Learning Labs | NIGP
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.

October 16, 2025
Learning Lab 1 101625: Updates and Changes: The Roller Coaster Ride (Member) $89.00
Learning Lab 1 101625: Updates and Changes: The Roller Coaster Ride (Non-Member) $189.00
(prices valid until Oct 16, 2025)
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. CPCP, CPPB, MPA, Ms. Penny M Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
October 23, 2025
Learning Lab 2 102325: Understanding the role of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that attach to federal grant funds. (Member) $89.00
Learning Lab 2 102325: Understanding the role of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that attach to federal grant funds. (Non-Member) $189.00
(prices valid until Oct 23, 2025)
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Ms. Penny M Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, Mr. Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. CPCP, CPPB, MPA
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
October 30, 2025
Learning Lab 3 103025: Uniform Guidance (Member) $89.00
Learning Lab 3 103025: Uniform Guidance (Non-Member) $189.00
(prices valid until Oct 30, 2025)
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. CPCP, CPPB, MPA, Ms. Penny M Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
November 4, 2025
Learning Lab 4 110425: Unique Requirements (Clauses, Cooperatives, Ethics, Outreach, Agency specific requirements: DOT, FTA, HUD, et cetera) (Member) $89.00
Learning Lab 4 110425: Unique Requirements (Clauses, Cooperatives, Ethics, Outreach, Agency specific requirements: DOT, FTA, HUD, et cetera) (Non-Member) $189.00
(prices valid until Nov 4, 2025)
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Ms. Penny M Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, Mr. Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. CPCP, CPPB, MPA
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
November 13, 2025
Learning Lab 5 111325: Understanding Cost Analysis, Price Analysis and Independent Cost Estimate Requirements that accompany federal grant funds. (Member) $89.00
Learning Lab 5 111325: Understanding Cost Analysis, Price Analysis and Independent Cost Estimate Requirements that accompany federal grant funds. (Non-Member) $189.00
(prices valid until Nov 13, 2025)
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Ms. Penny M Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, Mr. Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. CPCP, CPPB, MPA
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
November 20, 2025
Learning Lab 6 112025: Prevailing Wages (Davis Bacon) (Member) $89.00
Learning Lab 6 112025: Prevailing Wages (Davis Bacon) (Non-Member) $189.00
(prices valid until Nov 20, 2025)
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. CPCP, CPPB, MPA, Ms. Penny M Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
February 11, 2026
Learning Lab 1 021126: Foundations of RFPs in Public Procurement (Member) $179.00
Learning Lab 1 021126: Foundations of RFPs in Public Procurement (Non-Member) $279.00
(prices valid until Feb 11, 2026)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPB, Ms. Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Mr. Michael R Thornton, CPPO
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
February 25, 2026
Learning Lab 2 022526: A Treasure Map for Suppliers – Designing RFPs with the End in Mind (Member) $179.00
Learning Lab 2 022526: A Treasure Map for Suppliers – Designing RFPs with the End in Mind (Non-Member) $279.00
(prices valid until Feb 25, 2026)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPB, Ms. Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Mr. Michael R Thornton, CPPO
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
March 4, 2026
Learning Lab 3 030426: Scoping Success – Crafting Clear RFPs and Evaluation Criteria (Member) $179.00
Learning Lab 3 030426: Scoping Success – Crafting Clear RFPs and Evaluation Criteria (Non-Member) $279.00
(prices valid until Mar 4, 2026)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Michael R Thornton, CPPO, Ms. Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPB
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
March 11, 2026
Learning Lab 4 031126: Evaluation Excellence – Scoring, Weighting, and Selecting the Best Proposal (Member) $179.00
Learning Lab 4 031126: Evaluation Excellence – Scoring, Weighting, and Selecting the Best Proposal (Non-Member) $279.00
(prices valid until Mar 11, 2026)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Michael R Thornton, CPPO, Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPB, Ms. Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
March 18, 2026
Learning Lab 5 031826: Managing the Evaluation Committee – Process, People, and Practicalities (Member) $179.00
Learning Lab 5 031826: Managing the Evaluation Committee – Process, People, and Practicalities (Non-Member) $279.00
(prices valid until Mar 18, 2026)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPB, Mr. Michael R Thornton, CPPO, Ms. Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
April 1, 2026
Learning Lab 6 040126: Post-Award Excellence – Contract Administration, Protests, and Debriefs (Member) $179.00
Learning Lab 6 040126: Post-Award Excellence – Contract Administration, Protests, and Debriefs (Non-Member) $279.00
(prices valid until Apr 1, 2026)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPB, Ms. Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Mr. Michael R Thornton, CPPO
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details
April 8, 2026
Learning Lab 7 040826: Leveraging eProcurement, Automation and AI – The Future is Now (and Slightly Overwhelming) (Member) $179.00
Learning Lab 7 040826: Leveraging eProcurement, Automation and AI – The Future is Now (and Slightly Overwhelming) (Non-Member) $279.00
(prices valid until Apr 8, 2026)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Ms. Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Mr. Michael R Thornton, CPPO, Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPB
Level: Foundation
Virtual Instructor-Led
View Course Details

Our Learning Labs are an invaluable resource for public procurement professionals, designed to equip you with the best practice guidance across a spectrum of technical and hard skills crucial for success in the field. These dynamic sessions delve into critical subject areas, offering in-depth knowledge and practical strategies.

These labs provide a deep dive into the practical applications of these concepts, ensuring you gain actionable insights you can immediately apply to your work.

Past Lab Series

  • RFPs (Requests for Proposals)
  • Federal Grant Funding
  • Bonds and Sureties
  • Essential Skills

Upcoming Learning Labs Series

FEDERAL FUNDS

RFPS

 

1:00 - 3:00 PM ET
Contact Hours: 2 per lab

Download Flyer

Lab 1: Updates and Changes: The Roller Coaster Ride

 October 16

Explore the impact of the presidential transition on public procurement, including evolving regulations, shifting priorities, and emerging uncertainties. It emphasizes the critical need for procurement professionals to remain informed and introduces helpful resources for staying up to date.

Register for the October 16th Lab

Lab 2: Understanding the role of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that attach to federal grant funds

 October 23, 2025

This session examines how regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) affect procurement under federal grant funding, with a focus on changes introduced in the past year. Understanding these updates is essential for local procurement officials, as noncompliance may lead to disallowed expenditures and potential loss of grant funds.

Register for the October 23th Lab

Lab 3: Uniform Guidance

 October 30, 2025

This session covers Uniform Guidance, Title 2, Part 200 of the CFR, and its role in governing the use of federal grant funds by local governments. Despite its name, compliance is mandatory to meet grant terms and avoid repayment or loss of funds. The session will highlight key updates since last year.

Register for the October 30th Lab

Lab 4: Unique Requirements (Clauses, Cooperatives, Ethics, Outreach, Agency specific requirements: DOT, FTA, HUD, et cetera)

 November 4, 2025

This session addresses federal procurement requirements that are uncommon in local government but must be adopted to comply with grant conditions. It also provides a high-level overview of agency-specific rules from departments such as Health and Human Services, Energy, Veterans Affairs, and others.

Register for the November 4th Lab

Lab 5: Understanding Cost Analysis, Price Analysis and Independent Cost Estimate Requirements that accompany federal grant funds

 November 13, 2025

This session focuses on the requirements for cost analysis, price analysis, and independent cost estimates. It explores when and why each is necessary and examines their practical application in procurement.

Register for the November 13th Lab

Lab 6: Prevailing Wages (Davis Bacon)

 November 20, 2025

This session examines the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, which govern the use of federal funds for maintenance and construction projects exceeding $2,000. Administered by the Department of Labor, these regulations carry significant financial and reputational risks if not properly followed. The session will also highlight key updates introduced over the past year.

Register for the November 20th Lab

SPEAKERS

Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, MPA, C.P.M. CPCP

Procurement Director, Knoxville's Community Development Corp - The Public Housing & Redevelopment Authority

BIO

Penny M. Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO

Purchasing Agent, City of Knoxville, TN

BIO

1 - 5 PM ET
4 Contact Hours

Preview Webinars

December 9

 January 14

Lab 1: Foundations of RFPs in Public Procurement

Join us for the first session in our dynamic virtual instructor-led Learning Lab series focused on demystifying the Request for Proposals (RFP) process in public procurement. Designed for procurement professionals at all levels, this session lays the groundwork for understanding the strategic role of RFPs and how they differ from other solicitation methods. 

 Register for the February 11 lab

Lab 2: A Treasure Map for Suppliers – Designing RFPs with the End in Mind

Explore the Request for Proposals (RFP) process through the eyes of the supplier. By understanding how vendors interpret and respond to solicitations, procurement professionals can craft clearer, more effective RFPs that attract the right partners and lead to better outcomes. 

 Register for the February 25 lab

Lab 3: Scoping Success – Crafting Clear RFPs and Evaluation Criteria

Dive into the heart of the RFP process: developing a clear, effective Scope of Work (SOW) and meaningful evaluation criteria. These two elements are critical to ensuring your solicitation attracts the right responses and leads to successful contract outcomes. 

 Register for the March 4 lab

Lab 4: Evaluation Excellence – Scoring, Weighting, and Selecting the Best Proposal 

Deep dive in the critical phase of the RFP process: evaluation. From defining meaningful criteria to applying scoring methodologies, this session equips procurement professionals with the tools and insights needed to ensure fair, transparent, and defensible evaluations. 

 Register for the March 11 lab

Lab 5: Managing the Evaluation Committee – Process, People, and Practicalities

This session provides a comprehensive guide to forming, training, and managing evaluation teams to ensure a fair, consistent, and defensible RFP evaluation process. 

 Register for the March 18 lab

Lab 6: Post-Award Excellence – Contract Administration, Protests, and Debriefs 

What happens after the contract is awarded? From contract administration and performance management to handling protests and conducting debriefs, this session equips procurement professionals with the tools and strategies to manage the post-award phase with confidence, transparency, and professionalism. 

 Register for the April 1 lab

Lab 7: Leveraging eProcurement, Automation & AI – The Future is Now (and Slightly Overwhelming) 

Go boldly where many procurement teams have not gone before—into the world of eProcurement systems, automation, and artificial intelligence. Whether you're still using spreadsheets or already chatting with your AI assistant about scope of work language, this lab will help you navigate the digital transformation of public procurement with clarity, strategy, and maybe a few laughs. 

 Register for the April 8 lab

THE RFP DREAM TEAM:

Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Procurement Manager
Canoe Procurement Group of Canada
BIO

Victor Leamer, CPPB
Senior Buyer
Spokane County
BIO

Mike Thornton, CPPO
Practice Lead
Civic Initiatives 
BIO