Three Days Until Forum...Enjoy Your 'Drive'

                       
                
                    Saturday,  July 26 - Wednesday, July 30

Get in the race and find your way to the Winner’s Circle at NIGP's 63rd Annual Forum and Products Exposition. 

Here are just a few of the highlights:

Opening Event

Forum kicks off with "The First Lap" welcome reception on Saturday, July 26.  Come meet with old friends or make new ones.  NEW THIS YEAR - the most prestigious NIGP award will be presented during the opening event.  Be sure to attend and take time to congratulate the winner of the Albert H. Hall Award.

Plenary Sessions

Plenary sessions will be held each day beginning Sunday, July 27.  Back by popular demand, Steve Gilliland, will present the keynote address Maximizing Your Potential.  Other professional speakers on the schedule include: Lenora Billings-Harris focusing on Inclusion and Diversity – The Oz Perspective; Mike Lipkin with Live Above the Line; and our closing general session speaker, Ross Shafer, with his hilarious session, Nobody Moved Your Cheese.  Don’t miss these inspiring and entertaining speakers!  Check our Website for sneak preview videos of these featured speakers.

The Social Event of A Lifetime

Sunday, July 27 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.  Whether or not you are a racing fan, this is an event not to be missed!  Enjoy fantastic southern fare and an incredible range of free activities including remote control cars, high performance karting, NASCAR simulated racing, and Xbox racing. 

Do you have a need for speed?  Experience firsthand what it is like to ride in a race car that exceeds speeds of 165 miles per hour.  Reserve your spot today for a Richard Petty Ride Along or Rookie Experience.  Tickets are available at an extra charge for these activities.  

Pre-Forum Seminars

•  Chapter Leadership Symposium
   Saturday, July 26

•  Contracting for Public Sector Services
   Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26

Workshops

Workshop topics stimulate thought and make a lasting impression of your Forum experience. 

See you in three days!

News: Large Organizations Increase Green Purchasing

TerraChoice Releases 2008 EcoMarkets™ Green Purchasing Study

Last week TerraChoice Environmental Marketing publicly released its EcoMarkets 2008 Summary Report informing clients, partners and public audiences about the attitudes and practices of North American buyers toward environmentally preferable purchasing. More than $78 billion of purchasing power is represented in this study.

“We regularly reach out to our exclusive panel of North American procurement experts to identify key factors driving purchasing decisions and to analyze trends in environmentally preferable purchasing and supply chain management,” says Scott McDougall, President and CEO of TerraChoice Environmental Marketing. “EcoMarkets research studies provide the essential product and sector-specific market intelligence our clients need to be competitive.”

The report summarizes research conducted in 2007 and 2008 in partnership with the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation and with the Responsible Purchasing Network at the non-profit Center for a New American Dream.

"Smart buyers are realizing the benefits of green purchasing, as demonstrated by the growth reflected in the new EcoMarkets report. Governments, businesses, universities, hospitals, and other institutional purchasers, are all growing increasingly aware of the need to go green -- but their greatest challenge is in implementation. RPN works with our members to turn the promise of green purchasing into practice," says Chris O’Brien, Director of the Responsible Purchasing Network.

The EcoMarkets 2008 findings include:

•  68% of North American organizations increased their green purchasing in the
   past 12 months and 91% of purchasers believe they will become more active
   green purchasers over the next two years.

•  The majority of survey respondents (72%) believe eco-labels contribute to
   better purchasing decisions.

•  In 2007 and 2008 approximately one third of survey respondents indicated that
   at least 40% of their spending is influenced by environmental factors.

“The EcoMarkets Survey provides valuable insights into the opportunities and emerging challenges to greening trade and North America´s economies" said José Carlos Fernández, manager of the CEC's Environment and Trade program. “Organizations across North America will be able to use this tool to better identify markets for environmentally preferable products and services.”

To get a free copy of the EcoMarkets 2008 Summary Report, email Melissa Peneycad at ecomarkets@terrachoice.com.

This information was reprinted from a news release written by Kate Rusnak, TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, (613) 247-1900, krusnak@terrachoice.com

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Upcoming Webinars: What's In The Fine Print and Preparing for the New CPPB Computerized Exam

What's In The Fine Print and Why:  
Standard P.O. Terms and Conditions
Tuesday, August 19
1PM - 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Wednesday, August 13

Course Objectives:

•  Understand the nature and purpose of the Purchase Order for goods
•  Apply the legal requirements of the Purchase Order to the business
   purposes of the organization
•  Develop new and/or revise existing Purchase Order documents to
   better fit organizational needs
•  Create Purchase Order training materials for client departments

                                          Presented by:

                                      

                           Michael Bevis, CPPO, C.P.M., PMP

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preparing For The New CPPB 
Computerized Exam - What to Expect
Thursday, August 21
1PM - 2:30PM (Eastern)
Registration Deadline:  Friday, August 15

Course Objectives:

•  Recognize the new body of knowledge elements
•  Understand what is expected of a candidate taking the new exam
•  List the various ways to prepare for the new exam
•  Define the contractual relationship between the UPPCC and NIGP

                                            Presented by:

                                     

                       William J. Hertwig, Jr., CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.



             


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Research: Do You Know The Average Turnaround Time...

...For The Purchasing Cycle?

The following represents the results of the NIGP 2007 Benchmark Survey with regard to purchasing cycle turnaround time.  The average turnaround time is highlighted in blue.  See how your agency compares to these findings.

Purchase Orders
1 day	10.3%
2-5 days	53.4%
6-10 days	15.5%
10-15 days	5.2%
More than 15 days	15.5%
Verbal Quotes
1 day	17.4%
2-5 days	63.0%
6-10 days	10.9%
10-15 days	4.3%
More than 15 days	4.3%
Written/Electronic Quotes
1 day	5.9%
2-5 days	35.3%
6-10 days	27.5%
10-15 days	13.7%
More than 15 days	17.6%
Formal IFBs
Less than 30 days	27.3%
30 days	18.2%
31-45 days	18.2%
46-75 days	12.7%
76-90 days	18.2%
More than 90 days	5.5%
Formal RFPs
Less than 30 days	19.6%
30 days	17.6%
31-45 days	19.6%
46-75 days	15.7%
76-90 days	9.8%
More than 90 days	17.6%

                          
The NIGP Benchmark Study provides much more information, including competitive and award thresholds, purchases through cooperatives/consortia, cycle times, and purchasing-related revenue.

Members can download Benchmarking Survey Results for all the details.  [ return to top ]

Nathan Daou Wins Ethics Essay Contest

NIGP proudly announces that Nathan J. Daou, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P., Principal Contract Officer, City of Tucson, Arizona, is the winner of the 12th Annual NIGP Ethics Essay Contest.

Essay Topic:  As a purchasing professional, how would you deal with an organization that is trying to subvert the competitive process during budget crunch time?

The following is an excerpt from Nathan's award-winning entry.

All Procurement professionals must deal with the occasional attempt to subvert the competitive process.  Lean budget years tend to exacerbate the issue of trying to avoid the competitive process, as departments typically have a larger than usual obstacle course of approval paths to stumble through before getting their purchase approved.  Upon obtaining the necessary approvals, the purchase request is then forwarded to the Procurement Department, who typically has several questions of their own.  With frustration levels already high, departments can be tempted to exaggerate the level of criticalness, the sole source nature, or other aspects of the situation in order to avoid the competitive process, which they may view as a threat to obtaining the good or service that they need.

Some customers are focused on their department’s core functions and devote little time to understanding the policies and procedures of the Procurement department.  Other customers are dangerously familiar with their organization’s Procurement Code and know which buzzwords to use, and which clauses to cite, in order to achieve their end result.  Both types of customers may attempt to subvert the competitive process and will present various reasons for doing so.  It is important for the procurement professional to be able to successfully negotiate these challenging scenarios to keep the purchase legal, fair, and ethical.  Let’s look at some of these scenarios, as well as some strategies that can be employed to handle the situation. 

“What if I break my purchase up onto two separate requisitions?  Do we still have to go through the bid process?” – Clueless in Community Services...

To read Nathan's complete award-winning entry, visit ethics essay. 

Nathan's winning essay earned a $250 cash prize. [ return to top ]

Craig Heilman Wins Diversity Essay Contest

NIGP proudly announces that Craig L. Heilman, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P., Procurement Specialist II with the Oregon Department of Corrections is the winner of 10th Annual Diversity essay contest brought to you by NIGP and the Diversity Committee.

Essay Topic:  What Does It Mean To Live In A Multi-Cultural Society?

The following is an excerpt from Craig's award-winning entry titled The Signs of our Times:

“And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said you look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you'll do
So I took off my hat I said imagine that, huh, me working for you”

The Cultural Revolution of the 1970’s inspired the Five Man Electric Band’s hippie anthem against the “Greatest Generation" and society as a whole.  Their stinging words simplified the reality of the cultural climate of the time – if you don’t look, dress, or act like us – we don’t want you – do not apply!   Members of America’s Greatest Generation may recall the societal struggle.  Baby Boomers remember the constant rebellion as cultures clashed – approval was nominal, but through it all, a new blend of Americans emerged.

I like the way Coca Cola attempted to unify the world with a Coke.  In 1971, we were mesmerized by the youthful swaying, hand holding and endearing appearance of multi-cultural masses on a tranquil hillside overlooking Rome.  The heavenly harmony lifted us to angelic heights as we embraced visions of worldwide peace and unity.  We sang it with conviction while enjoying an ice cold Coke in peace and harmony...

To read Craig's complete award-winning entry, visit diversity essay.

Craig's winning essay earned a $250 cash prize. [ return to top ]

Welcome IBM - NIGP's Newest Premier Sponsor

                              

IBM is a household name to many around the world and we’re thrilled that the IBM Software Group has chosen to participate in the NIGP Corporate Sponsor Program as a Premier Sponsor in the technology category.  IBM has a long history of service to the public sector and their support of NIGP and its members through the Sponsor Program extends and strengthens their commitment to government entities of all types and at all levels.

Many of our member agencies have successfully implemented e-procurement and enterprise management systems.  However, should your agency be contemplating software solutions to automate your contract lifecycle processes -- from solicitation through final disposition -- you may be interested in reviewing a complimentary Contract Lifecycle Management white paper.  This analyst report provides numerous examples of best practices and describes them through real-world examples.

For more information about managing unstructured content, optimizing business processes and helping satisfy compliance requirements through integrated information infrastructure, visit IBM’s Contract Lifecycle Management website.    [ return to top ]

Welcome New Members: June 2008

Agency Members

Allen County Government
William Greer
Fort Wayne, IN

Broward County Aviation Department
Michal Durden
Fort Lauderdale, FL

City of Austin - Austin Water
Lydia Torres
Austin, TX

City of Beaumont Public Works Department
Brenda Beadle, CPM
Beaumont, TX

City of Fernandina Beach
Denice Murray
Fernandina Beach, FL

City of Holly Springs
Carol Wolfe
Milton, GA

City of Spartanburg
Carl Wright
Spartanburg, SC

Florida Virtual School
Cathy Brown
Orlando, FL

Lansing School District
Celestine Hart
Lansing, MI

Ohio University - Athens
Frank Corris, CPM
Athens, OH

Port of Tacoma
Alyce Benge, CPPO, C.P.M.
Tacoma, WA

South Louisiana Community College
Christine Comeaux
Lafayette, LA

State Superintendent of Education
Elizabeth Kilpatrick, CPPB,  C.P.M.
Washington, DC

University of Louisville
Sue Russell
Louisville, KY

Individual Members

Lynne McCroskey, CPPB
Frankfort, KY

Georgiana Gormley
Mequon, WI

Lorrie Juedemann
Kirkwood, MO

C. Jen Johnson, CPPB
Washingtom, DC

Robert King
Arlington, VA

Retired Members

Virginia (Ginny) Atkinson, CPPO, CPPB
Davilla, TX

Anita Grant, CPPO, CPPB
Middletown, NY

Barbara Stone- Newton, CPPB, C.P.M., A.P.P.
Raleigh, NC

Larry Tweet, CPPO, CPPB
Prescott Valley, AZ

Student Members

Caroline Burgos
Doral, FL

Joseph Gbana
Ashburn, VA

Bereket Geletu
Alexandria, VA

Guliel Gonzalez
SW Ranches, FL

Sunny Hyde
Cincinnati, OH

Michael Janowitz
St. Louis, MO

Danny Jones
West Palm Beach, FL

Adam Lehmann
Woodstock, IL

Mary Little
Minneapolis, MN

Althea Owens
Amherst, NY

Gioconda Padilla
Hawthorne, CA

Vicki Placid
Coral Springs, FL

James Vann, CPCM
Herndon, VA






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UPPCC Certifications: June 2008

Congratulations to the following individuals for successfully completing the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC) certification requirements!

New CPPOs   

 

Arkansas
Linda K. Fast, CPPO, CPPB, APO
Director of Purchasing
Northwest Arkansas Community College

Florida
Roman R. Martinez, CPPO, CPPB
Director
Miami Dade College


New CPPBs 

Arizona
Mercedes Villafana, CPPB
Procurement Specialist
Yuma Educational Materials Management Consortium

Connecticut
Mary F. Visone, CPPB
Purchasing Agent
Town of Glastonbury

District of Columbia
Ruby S. Coley, CPPB
Contract Administrator
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Mary Beth Maestas, CPPB
Contract Price/Cost Analyst
DC Child and Family Services Agency

Florida
Courtney E. Brown Gordon, CPPB
Purchasing Agent
Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority

Fatima F. Calkins, CPPB
Senior Purchasing Agent
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

Linda J. Johnson, CPPB
Senior Procurement Analyst
City of Tampa

Kathlyn  Pletcher, CPPB
Purchasing Specialist II
Volusia County School Board

Hawiane F Tidwell, CPPB
Buyer
Marion County

Maggie M. Turner, CPPB
Purchasing Specialist
City of Oakland Park

Tara T. Walls, CPPB
Purchasing Agent
City of Lakeland

Charlotte J. Young, CPPB
Contracts Manager
Nassau County Clerk of Court

Maryland
Michael Howard, J.D., CPPB
Procurement Analyst II
Maryland Department of Budget and Management

Jeffrey  LaPorta, CPPB
Purchasing Agent II
Harford County Public Schools

Willis E. MeekinsIII, CPPB
Buyer Specialist
Frederick County Public Schools

Karen D. Rottmann, CPPB
Purchasing Agent II
Harford County Government

New Brunswick
Denise C. Chessie, CPPB
Procurement Officer
Province of  Brunswick

Mark A. Pugh, CPPB, B.B.A.
Buyer
City of Moncton

New York
Fior D. Castellon, CPPB
Procurement Analyst
New York City Department of Education

Margaret M. D'Emic, CPPB
Senior Buyer
Port Authority of NY and NJ

Angela  Edwards, CPPB
Procrurement Analyst
New York City Department of Education

Sharon J. Hall-Frey, CPPB
Contract Manager
New York City Department of Correction

Sonia  Henriquez, CPPB
Assistant Contract Administrator
Port Authority of NY and  NJ

Thomas A. Ingenito, CPPB
Senior Contract Specialist
Port Authority of NY and  NJ

Selene  Ortega, CPPB
Buyer
Port Authority of NY and NJ

Richard  Perez, CPPB
Procurement Contract Administrator
Port Authority of NY and NJ

Sande M. Pisik, CPPB
Procurement Analyst
New York City Department of Education

Luz E. Santana, CPPB
Buyer
Port Authority of NY and NJ

Denesia  Stroom-Blair, CPPB
Procurement Analyst
New York City Department of Education

Ontario
Chris  Ferris, CPPB
Assistant Manager Facility Contracts
Toronto District School Board

Oregon
Jamie P. Frost, CPPB
Purchasing Analyst
City of Eugene

South Carolina
Cynthia A. Sellers, CPPB
Procurement Specialist
Northeastern Technical College

Virginia
Heather M. Hall, CPPB, C.P.M., VCO, CBM, C.S.M.M.
Director of Purchasing
Montgomery County

Wisconsin
Diane  Knoll, CPPB
Senior Buyer
Waukesha County

All certified and recertified CPPOs and CPPBs may be found at uppcc.org. 

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