Advocacy: Obama's Pledge to Public Procurement

Hail to the Chief!

As part of NIGP's advocacy efforts,  the following letter-to-the-editor was submitted to the Washington Post by Rick Grimm, NIGP Chief Executive.

Moments after taking his oath of office, President Obama provided a compelling case for the value of the public procurement and contracting profession when he challenged governments  ‘to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day‘. 

For too long, abuse and waste of public tax dollars have been attributed to lax or non-existing contracting operations on all levels of government that fostered expediency over transparency, personal relationships over ethical behavior, and inferior purchases over best value.  This situation has been worsened by recent budget woes, particularly for state and local governments, which have systematically eliminated professional development, training, and people from their procurement offices – the very stewards that have the greatest opportunity to maximize the value of public spend.  The proposed stimulus package will most assuredly strain an already burdened acquisition function by infusing massive public spending into public contracting.

President Obama has demanded accountability for governmental efficiency.  Elected officials can act on this mandate by investing in human capital necessary to ensure that the public procurement offices across our nation are adequately staffed, professionally certified, and proficient to implement best practices that produce the greatest return for our money.

Rick Grimm, CPPO, CPPB
Chief Executive
NIGP

64th Annual Forum and Products Exposition: St. Louis, Missouri

Gateway to Excellence
Sat., August 22 - Wed., August 26
St. Louis, Missouri

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION AVAILABLE NOW

Forum Highlights:

•  Welcome reception featuring presentation of NIGP's Albert H. Hall Award and entertainment by master guitarist, Mike Rayburn.  Mike is a regular attraction at Carnegie Hall and his blend of music, humor and insight will keep you laughing throughout the evening and for months to come. 

•  Plenary sessions this year include:

"Zap the Gap" - Meagan Johnson
Opening General Session Speaker
Sunday, August 23

Meagan Johnson is a terrific professional speaker on the topic of bridging the generational gap and communicating with multi-generations. She spent several years working in sales for major corporations across the United States. At every company Meagan became discouraged to hear the negative comments about Generation X.  In her session, "Zap the Gap", Meagan will help attendees maximize a multi-generational workforce. Based on original research, this program will provide tools and techniques to make working with generation X more productive and less frustrating - more joyful, and less painful.

“Leading Green: Saving the Planet With Everyday Action” -
John Schuster
Plenary Session Speaker
Monday, August 24

In his plenary session, John explores the real opportunities we have to live in harmony with green principles as companies, citizens, community and family members. We need to think today, tomorrow, next year, next decade, next generation to do it right. We need to face facts about how we think, and how we live and work — taking responsibility is at the core of green leadership.

Why John knows this topic: he was a leader at EPA for seven years when the laws were first going on the books; he was there for the first Earth Day; he is green through and through — he bought the second hybrid car sold in the state of Missouri.

Prior to starting his business, John was the Director of Human Resources for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Kansas City, Chicago and Washington, D.C. He was voted trainer of the year by the Kansas City chapter of the American Society of Training and Development. He is an executive coach and serves as a faculty member at the coaching certification program run by the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara.

“The Eight Slippery Steps to Unethical Behavior” – Patrick Kuhse
Plenary Session Speaker
Tuesday, August 25

Using his personal story to illustrate the eight critical thinking errors that undermine one’s ethical integrity and legal practice, Patrick Kuhse provides insight into common ethical dilemmas faced in business today.

Patrick Kuhse became an expert on ethics the hard way. Originally a successful Wall Street stock broker, Patrick withheld important investor information from his clients. Later, as the investment advisor for the state of Oklahoma’s multi-billion dollar investment portfolio, he illegally bumped up his commission. After being discovered, Patrick spent four years on the lam in Costa Rica, avoiding the FBI and the federal government. Eventually, he turned himself in to take responsibility for his actions, and spent four years in prison. Today, Patrick devotes himself to speaking to audiences worldwide about the importance of ethical behavior.

Now an internationally recognized ethicist, Kuhse is the ethics fellow at the University of Florida and Suffolk University.

“Last Man Down” – Chief Richard Picciotto
Closing General Session Speaker
Wednesday, August 26

Richard Picciotto was an FDNY Battalion Commander in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. Following the terrorist attack, Picciotto rushed inside the World Trade Center to rescue those inside, but soon found himself trapped in the smoldering rubble of the North Tower after its collapse. Buried for more than four hours, he emerged almost unscathed and was the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the collapse.

Picciotto embodies what inspired a nation in the aftermath of that awful day: “People call us heroes, but we were just doing our jobs.”

In a presentation modeled after his best-selling book, “Last Man Down,” FDNY Chief Richard Picciotto offers a tribute to the lives that were lost that day. His recount is not one of death and destruction, but a celebration of life and its unpredictable nature. Picciotto offers an eyewitness account of the defining historical event of our lives; his story is that of a man, a hero, and a tragic event that inspired a nation.

•  Pre-Forum seminars beginning Thursday, August 20 feature CPPO and CPPB Prep Classes as well as the newest NIGP course:  Contracting for Construction Services.  The ever-popular Chapter Leadership Symposium will also take place pre-Forum on Saturday.  Registration for pre-Forum events is independent of Forum registration and will be available soon.

Workshop topics will be announced in late February.  Visit NIGP Forum to keep abreast of updates on the schedule, topics and other activities as information becomes 

Registration is now open using our downloadable print and fax form. Online registration will be available soon!  Early registration ends on April 30th.  Act now to receive $50 off your registration fee.  Standard fees apply for registrations received May 1 through August 7.  Late fees apply after August 7.  First timers receive additional discounts! 

Review Housing Information and contact the hotel directly to reserve your room.  Online hotel registration will be available soon.!

For more information on the Forum, please contact forum@nigp.org or call 800-367-6447 x242.

Note:  National committees will meet on Monday, August 24, to help avoid additional travel days and expenses
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NIGP Products Tied To Certification Success

An evaluation of post-certification exam statistics provided to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing by the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council indicates a positive correlation between candidate utilization of NIGP certification preparation products and certification exam success.

In a comparison of certification candidates who took the first computer-based CPPO and CPPB examinations offered in October 2008, the overall pass rate of candidates who employed NIGP certification preparation support products surpassed by 20% the overall pass rate of those who did not utilize these same products.

Candidate Group A:    82% overall passing rate
(Used NIGP certification preparation products)

Candidate Group B:    62% overall passing rate
(Did not use NIGP certification preparation products)

Rick Grimm, NIGP Chief Executive, observed, “This substantial difference in success rates is a clear indicator of the value, effectiveness and real support these tools can provide to certification candidates.  The true measure of success, of course, is the recognition and elevation achieved by these newly certified professionals through their great achievement.”

NIGP’s Cert Prep Central suite of certification preparation products include online assessments; seminars; Webinars; study timeline; group study guide; and CPPO and CPPB Certification Preparation texts.  In addition, all NIGP-published texts support the profession’s body of knowledge as outlined by the UPPCC.

For more details about Cert Prep products, visit www.nigp.org/certprep.  For more information about the UPPCC or the October 2008 exam statistics, visit www.uppcc.org.

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Profiles on Certification Success: Dave Wells, CPPB

Dave Wells, CPPB
Assistant Manager
Toronto District School Board

In October 2008, Mr. Wells sat for the UPPCC's CPPB exam and successfully achieved his CPPB certification.  Dave used NIGP's Cert Prep Central to prepare for the exam.  The following are his comments about Cert Prep Central and how they helped him successfully achieve certification.

Why did you choose the online assessment tool?

I felt it was a good package for learning and liked the self-study exam because you received your results immediately and it provided very useful feedback on what areas of the body of knowledge I needed to focus on.

What other resources did you use to prepare for the exam?

I attended the NIGP Prep Webinar and a Prep review seminar through our local chapter, OPBA.

How did these tools help?

They made me feel more comfortable about taking the exam.  There is always the fear of the unknown and these tools took that fear out of the equation.  I felt more confident as a result of utilizing these tools.

Would you recommend Cert Prep Central to other candidates?

Absolutely.  It is well worth the cost and I plan on using it again when I take the CPPO exam.  This is a no brainer especially when your agency pays for it.  I paid for most of the training out of my pocket and will do it again; it is that worth it.  The resources and material are so relevant to the public purchasing arena and what we do.

What is your professional background?

I have been with the Toronto District School Board for 22 years.  I actually started out as a caretaker of schools and was lucky enough to advance.  While working in the warehouse, I became a part of purchasing.  I have been in purchasing for 9 years and was recently promoted to assistant manager.  We have a 6-person staff:  4 contract specialists and 2 purchasing specialists.

Why did you want to get certified?

I recently became the assistant manager and wanted to send a message to the staff.  I think it is important to have an educational background in your profession and wanted to lead by example.  I take great pride in hanging my certification on my wall and encourage others to do so.

Thank you, Dave, for sharing your experience and congratulations on your CPPB certification.  You are a credit to the profession and to NIGP.



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Preparation for May Certification Exams

CPPB and CPPO Prep two-day courses are highly recommended for any candidate planning to take the UPPCC exams on May 4-9. 

CPPB Prep
Date:  March 9-10
Location:  Hanover, MD
Instructor:  Edward Pabor, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Maryland Department of Transportation
Registration contact:  Jessica Mettle
410-865-1386
jmettle@mdot.state.md.us

Date:  March 10-11
Location:  Tallahassee, FL
Instructor:  K. J. Grant, CPPO, M.Ed., Med/Arb
Hosted by:  Florida Department of Management Services
Registration contact:  Cyndee Sams
850-921-0266
Cyndee.Sams@dms.myflorida.com

Date:  March 16-17
Location:  Aurora, CO
Instructor:  Mary "Jane" Lopez, CPPO
Hosted by:  Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Danielle L. Hinz, CPPO, C.P.M.
303-651-8494
danielle.hinz@ci.longmont.co.us

Date:  March 23-24
Location:  Johnson County, KS
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Mid-America Council of Public Purchasing Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Christine R. Salas-Dorantes, CPPB
913-715-0595
Christine.Salas-Dorantes@jocogov.org 

Date:  March 23-24
Location:  West Palm Beach, FL
Instructor:  K. J. Grant, CPPO, M.Ed., Med/Arb
Hosted by:  Southeast Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Karen J. Walbridge, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.
954-357-7306
kwalbridge@broward.org

Date:  March 26-27
Location:  Waterloo, ON
Instructor:  Thomas R. Appleby, CPPO, CPPB, C.I.M.
Hosted by:  Ontario Public Buyers Association Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gord J. Sears, CPPB
905-953-5335
gsears@newmarket.ca

_________


CPPO Prep 
Date:  March 9-10
Location:  Orlando, FL
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Central Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN
407-599-3434
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Date:  March 11-12
Location:  Hanover, MD
Instructor:  Edward Pabor, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Maryland Department of Transportation
Registration contact:  Jessica Mettle
410-865-1386
jmettle@mdot.state.md.us

Date:  March 12-13
Location:  Tallahassee, FL
Instructor:  K. J. Grant, CPPO, M.Ed., Med/Arb
Hosted by:  Florida Department of Management Services
Registration contact:  Cyndee Sams
850-921-0266
Cyndee.Sams@dms.myflorida.com

Date:  March 16-17
Location:  Aurora, CO
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Danielle L. Hinz, CPPO, C.P.M.
303-651-8494
danielle.hinz@ci.longmont.co.us

Date:  March 26-27
Location:  Newmarket, ON
Instructor:  Mary "Jane" Lopez, CPPO
Hosted by:  Ontario Public Buyers Association Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gord J. Sears, CPPB
905-953-5335
gsears@newmarket.ca

Date:  March 30-31
Location:  West Palm Beach, FL
Instructor:  K. J. Grant, CPPO, M.Ed., Med/Arb
Hosted by:  Southeast Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Karen J. Walbridge, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.
954-357-7306
kwalbridge@broward.org

Date:  March 31-April 1
Location:  New York, NY
Instructor:  Mary "Jane" Lopez
Hosted by:  New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Registration contact:  Ellen E. Lee
212-487-5943
elee@dcas.nyc.gov

To register for a seminar, or for local information, please contact the seminar coordinator listed.  All seminars are conducted from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, except as noted.   If you are interested in hosting a seminar in your area, please email events@nigp.org or call Patrice Freeman at 800-367-6447 x276 or Michael Romero at 800-367-6447 x248.

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Professional Development: March Courses

"Becoming an insturctor with NIGP is a journey.  First you invest in yourself, and that knowledge is the basis of tremendous personal and professional growth.  It is continuously refreshed by the resources of colleagues, students and professinoal networking including the lastest information - it is ever-green."
                                                                   NIGP Instructor
                                                                                          Barbara R. Johnson, CPPO, CPPB
                                                                                          Columbus Regional Airport Authority
                                                                                          Columbus, Ohio
                                                                                                       
NIGP's unique approach to curriculum development ensures that learning experiences are grounded in practical experience and seasoned by insights from the academic community.  Here's what's coming in March:

Adding Value to the Procurement Process 
Date:  March 10
Location:  Chicago, IL
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  University of Illinois - Chicago
Registraton contact:  Nancy Reynolds
312-996-4749
nreynold@uillinois.edu

Date:  March 11
Location:  Chicago, IL
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  University of Illinois - Chicago
Registraton contact:  Nancy Reynolds
312-996-4749
nreynold@uillinois.edu

Date:  March 19
Location:  Fishersville, VA
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Virginia Association of Governmental Purchsing Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Katherine V. Gordon, CPPB
703-257-8327
ggordon@ci.manassas.va.us

Change Management for the Procurement Professional
Date:  March 5-6
Location:  Coconut Creek, FL

Instructor:  Leslie Vallie, CPPO

Hosted by:  Southeast Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Karen J. Walbridge, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.
954-357-7306

kwalbridge@broward.org

Contract Administration 
Date:  March 11-13
Location:  Salem, OR
Instructors:  Peter A. Rigterink, CPPO, CPPB, VCO and Charles Henry Smith, CPPO, CPPB, MBA
Hosted by:  Oregon Public Purchasing Association Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Mickey M. Kemper, CPPB
503-986-2244

mickey.m.kemper@state.or.us

Date:  March 23-25
Location:  Viera, FL

Instructor:  Roberta M. Bruce, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc.

Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN

407-599-3434

cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Date:  March 23-25
Location:  Atlanta, GA

Instructor:  Bruce I. Silverstein, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Georgia Chapter of NIGP

Registration contact:  Bruce I. Silverstein, CPPO, C.P.M.
770-891-0502

bruces@att.net

Developing and Managing RFPs 
Date:  March 4-6
Location:  Jackson, MS
Instructor:  Alan H. Culpeper, CPPO, VCO
Hosted by:  Mississippi Association of Govenmental Purchasing and Property Agents Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Justin Dean Stepp
601-359-7446
jstepp@mdot.state.ms.us

Date:  March 9-11
Location:  Columbus, OH
Instructor:  Kenneth D. Hayslette, CPPO, C.P.M., CPCM and Elizabeth Lowe, CPPB
Hosted by:  Central Ohio Organization of Public Purchasers of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gayle S. Blankenship, CPPB
614-644-5993

Gayle.blankenship@das.state.oh.us

Effective Contract Writing 
Date:  March 19-20
Location:  Coconut Creek, FL
Instructor:  C. "Moty" Torres, MSPA, J.D.
Hosted by:  Southeast Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Karen J. Walbridge, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.
954-357-7306
kwalbridge@broward.org

Effective Management of Construction Contracts
Date:  March 20
Location:  Aurora, CO
Instructor:  Aaron D. Howell, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
303-651-8494
danielle.hinz@ci.longmont.co.us

Introduction to Public Procurement 

Date:  March 4-6
Location:  Honolulu, HI
Instructor:  Frank L. Pierce, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by: City and County of Honolulu
Registration contact:  Jean Moku
jmoku@honolulu.gov

Date:  March 11-13
Location:  Minneapolis, MN

Instructor:  Bill D. Davidson, CPPO
Hosted by:  Minnesota Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Susan M. Groth, CPPB
651-201-2451

Susan.Groth@state.mn.us

Date:  March 17-19
Location:  New York, NY
Instructor:  Mark D. Hutchinson, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Registration contact:  Ellen E. Lee
212-487-5943
elle@dcas.nyc.gov

Date:  March 23-25
Location:  Atlanta, GA

Instructor:  James H. Davis, CPPO, M.B.A.
Hosted by:  Georgia Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Bruce I. Silverstein, CPPO, C.P.M.
770-891-0502

bruces@att.net

Legal Aspects of Public Purchasing
Date:  March 18-20
Location:  Albany, NY
Instructor:  Kenneth D. Hayslette, CPPO, C.P.M., CPCM
Hosted by:  New York State Office of General Services
Registration contact:  Trenton Graham
518-473-3716
trenton.graham@ogs.state.ny.us

Marketing 101 for the Procurement Professional
Date:  March 5
Location:  Suffolk, VA
Instructor:  Paul J. Brennan, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Katherine V. Gordon, CPPB
703-257-8327
ggordon@ci.manassas.va.us

Date:  March 20
Location:  Troy, MI
Instructor:  Paul J. Brennan, CPPO, C.P.M.

Hosted by:  Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association Chapter of NIGP

Registration contact:  Lisa Cummins
248-841-2537

cumminsl@rochesterhills.org

Performance Based Requests for Proposals

Date:  March 23-24
Location:  Atlanta, GA

Instructor:  Peter A. Rigterink, CPPO, CPPB, VCO
Hosted by:  Georgia Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Bruce I. Silverstein, CPPO, C.P.M.
770-891-0502

bruces@att.net

Planning, Scheduling and Requirement Analysis
Date:  March 23-25
Location:  Ocala, FL
Instructor:  Elene Fromanger, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc.
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN,

407-599-3434

cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Date:  March 25-27
Location:  Austin, TX
Instructor:  Donna L. Zeeh Chorley, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Texas Association of Public Purchasers Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Ann Tillman, CTPM, CPIM
512-867-7160
anntillman@ers.state.tx.us

Risk Management in Public Contracting 
Date:  March 19-20
Location:  St. Augustine, FL
Instructor:  Kenneth D. Hayslette, CPPO, C.P.M., CPCM
Hosted by:  North Florida Procuremetn Association of NIGP
Registration contact:  Kristen L. Collora
386-313-4062
kcollora@flaglercounty.org

Sourcing in the Public Sector 
Date:  March 4-6
Location:  Homestead, FL
Instructor:  Myra D. Smith, CPPB
Hosted by:  Flordia Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc.
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN
703-257-8327
ggordon@ci.manassas.va.us

Date:  March 9-11
Location:  Richmond, VA
Instructor:  Jeffrey B. Baer, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  City and County of Honolulu
Registration contact:  Jean Moku
jmoku@honolulu.gov

Date:  March 25-27

Location:  Richmond, VA

Instructor:  Frederick Marks, CPPO, VCO
Hosted by:  Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing Inc. Chapter of NIGP

Registration contact:  Katherine V. Gordon, CPPB
703-257-8327

ggordon@ci.manassas.va.us

Train-the-Trainer 
Date:  March 30-April 1
Location:  Reston, VA
Instructor:  Carol D. Hodes, CAE
Hosted by:  National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
Registration contact:  Michael A. Romero
703-736-8900

mromero@nigp.org

Warehousing and Inventory Control 
Date:  March 5-6
Location:  Hanover, MD
Instructor:  Edward Pabor, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Maryland Public Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Sylvia A. Jacobs, CPPB
301-600-6804
SJacobs@fredco-md.net

To register for a seminar, or for local information, please contact the seminar coordinator listed.  All seminars are conducted from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, except as noted.   If you are interested in hosting a seminar in your area, please email events@nigp.org or call Patrice Freeman at 800-367-6447 x276 or Michael Romero at 800-367-6447 x248.

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Upcoming Webinar: Green Series Session I

Government Purchasers Save the World
Thursday, February 12
1PM - 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 6

Course Objectives:

•  Explain the hidden human health and
   environmental impacts of every purchasing
   decision and define responsible purchasing
•  Describe the historic role government purchasing
   has played in shaping our future
•  Understand some of the ways governments are
   integrating human health and environmental c
   onsiderations into their purchasing decisions

                                            Presented by:
                                    
                        Scot Case, Executive Director of Ecologo

                                           Register Today

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NIGP Website: Coming in March - New and For You

We're closing the gap between 'all the information that fits' and all the information that's fit.

The new NIGP Website is set to launch in early March with a completely new look and more intuitive navigation.

As your personal membership and professional resource portal, we are incorporating changes that will make you want to have the NIGP site a resident fixture on your computer desktop.

Just a few highlights:

•  Less intrusive and easier, industry
   standard login*: your email address
   and personal password
•  Member-favorite site destinations prominently displayed
•  More effective library searches - powered by Google

*About one week prior to the launch of our new site, NIGP members will receive personalized login information via email (or as indicated in your member profile).

Check the next Buy Weekly for another sneak preview of what's coming in the new NIGP Website.


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New Course: Contracting for Construction Services

Coming in April...

"To fully understand the procurement role, it is necessary to understand the entire construction process."

Contracting for Construction Services
2-Day Course

Procurement is no longer merely the sourcing agent for the materials and services necessary to support construction programs.  Increasingly, purchasing agents must also shoulder the responsibilities of contract and program managers.  What are the non-procurement functions, activities and policies associated with construction management that purchasing agents should be familiar with as their role expands?

This course examines the many processes and techniques that contribute to successful public works projects.  Understanding how construction projects are initially defined and budgeted, the responsibilities of the project manager, major methods of construction, and how to select contractors is critical to every capital development program.

By defining terms that may be unique to infrastructure development and clarifying the many elements of the pre-, mid-, and post-construction phases, this course is essential to both beginning and experienced construction contract manager.

If your agency or chapter is interested in hosting this course, please email events@nigp.org or call Patrice Freeman at 800-367-6447 x276 or Michael Romero at 800-367-6447 x248.

Contracting for Construction Services
Textbook Now Available

Authored by Wendell C. Lawther, Ph.D., and John O. Adler, CPPO, Contracting for Construction Services is available in the NIGP Bookstore.





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Attention K-12 Pros: Virco Announces Special 5% Discount

On Virco 2009 Equipment for Educators Catalog

Effective immediately Virco will lower all 2009 list pricing by 5% for items found in the 2009 Equipment for Educators Catalog for all zones that are part of the U.S. Communities program contract.

This promotion is due in part to the reduction in raw material costs in steel, petroleum based products and transportation.  These prices will be in effect through Thursday, April 30.

All vendor partner prices remain as is.  For more information, visit www.virco.com.



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