Upcoming Webinars
Access the latest trends and insights shaping the profession—free for members.
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This learning path provides public procurement professionals with a comprehensive overview of the construction procurement process—from planning and funding to project completion. Through four focused sessions, participants will examine procurement methods, risk management strategies, solicitation best practices, and practical applications that promote compliance and improve project outcomes.
Session 1: Know Your Audience and Funds
Successful procurement hinges on understanding your end-users/stakeholders and funding sources. In this session, we'll examine various procurement methods, the origins of contractors (public/private), and the importance of strategic outreach. Additionally, we'll explore the unique rules tied to funding sources and highlight why grasping these rules early can prevent future issues.
Learning Objectives:
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Analyze the various construction procurement methods available and determine which method best suits the needs of their organization. (Making your procurement audit proof)
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Adhere to the specific rules associated with different funding sources (Federal, State, Local, Grants) to ensure compliance and minimize risks.
Session 2: Navigating Risks after Procurement Method is Selected
Description: Choosing the right procurement method is just the beginning. Understanding and managing risk throughout the project lifecycle is critical for success. In this session, we’ll walk through how to identify, assess, and mitigate risks after the procurement strategy is set. We will explore practical approaches to contract risks, supplier performance issues, construction delays, price escalation, and regulatory challenges. Through case studies and interactive exercises, participants will be prepared to turn potential threats into strategic advantages.
Learning Objectives:
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Analyze how different procurement methods (like Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CMAR) influence post-selection risk exposure.
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Equip participants with the ability to identify and manage key procurement risks that emerge after a procurement method has been selected.
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Analyze the various construction procurement tools for monitoring and controlling procurement risks. (Making your procurement audit proof)
Session 3: Best Practices for Creating Fair & Reasonable Solicitation
Description: A well-structured set of solicitation documents provides the foundation for a successful construction procurement. This session will cover best practices for drafting clear, fair, and reasonable solicitations that attract qualified contractors, support fair and reasonable competition, and lead to accurate proposals. We’ll discuss how to effectively communicate the procurement process—through advertising, outreach, and direct solicitation—to ensure strong proposer engagement. Attendees will also explore the role specifications and the use of basis of design in shaping project outcomes. Whether you're refining your solicitation approach or tackling challenges in contractor engagement, this session will provide actionable strategies to improve transparency, competition, and project success.
Learning Objectives:
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Implement essential elements of a strong set of solicitation documents and how those documents can drive interest and participation.
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Avoid solicitation documents that can negatively impact fair and open competition, limit participation, and increase the risk of a protest
Session 4: From Problem to Practice: Real-World Construction Solutions
Description: Theory is important, but seeing construction procurement best practices in action is where the real learning happens. In this session, we’ll examine real-world case studies, including an analysis of the Denver International Airport construction project, to understand how procurement challenges were successfully navigated using best practices. By breaking down each case into clear problem-solution-outcome frameworks, participants will gain actionable insights for applying lessons from previous sessions directly into their own procurement processes.
Learning Objectives:
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Analyze real-world case studies to identify procurement best practices that address complex construction challenges
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Develop actionable strategies for applying construction procurement best practices to current and future projects.
