Course

Learning Labs

Hands-On Workshops

An educational series that provides learners with best practice guidance on a variety of technical and hard skills needed for public procurement success.

Course Availability:

View upcoming dates for this course.

Upcoming Learning Labs

Writing - An Essential Communication Skill

Writing well is one of those skills that can help you advance in your career, no matter what you do. Strong writing has been linked to critical thinking skills, and it shows an attention to detail necessary in all of your tasks and projects.

These interactive Learning Labs offer helpful tips and best practice guidance on how to write effectively to get the results you desire. Attend one or all...this could be a real game changer.

From Janet Arrowood, The Write Source, Inc.

Learning Lab: Effective Proposal Writing: Laying the Groundwork
Learn to create a logical structure for your proposal to ensure all requirements are addressed.
May 25, 2PM - 4PM (EDT)

Learning Lab: Creating Effective Presentation Slides
Create attention-getting presentations that focuses on "less is more" and the "bottom line up front"
June 16, 2PM - 4PM (EDT)

Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat

Learning Lab: Stop Wasting Time in Excel! Tips & Shortcuts to Be More Productive
Why waste valuable time trying to figure out all the features of Microsoft Excel when there are a whole bunch of shortcuts you could be using? Learn to simplify actions in Excel, customize your workspace, and use shortcuts to get your work done quickly.
July 1, 2PM - 4PM (EDT)

Learning Lab: Microsoft Outlook: Productivity Tips & Techniques
How can you be more productive in Outlook to free up time to focus on other priorities? Learn tips and strategies in Microsoft Outlook to organize and prioritize your work and save time and effort.
July 21, 2PM - 4PM (EDT)

Learning Lab: Adobe Acrobat: How to Create Interactive Forms to Streamline Workflow
Join us to leverage the power of Acrobat to build, save, and edit an Acrobat form quickly.
August 11, 2PM - 4PM (EDT)

Learning Lab: Microsoft Excel: How to Visually Communicate Data with Charts & Graphics
Discover how to use Excel’s graphics capabilities to quickly communicate complex data using charts and Excel’s other graphics and diagram tools.
September 1, 2PM - 4PM (EDT)

Do you have multiple attendees or want to attend multiple labs?

Contact Laura Shelters for potential pricing discounts.

Cost

Members: $79

Non-Members: $179

Contact Hours

2.0

CEUs

0.2

Length

90 - 120 minutes

Participants

Limited to 45 participants.

Delivery Format

Virtual Instructor-Led

Other Scheduled Learning Labs

RFPs Series

This 10-part Learning Lab series is based on the recently revised Global Best Practice (GBP) Request for Proposals and delves into each of the elements in the GBP. Participants can expect handouts and detailed discussion on practical application, including case studies and guidance on best practices.

INSTRUCTORS: Stéphanie Dion, CPPB, Manitoba Hydro; Victor Leamer, CPPB Spokane County, WA; Michael Thornton, CPPO, City of Leesburg, FL

Lab 1 – Introduction to Request for Proposals
How do you define an RFP? How does an RFP differ from other solicitation methods? This session explores the theory of RFPs and why they are essential to public procurement.
October 5, 12:30PM - 2:30PM (EDT)

Lab 2 – Start with the End in Mind
One size does not fit all. There are different types of RFPs. Can you name them? Learn about the various types and discover which is best suited for the desired outcome. Plus, gain an understanding of evaluation criteria and methodologies.
October 5, 3:00PM - 5:00PM (EDT)

Lab 3 – Communication/Engagement with Suppliers
Did you know you can engage with suppliers during the procurement process? Supplier engagement can provide tremendous value to both the supplier and entities. Learn how you can develop an effective communication plan.
October 19, 12:30PM - 2:30PM (EDT)

Lab 4 – The Importance of Flexibility and Organization
Navigating and understanding the sections of an RFP document can be overwhelming. Learn the benefits of a well-crafted RFP and the importance of built-in flexibility to adapt the format to reflect the procurement strategy.
October 19, 3:00PM - 5:00PM (EDT)

Lab 5A – Responsiveness, Compliance, and Responsibility
What do they mean? How are they used? This session presents real-world examples and scenarios that demonstrate each of these concepts and how they interconnect. Discover their use, value, and how to properly apply them for successful outcomes.
October 28, 12:30PM - 2:30PM (EDT)

Lab 5B- Evaluation Criteria
Understand the conditions that must be met to advance proposals through the evaluation process.
October 28, 3:00PM - 5:00PM (EDT)

Lab 6A – Your RFP is a Treasure Map
Discover what information is essential to portray intent correctly in your RFP. We examine examples and provide guidance on the critical information required for suppliers to have a clear understanding of your needs and so you can provide the best proposal possible.
November 2, 12:30PM - 2:30PM (EDT)

Lab 6B – Scope of Work Writing
Practice makes perfect. Get ready to write specifications for actual procurements. Sharpen your specification writing skills and receive helpful tips and advice during this interactive session.
November 2, 3:00PM - 5:00PM (EDT)

Lab 7A – Evaluation Committee
Learn how to create an effective Proposal Evaluation Committee (PEC). This is essential for a defensible evaluation process. Understand the roles and responsibilities of the PEC and Procurement and how working as a team impacts a successful outcome.
November 9, 12:30PM - 2:30PM (EDT)

Lab 7B – Evaluation Process
Understand the importance of having a well designed and executed evaluation methodology and process.
November 9, 3:00PM - 5:00PM (EDT)

Lab 8 – Post Evaluation Steps
Learn why post evaluation is important. This session covers the various steps we often forget about and must be prepared for should they occur. This is where scrutiny makes a well crafted and executed RFP shine.
November 18, 12:30PM - 2:30PM (EDT)

Lab 9 – RFP Misfits
Improve your solicitation by including often overlooked, seldom used variations/elements to customize your RFP documents and evaluation methodology.
November 18, 3:00PM - 5:00PM (EDT)

Lab 10 - RFP for Suppliers
A discussion session for Suppliers only. Come discuss how public entities can better design RFPs to land on the "YES" pile.
December 9, 2:00PM - 4:00PM (EDT)