Forum: FDNY Chief Picciotto Shares 9-11 Experience At Closing Session

Forum Closing Session Speaker 
Wednesday, August 26
3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

                                   
                                 FDNY Chief Richard Picciotto

Chief Picciotto is the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001, and the last fireman to escape the devastation.

Richard Picciotto answered the call heard around the world on that fateful day.  In minutes, he was at Ground Zero of the worst terrorist attack on American soil.  Already a veteran of terrorist attacks, Picciotto fought a similar battle after the World Trade Center bombing in 1993.  He found himself once again inside the North Tower and  focused on the rescue efforts at hand, only to hear that the South Tower had collapsed as he and his firemen stood in the smoky stairwells of the adjacent tower.  After making the call for firemen and rescue workers to evacuate, he and a small team of men stayed behind to assist a group of disabled and infirm civilians.  It was there in the rubble of the North Tower that he found himself buried for more than four hours after the building collapse.

Hear the rest of Chief Picciotto’s story at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26 during the final session of the Forum in St. Louis.  To register, visit Forum 2009 or call 800-367-6447 x227.



SPECIAL FORUM UPDATES

• Workshop topics now online!  Visit the NIGP website frequently for updates on workshop topics and for the final announcement of networking sessions.  Workshop registration is easy using our online registration.  Simply log in on the homepage of the NIGP Website, click the link at the top of the page to view your Forum Profile and scroll down modify or add your sessions. You can go back and edit your selections at any time during the registration process.
  
• Early bird registration ends Friday, May 15, so act now for the best rates!  
  
  
   

Forum: Need Help Explaining Why Travel Dollars Need To Be Spent on Forum?

95% of attendees surveyed felt the registration costs reflected the value they obtained by attending Forum.  These attendees said that the cost of Forum is recouped by more effective spending of taxpayer dollars, strengthened services, and operating efficiences.

...You and Your Agency Need To Be At Forum

When faced with less people and fewer resources, you certainly can't afford less procurement knowledge.  The public expects the same services from its government in good times and bad.  As a procurement professional, you need to know how to meet those expectations.  Especially now, making sound, practical decisions for the good of the agency and the public you serve is critical.  Doing so requires that you are familiar with the most effective practices and tips at work in the field.

To help you convince the powers that be to budget for Forum, NIGP has created this Forum Value position paper.  If you would like us to email or mail this paper to the person who controls the purse strings in your organization, please email executive@nigp.org We will need the name, title and appropriate address information. 

You and your agency can—and should—be at the forefront of procurement, making a difference through decisive, effective purchasing programs.  Five days of intensive professional training, networking activities, product exhibits and knowledge sharing will elevate your professional opportunities as you elevate your community and the public you serve.

Forum:  You and Your Agency Need It.


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Forum: Join The Team That Makes It Happen

...The Forum Quality Control Team

What is the Quality Control Team (QCT)?

The QCT is an all-volunteer group of flexible, dependable professionals willing to work behind the scenes at all Forum events.

What are the responsibilities of the QCT?

The QCT is divided into two groups: Special Events and Education

Special Events QCT Staff perform the following duties:

•  Assist and direct attendees during meal functions and social events
•  Report to the QCT Special Events Co-Chair for Assignments

Education QCT Staff perform the following duties:

•  Post signage for educational workshops
•  Introduce speakers
•  Distribute and collect workshop evaluations 
•  Hand out speaker gifts 
•  Check A/V Equipment

Workshop assignments are based on QCT workshop preferences, so volunteers are assured that they attend the workshop of their choice.  You must be a registered attendee to particpate on the Quality Contraol Team.

Why should I volunteer?

•  Each QCT volunteer qualifies for one recertification point for the CPPB
   and/ or CPPO designation
•  To be a part of the inner-workings of educational workshops
   and special events
•  To give back to the profession by donating your time and talents
•  To have fun and participate in a rewarding experience

How do I learn more about QCT?

For more information on how to be a QCT volunteer, please contact the NIGP Events Administrator, Patrice Freeman, at 800-367-6447 x276 or pfreeman@nigp.org.

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Forum: Take Me Out To The Ball Game...

Attention baseball fans! 

NIGP has secured a limited number of tickets to the Cardinals/Astros game on Tuesday, August 25.

Why not enjoy a game during your free time in St. Louis? 

Game starts at 7:15 p.m.. 

The stadium is approximately eight blocks from the downtown area. 

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a discount price of $18.  A limited number of tickets are available, so reserve yours today! 

Contact us at forum@nigp.org or 800-367-6447 x242 if you are interested.



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Education: NEW COURSE - Contracting for Construction Services

Procurement is no longer just 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. 

NIGP introduces Contracting for Construction Services, a two-day course that examines the many processes and techniques that contribute to successful public works projects.  If your chapter or agency wishes to host this two-day course, please email events@nigp.org or call Patrice Freeman at 800-367-6447 x276 or Michael Romero, CEM, at 800-367-6447 x248.

Course Overview:

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 immediately useful to both beginning and experienced construction contract managers. 

Course Objectives:

•  Describe the different budgeting processes and financing options
   governments use for public improvement projects
•  Define and describe the basic steps in hiring a design professional
   for a governmental construction project
•  Differentiate and determine the best contracting method for a
   specific construction project
•  Identify the elements in the construction life cycle and describe
   the roles and responsibilities of the teams in each element
•  Understand the options and related impacts of green/sustainable
   construction processes
•  Recognize the basic elements of the contract administration plan and
    identify the roles and responsibilities of all the parties


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Two Upcoming Webinars: Good Specifications & Using Price Evaluation Criteria In RFPs

Your Top Ten Tips for Good Specifications
Thursday, April 23
1PM to 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Friday, April 17

Course Objectives:

•  Differentiate between the types of specifications
•  Know when and how to use specifications
•  Apply some best practices in writing specifications and utilize standards
   in specification writiing
•  Translate the end users description into usable specifications

                                                Presented by:

                                           
                     Rob Rickard, CPPO, OPBC, Secretary of State, Oregon

                                                Register Today


The Why, When and How to Use Price as an
Evaluation Criterion in Your RFPs
Tuesday, April 28
1PM to 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Wednesday, April 22

Course Objectives:

•  Apply the five methods to use cost or initial price
   as an evaluation criterion in best value RFP evaluations
•  Identify the protocol to select the best way to incorporate
   cost into RFP evaluations

                                                Presented by:

                                            
                  Mike Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M., PMP, City of Naperville, Illinois

                                               Register Today

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Advocacy: Tell Your Elected Leaders About the Value of Procurement

As President Obama turns the spotlight on transparent and accountable government contracting practices, now is the time to stress to our elected leaders the role that procurement has in good government.  NIGP has prepared three template letters you can use to highlight the value of our profession.  

Workforce capacity focuses on the capacity and capability of the public procurement workforce and the need for administrative fees to be dedicated to hiring and training an effective procurement workforce. 

ARRA distribution addresses standards of practice in the distribution of ARRA funds to state and local governments.  The message emphasizes that state and local public entities targeted to receive federal grants should already have in place the regulations, statutes, ordinances and rules in place that govern procurement practices. 

Procurement reform supports federal procurement reform and the need for transparency, ethical integrity, maximized competition, consistency, and the fair and equitable treatment of suppliers.

NIGP's Advocacy Committee requests your participation in this letter writing campaign. Now is the time to have our 'voices heard' as the value of procurement resonates all the way to the White House.

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Professional Development: May and June Courses

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 May and June:

May

Contract Administration
Date:  May 11-13
Location:  Ocala, Fla.
Instructor:  Mark D. Hutchison, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M.
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:  May 18-20
Location:  Columbia, Mo.
Instructor:  Sharon T. Gentry, CPPB, VCO, A.P.P.
Hosted by:  Missouri Association of Public Purchasing Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Peggy A. Quisenberry
573-882-9215
quisenberryp@umsystem.edu

Date:  May 26-28
Location:  St. John, New Brunswick
Instructor:  Frederick Marks, CPPO, VCO
Hosted by:  Atlantic Public Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Cynthia M. Calvin, CPPB
506-632-6198
cindy.calvin@saintjohn.ca

Contracting for Public Sector Services
Date:  May 14-15
Location:  Aurora, Colo.
Instructor:  Kenneth D. Hayslette, CPPO, C.P.M., CPCM
Hosted by:  Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Sherri Gibson
303-245-5941
sherri.gibson@bvsd.org

Date:  May 14-15
Location:  Hanover, Md.
Instructor:  John J. Zeyer, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Maryland Public Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Sylvia A. Jacobs, CPPB
301-600-6804
SJacobs@fredco-md.net

Date:  May 20-21

Location:  Austin, Texas

dhicks@mesd.k12.or.us

Warehousing and Inventory Control
Date:  May 19-20
Location:  Fredericksburg, Va.
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
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

World Class Procurement Practices
Date:  May 11
Location:  New York,
Instructor:  Lynda Allair, CPPO
Hosted by:  Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Registration contact:  Susan Levey
212-435-3081
slevey@panynj.gov


June

Adding Value to the Procurement Process
Date:  June 10
Location:  Olympia, Wash.
Instructor:  Darin L. Matthews, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Washington State Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Cathleen F. Robinson, CPPB
206-801-2321
crobinso@ci.shoreline.wa.us

Date:  June 22
Location:  Miami, Fla.
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Greater Miami Chapter of NIGP, Inc.
Registration contact:  Joe V. Rodriguez, CPPB
305-460-5121
jrodriguez2@coralgables.com

Contract Administration
Date:   June 1-3
Location:  Tallahassee, Fla.
Instructor:  Steven K. Updike, CPPB, FCPA, FCCM, FCN
Hosted by:  Florida Department of Management Services
Registration contact:  Cyndee Sams, FCCN, FCCM
850-921-0266
Cyndee.Sams@dms.myflorida.com

Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Columbia, S.C.
Instructors:  Norma J. Hall, CPPO, CPPB, CPM, and Christine W. Campbell, CPPO, C.P.P.
Hosted by:  South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Norma J. Hall, CPPO, CPPB, CPM
803-737-0642
nhall@mmo.sc.gov

Date:  June 8-10
Location:  West Chester, Penn.
Instructor:  Sally C. Barkley, CPPO, C.P.M., M.B.A.
Hosted by:  Pennsylvania Public Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Robert B. Dopira, CPPB
610-278-3037
rdopira@montcopa.org

Date:  June 10-12
Location:  Houston, Texas
Instructor:  Sharon T. Gentry, CPPB, VCO, A.P.P.
Hosted by:  National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP)
Registration contact:  Patrice Freeman
800-367-6447 x276
pfreeman@nigp.org

Developing and Managing Request for Proposals
Date:  June 8-10
Location:  Albany, N.Y.
Instructor:  Ronald L. King, CPPO, CPPB, VCO
Hosted by:  New York State Office of General Services
Registration contact:  Trenton Graham
518-473-3716
Trenton.Graham@ogs.state.ny.us

Date:  June 15-17
Location:  Columbia, Mo.
Instructor:  Alan H. Culpeper, CPPO, VCO
Hosted by:  Missouri Association of Public Purchasing Chapter of NIGP
Registraton contact:  Peggy A. Quisenberry

573-882-9215
quisenberryp@umsystem.edu

Effective Contract Writing
Date:  June 25-26
Location:  Bartow, Fla.
Instructor:  C "Moty" Torres, MSPA, JO
Hosted by:  Mid-Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Corey Murphy, CPPB
813-272-4372
corey.murphy@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Effective Management of Construction Contracts
Date:  June 19
Location:  Toronto, Ontario
Instructor:  Aaron D. Howell, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Ontario Public Buyers Association, Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gord J. Sears, CPPB
905-953-5335
gsears@newmarket.ca

Ethics: A Survival Kit for Public Procurement
Date:  June 2
Location:  Orlando, Fla.
Instructor:  Mary “Jane” Lopez, CPPO
Hosted by:  Florida Virtual School
Registration contact:  Cathy L. Brown
407-513-3333
cbrown@flvs.net

Date:  June 5
Location:  Austin, Texas
Instructor:  Mary “Jane” Lopez, CPPO
Hosted by:  Texas Association of Public Purchasers Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Ann Tillman, CTPM, CPIM
512-867-7160
ann.tillman@ers.state.tx.us

Introduction to Public Procurement
Date:  June 1-3
Location:  St. Peters, Mo.
Instructor:  Mark D. Hutchison, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  St. Louis Metro Area Public Purchasing Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Diana L. Schoo, CPPB, C.P.M.
636-922-8387
dschoo@stchas.edu

Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Plano, Texas
Instructor:  Frederick Marks, CPPO, VCO
Hosted by:  Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Cynthia L. White, CPPO, CPPB
972-758-3871
clwhite@ccccd.edu

Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Chicago, Ill.
Instructor:  Robin J. Rickard,  CPPO, OPBC
Hosted by:  National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP)
Registration contact:  Michael Romero, CEM
800-367-6447 x248
mromero@nigp.org

Date:  June 10-12
Location:  Jacksonville, Fla.
Instructor:  Frank L. Pierce, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  North Florida Procurement Association of NIGP
Registration contact:  Kristen L. Collora
386-313-4062
kcollora@flaglercounty.org

Legal Aspects of Public Procurement
Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Jackson, Miss.
Instructors:  Myra D. Smith, CPPB, and Suzette Moore, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Mississippi Association of Governmental Purchasing and Property Agents Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Justin Dean Stepp
601-359-7450
jstepp@mdot.state.ms.us

Date:  June 3-5
Location:  Minneapolis, Minn.
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Minnesota Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Susan M. Groth, CPPB
651-675-4481
Susan.Groth@state.mn.us

Date:  June 22-24
Location:  Ocala, Fla.
Instructor:  James H. Davis, CPPO,  M.B.A.
Hosted by:  Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers, Inc.
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., A.P.P.
407-599-3434
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Date:  June 24-26
Location:  Aurora, Colo.
Instructor:  Jennie E. Readey, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chaptyer of NIGP
Registration contact:  Sherri Gibson
303-245-5941
sherri.gibson@bvsd.org

Managing Your End Users and Suppliers: It's All About Relationships
Date:  June 18
Location:  Fishersville, Va.
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, 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

Performance Based Request for Proposals
Date:  June 1-2
Location:  Winter Park, Fla.
Instructor:  Susan L. Fitzgerald, CPPO, M.P.A., C.P.M., PMP
Hosted by:  Central Florida Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Carrie F. Woodell, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., FCCN
407-599-3434
cwoodell@cityofwinterpark.org

Planning, Scheduling and Requirement Analysis
Date:  June 16-18
Location:  New York, N.Y.
Instructor:  Alan C. Bodine, CPPO, CPPB
Hosted by:  New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Registration contact:  Ellen E. Lee
212-487-5943
elee@dcas.nyc.gov

Sourcing in the Public Sector
Date:  June 24-26
Location:  Washington, D.C.
Instructor:  Myra D. Smith, CPPB
Hosted by:  Metropolitan Washington Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Adele E. Smith, CPPB
212-724-4960
Adele.SMith@dc.gov

World Class Performance Practice
Date:  June 3
Location:  Grand Junction, Colo.
Instructor:  Michael E. Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M.
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:  June 18
Location:  Toronto, Ontario
Instructor:  Darin L. Matthews, CPPO, C.P.M.
Hosted by:  Ontario Public Buyers Association, Inc. Chapter of NIGP
Registration contact:  Gord J. Sears, CPPB
905-953-5335
gsears@newmarket.ca

To register for a seminar, or for local information, please contact the seminar coordinator listed.  All seminars are conducted from 8AM to 5PM, 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, CEM, at 800-367-6447 x248.



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Call for Submissions: Innovations Award and OA4 Award - NEW CRITERIA

All public purchasing agencies are invited to submit entries for the 2009 NIGP Innovations in Public Procurement Award and apply for the Outstanding Agency Accreditation Achievement Award (OA4).  These programs recognize NIGP member agencies who lead the way in public procurement by enacting policies and practices that have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of their agency. 

Innovations Award

NIGP confers this award to a governmental entity that has developed a new, distinct, and forward thinking approach to any aspect of public procurement.  Innovations developed or completed after January 2008 are eligible for submission.  Submissions are due by Friday, May 15 and the winning submission will be selected by June 1.  The winner will have the opportunity to showcase the innovative program during NIGP's Forum to be held August 22-26, 2009 in St. Louis. 

Letter submissions shall be emailed to Tina M. Borger, CPPO at tborger@nigp.org and shall be no longer than 3 pages.  Submissions shall include a summary of the program describing the innovation, how it contributes to the public procurement practice or profession, how it increases procurement’s value to the organization, how it demonstrates procurement collaboration with stakeholders to create innovative solutions, and how it redefines the manner in which public procurement operates.

OA4 Award - New Criteria

Agency accreditation, similar to individual certification, reflects your entity’s achievement of professional competency and earns the immediate respect of all who interact with your procurement department.  NIGP’s OA4 Award recognizes agencies that lead the public procurement profession through the implementation of best practices.  Through a self-evaluation process using the recently updated NIGP Agency Accreditation Criteria Form, agencies meeting the minimum requirements receive accreditation for three years.

We’ve updated the OA4 evaluation criteria to reflect these operational elements:

•  Focus on procurement agency mission, values and mission statements
•  Emergency preparedness and continuity of operations
•  Responsibility for joint operations
•  Formal delegated purchasing programs with mandatory training
•  Procurement authority for architectural, engineering, and construction services
   including involvement in the selection of the project delivery method
•  Availability of solicitations online and other web features as well as the
   use of push technology to issue solicitations

Applications are accepted year-round, however, if you would like to receive recognition for receiving this professional agency accreditation at the upcoming Forum, please submit your application by Monday, June 1.  For more information and to download the application and criteria form, visit OA4.

If you have any questions regarding these two awards, please contact Tina M. Borger, CPPO, at tborger@nigp.org or call 800-367-6447 x261.

Member News: Dr. John B. Wyatt III Receives the Charles Dana Award from NCMA

“Dr. Wyatt is an extremely talented and committed leader that serves the contract management profession in innumerable ways, whole-heartedly, and incessantly. He is truly worthy of this high level of honor and recognition.”
                                                                                           Neal Couture, NCMA Executive Director

Dr. John B. Wyatt III, JD, Fellow, an NIGP member since 2008 and NCMA member since 1985, holds a long list of accomplishments.  Dr. Wyatt is currently a member of NCMA’s Executive Advisory Council, an advisor to NCMA’s Contract Management Certification and Accreditation Board (CMCAB), serves as the vice-president of education of the NCMA San Gabriel Valley Chapter, and is the former national vice-president for the NCMA Southwestern Region (1998–1999).

Dr. Wyatt is currently a professor of finance, real estate, and law at the College of Business Administration at Cal Poly Pomona. He is also the coordinator and lead professor of Cal Poly’s undergraduate and graduate contract management programs. Dr. Wyatt was instrumental in the formation of NIGP's student chapter at Cal Poly Pomona and is a member of NIGP's Membership Committee.

Cal Poly Pomona students have honored Professor Wyatt by electing him the 2003–2004 College of Business Administration’s Professor of the Year, as well as the Finance Real Estate and Law Department’s Outstanding Faculty of the Year for 2004–2005, 2003–2004, 2000–2001 and 1997–1998.

The Charles A. Dana Distinguished Service Award was created by the NCMA Board of Directors in 1984. The Dana Award is the second-highest award bestowed by NCMA to its members. The award recognizes extended and distinguished service to NCMA. It was created to honor the memory of Charles A. Dana who, during his 30 years with Raytheon, was frequently cited for his integrity and fairness as a negotiator.

  Congratulations, Dr. Wyatt.

(Source:  National Contract Management Association March 31, 2009 Media Release.)

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Florida Atlantic University: Summer Online Graduate and Undergraduate Courses Begin May 11

Through a partnership agreement with NIGP, FAU (Florida Atlantic University) offers online graduate and undergraduate courses in public procurement for NIGP members.  International students are welcome to participate in these classes as well.

The two courses offered this summer:

Introduction to Public Procurement
Instructor:  Darin Matthews, CPPO, C.P.M.

Project Management
Instructors:  Keith Glatz, CPPO and Dr. Cliff McCue

Tuition
Undergraduate:                        $   850 per course*
Graduate:                                $1,100 per course*

*The only additional expense a student may incur is the price for books.  All other costs associated with each course are covered in the tuition fee, including access to the FAU distance learning portal, online course material and project assignments.

For additional information, email Marian Williams at ewilliam@fau.edu.  For course information, please email Dr. Clifford P. McCue at cmccue@fau.edu.

FAU is a comprehensive, accredited, research university.  All courses taken by students will be reflected on FAU transcripts and are transferable to academic degree programs for those who wish to pursue their education further.  Each course is uniquely designed to meet the demands of current professionals in terms of declarative knowledge, critical thinking and advanced practical skill building.  All three accomplished faculty for the courseware are NIGP members. 




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