimm@nigp.org no later than the Tuesday, July 31, 2007 deadline.

Candidates will be screened for eligibility and then forwarded to the Nominating Committee for consideration based on the following evaluative criteria:

•  Past contributions as members of the Institute, Chapter leaders,
   and procurement professionals
•  Size and Type of Governmental Unit
•  Level of Education and Experience
•  Demonstrated Public Speaking Skills
•  Demonstrated Leadership Skills
•  Diversity

The Nominating Committee, in turn, will submit its recommendation of not more than two candidates to the full Board for their appointment, which will likely be made in early September.  Once this appointment is completed, the Board will also appoint, from among the Board membership, a First Vice President.

Please contact Rick at 800-367-6447 x235 if you have any questions.  Thank you for considering this opportunity to share your leadership skills with approximately 300 public agencies and over 1,300 individual national members who comprise Region 11.

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Report: Under Bush Wasteful Contracts Exceed $1T

By Matthew Weigelt
Washington Technology
            
The government’s procurement spending continues to climb, noncompetitive contracts occur more frequently, and waste, fraud and abuse persist throughout the departments, according to a new report from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

For the first time, annual procurement spending increased to more than $400 billion, with more than half coming from new contracts that were awarded without full and open competition. Furthermore, the total value of wasteful contracts now exceeds $1 trillion, according to the report, titled “More Dollars, Less Sense: Worsening Contracting Trends Under the Bush Administration.” 

“The worrisome trends identified last year have worsened significantly,” states the report, which was issued by the committee Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) leads.

However, Bush administration procurement officials said last week 64 percent of contracts are categorized as competitive and that percentage has remained steady since 1997. Meanwhile, with the growth in spending, everything has gone up.

“You can pick any category that you wish and say, ‘Wow, it’s gone up,’” said Paul Denett, Office of Federal Procurement Policy administrator, in a June 19 speech. He said competitive dollars and noncompetitive dollars have increased.

The committee’s latest report found spending increased to $412.1 billion in 2006. The Democrats’ 2006 report, “Dollars, Not Sense: Government Contracting Under the Bush Administration,” which analyzed procurement data from 2000 to 2005, found spending had risen from $203.1 billion in 2000 to $377.5 in 2005.

No-bid and limited-competition contracts surged more than $60 billion to $206.9 billion in 2006, the largest single-year increase ever, according to the new report. Last year’s report found no-bid contracts and other forms of contracts awarded without full and open competition had gone from $67.5 billion in 2000 to $145.1 billion in 2005.

The new report identifies 187 contracts, worth $1.1 trillion, that have been impacted by waste, fraud, abuse or mismanagement. Last year’s report identified 118 contracts worth $745.5 billion that government auditors found involve significant waste, fraud, abuse or mismanagement.

The committee used findings from more than 700 reports, audits and investigations by government and independent bodies, such as the Government Accountability Office.

In addition, the report is based on the Eagle Eye Federal Prime Contracts Database, a federal procurement database application published by Eagle Eye. It contains data from fiscal 1999 to 2006 that is compiled from the General Services Administration’s Federal Procurement Data System.

For more information, visit www.washingtontechnology.com.

Matthew Weigelt writes for Federal Computer Week, an 1105 Government Information Group publication.
© 1996-2007 1105 Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Membership: NIGP Announces 2007 Member-Get-A-Member Winner

In late February, NIGP announced our membership recruitment campaign 'Member-Get-A-Member' (MGM) which ran from March 1 through June 30. Each new agency membership that was referred by a member, would have their name entered into a random drawing to win a FREE trip to Forum in Hartford, Connecticut which includes registration, round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations.

Congratulations to John J. Kennedy, CPPO, C.P.M., the winner of the MGM campaign who recruited two new agency memberships.

Through his influence and involvement, John helped expand NIGP representation by recruiting the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, and the New Jersey Office of Information Technology, both from Trenton, NJ.

Other agencies recruited during this campaign:

Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AK
Suzanne M. Burge

City of Atlanta
Drinking Water, GA
Sabrina Watts, CPPB

City of Burlington
Burlington, NC
Michael A.  Keziah, CLGPO

DC Department of Mental Health
District of Columbia 
Samuel J. Feinberg, CPPO, CPPB

Grady Health System
Atlanta, GA
Gloria W. James, CPPB

Jordan School District
Sandy, UT
Gregory  Maynard, CPPO, C.P.M., MBA

Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services
Baltimore, MD
Donna L. Wiltshire

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Salem, OR
Connie L. Hohstadt, CPPB

Palestine ISD
Palestine, TX
Cindy R, Casparis, CPPB

Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
John E. Jensen

South Carolina Vocational Rehab Department
West Columbia, SC
Cathy K. Lucas

Tampa Port Authority
Tampa, FL
Larry D. Strain, CPPO, CPPB

Town of Purcellville
Purcellville, VA
Katherine S. Elgin, CPPO, CPPB

Thanks to all who participated and welcome new members. 

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Forum: 'Green' Plenary Session Announced

In these times of social responsibility, green initiatives, sustainability studies and legislative decisions, procurement professionals are being challenged to make decisions that reflect the environmentally aware conscience of North America.  Join your colleagues at this open forum and hear first-hand what is being done to make a difference.

The Best Things in Life are Green
Wednesday, August 8 - 8AM - 9AM

Whether you are in the midst of a similar project, thinking about your next purchase or anticipating what is to come, you'll find this session infomative and eye opening.

Panel Members: 

Jeffrey B. Baer, CPPO, CPPB
Director
City of Portland, OR

Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
Chief Procurement Officer
City of Naperville, IL

Marcia Deegler
EPP Manager
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MA

Cathy A. Muse, CPPO
Director, Department of Puchasing & Supply Management
Fairfax County Government, VA

Moderator:

Donna T. McCarthy, Ph.D., CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M.
Director, Research and Technical Resources
NIGP



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Forum: New Salary Benchmark Workshop

Think You're Underpaid? Don't Miss This Workshop

Salary Benchmarks:  NiGP Research Study
Wednesday, August 8 - 9:15AM - 10:45AM

The maze of procurement compensation is difficult to navigate.  Are you looking for verifiable documentation to upgrade your job description and associated pay?  How does education and certification fit into the compensation picture?  Ever wonder how you compare with your peers? 

This workshop will answer these questions as we present the much-anticipated results from the 2006/2007 NIGP Compensation Survey.

Speakers:

Mohamad Alkadry, Ph.D.
Professor, West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

Donna T. McCarthy, Ph.D., CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M.
Director Research and Technical Resources
NIGP



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Forum Events and Activities: Before, During and After

                 

A Culinary Delight:  the Taste of Hartford 

August 5-11

Modeled after the popular restaurant weeks featured everywhere from Northampton and Boston, to Albany and New York City, area restaurants come together and create a delicious multi-course menu served during the week for a fixed price of $20.07. It's a great way to sample the wares of the area's talented chefs and enjoy the ambiance of Hartford's restaurants without breaking the bank.  For more information, visit the Taste of Hartford.  The Taste of Hartford is produced by the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the Hartford Advocate.

Tours Galore

Family accompanying you to Hartford?  For their enjoyment, NIGP and the Host Committee are offering optional tours through Celebrations Meetings and Events (CME).  Tours run daily from Saturday, August 4 through Thursday, August 9.  Whether your interests lie in history, excitement and adventure, shopping or sports, there is a tour scheduled just for you!

Saturday, August 4

Hartford Walking Tour:  9AM – 11AM
Guests enjoy a relaxing walk around Hartford's historic downtown and through picturesque Bushnell Park, the oldest public park in America. Be entertained with many stories from Hartford's historic past and people who through innovation changed the world of manufacturing, insurance, American literature, and the role of museums in America.
$23 per person

Basketball Hall of Fame:  1PM – 5PM
This unique museum includes the Honors Ring, five different galleries including memorabilia and artifacts and various interactive activities including virtual reality and video games, rebounding, height, wingspan, reaction time games and the chance to host your own sports TV and radio broadcasts.
$49 per person

Sunday, August 5

Hartford Walking Tour:  9AM – 11AM
Second offering (see Saturday tour description)
$23 per person

Monday, August 6

Yankee Candle Factory Tour:  1PM – 5PM
Guests enjoy an entertaining, free demonstration of antique candle making in the Colonial reproduction 1830 Candle Making Museum, and have the opportunity to dip their own candle souvenirs in the Dip-Your-Own area. Shopping in the huge, 90,000-square-foot store is a delightful adventure, featuring candles galore and imaginative gifts and candle accessories.
$35 per person

Tuesday, August 7

Mystic Seaport Tour:  9AM – 5PM
The renowned Mystic Seaport highlights 19th century seafaring.  Experience beautifully preserved and maintained vessels and seaport businesses. Following lunch on your own, guests ride via bus to the USS Nautilus submarine, located 15 minutes from the seaport. The USS Nautilus is the only submarine museum operated by the U.S. Navy; it is the primary repository for artifacts, documents and photographs of Navy history, and guests can explore the extensive naval museum as well as board the sub for a look at life under water.
$69 per person

Wednesday, August 8

Six Flags New England:  9AM – 3PM
New England's largest family theme park and water park with rides for all ages! Come experience their incredible line up of TEN coasters including BATMAN - THE DARK KNIGHT, SUPERMAN - RIDE OF STEEL, and PANDEMONIUM plus two new rides CATAPULT and SPLASH WATER. Admission also includes Hurricane Harbor, (water park) and more!
$79 per person

Thursday, August 9

Post-Forum New York City Tour:  8AM – 8PM
Join us for an introductory tour of Manhattan with at least three stops for shopping, sightseeing and dining. Our tour takes us by Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Ground Zero. A stop at South Street Seaport, Pier 17 for dining at one of the best food courts in the country completes the evening.
$98 per person

All tours require a minimum number of participants.  Register in advance in order to avoid cancellations.

Casinos

The Host Committee has made arrangements for tours to two of the finest casinos in New England.  To reserve a seat on either casino tour, please complete the Registration Form.

The cost is $20 per person and includes transportation and a $25 credit to use at each prespective casino.  Shuttles will depart from the Connecticut Convention Center.

Monday, August 6

Foxwoods Casino:  6PM - Midnight
http://www.foxwoods.com/

Tuesday, August 7

Mohegan Sun:  6PM - Midnight 
http://www.mohegansun.com/
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Forum: Golf Tournament and Silent Auction

3rd Annual LES Foundation Benefit
Golf Tournament

Friday, August 3
12Noon to 6PM
Rockledge Country Club,
West Hartford, CT

It’s a gimme!  The 3rd Annual LES Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament takes place the afternoon of Friday, August 3, at the Rockledge Country Club in West Hartford.  Your registration fee includes tee/green/cart fees, box lunch, two beverage tickets, and transportation via motor coach to and from your hotel.  Tournament fees:  NIGP Member-$85; Non-member-$125.

For complete tournament schedule and registration information, go to Golf Tournament or contact Brent Maas at bmaas@nigp.org.

LES Foundation Silent Auction

The LES Foundation conducts its annual fundraising auction in conjunction with the NIGP Annual Conference and needs your support for its success.  Through the generous donations of goods and services from individuals and chapters, the LES Foundation provides financial support to those seeking professional development in public procurement.

Can't take advantage of your
timeshare this year? Donate it! 

Have last year's Christmas gift from your in-laws
that just never quite made it into the light of day?  Donate it!

Twice each year, the foundation awards grants and scholarships to qualifying individuals and programs.

Please Donate Now.   For inquiries, contact Brent Maas at bmaas@nigp.org.
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