NIGP Your Community

Do you want to unlock the full potential of your team?

Consider attending our Coaching for High Performance Workshop

October 17 |  9AM - 5PM (ET) |  Instructor: Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA

Coaching fosters a culture of collaboration and growth. 
Coaching inspires greatness in others.
Coaching empowers individuals to thrive.
Coaching builds a team that's united in purpose.

In this leadership workshop, you'll discover how to harness the transformative power of coaching in your organization.

Member: $597
Non-Member: $697
Contact Hours: 7

REGISTER TODAY

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Michelle Butler, Esq., NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPCM
Chief Procurement Officer
DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracts, GA

Michelle is an experienced procurement professional and attorney with a career that spans over 21 years in both private and public sectors.

 In December 2023, she was officially promoted from Interim CPO to the Chief Procurement Officer for the Purchasing and Contracting Department in DeKalb County, Georgia. She’s currently focused on the professional development and growth of staff as well as fostering collaborative partnerships between departments to achieve organizational objectives.

Colleagues share, “Michelle fosters a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported. She’s increased employee training, team building exercises, internal promotions, salary adjustments and implemented an open-door policy.”

Michelle’s goal is to be the best procurement professional while enabling her staff to do the same.

Her innovative approaches to problem solving have helped elevate the procurement department within the organization. She’s also introduced new processes to streamline operations, acts as a liaison to the law department, and resolved long standing issues with user departments. Michelle is always searching for ways and/or methods that would increase the knowledge level of

Michelle holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Psychology from Georgia State University. She also holds a Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law.

Her staff says, “Michelle is an extraordinary leader and an asset to our organization.”

Her commitment to integrity, transparency and high moral standards makes her an exemplary public procurement professional.

Michelle Butler - Thank you for all you do and congratulations on being a nominee for the 2024 NIGP Procurement Manager of the Year Award.

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Reaccredited By IACET
As An Accredited Continuing Education and Training Provider 

Since 2004, NIGP has been designated an accredited provider by IACET. To be granted the IACET Accredited Provider designation, organizations must demonstrate that they are compliant with the ANSI/IACET 1-2018 Standard for Continuing Education and Training.

The Accredited Provider (AP) application and review is a rigorous process that involves extensive hands-on evaluation. Its thorough nature ensures that AP status is valued in the marketplace.

Reaccreditation is required every five years, and we reached our milestone in 2024.  NIGP is IACET-accredited through 2029. 

Special shout out to Charles Taylor, NIGP Education Program Manager who took the lead on the reaccreditation process. Thank you! 

NIGP-CPP

What Makes NIGP-CPP Unique? 

The NIGP-CPP is the only certification managed and administered by NIGP.

Target:  Procurement Leaders
Source:  Public Procurement Competency Framework
Standards:  Designed to Follow Professional Certification Criteria
Focus:  Competency-Based Modular Exams
Flexibility:  Designed with the Fast-Paced Professional in Mind
Equity:  All Candidates Treated the Same
Relevance:  Certification is Integrated with Research and Life-Long Learning
Career Planning:  NIGP’s Credentialing System Provides Variety
Service Level:  NIGP is Committed to Providing Exceptional Service

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 8 | Tacoma, WA

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OFFICIALS
Fall Conference & Supplier Conference
OCTOBER 9-11 | Oakbrook, IL

OREGON PUBLIC PURCHASING ASSOCIATION & COLUMBIA CHAPTER
Reverse Trade Show
OCTOBER 15 |  Keizer, OR

READ MORE

RADIO NIGP

September Show - continues to feature interviews with NIGP award winners such as Keith Glatz, 2024 Albert H. Hall Memorial Award Recipient; Valerie Scott, Ella Pierce Award Recipient for Inclusion & Diversity;  and Bobby Tolston, Integrity Award Recipient.

Look for "Aha Moments" from NIGP Forum 2024 attendees! 

VIEW RADIO NIGP

WORD OF THE WEEK

Fair and Reasonable Price  - a price that is fair to both contracting parties, considering the market range for the good or service, agreed upon conditions, promised quality, and timeliness of contract performance.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive reference with over 2,300 of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

Making Meaningful Connections and Memories...

NIGP Forum 2024

Photo Gallery

Checkout these candid photos from Forum in Charlotte! You can see and almost feel the energy and excitement. . Enjoy. PHOTO GALLERY

What attendees have to say

"I had a fantastic time at the NIGP Forum 2024. I met some incredible people, had engaging conversations, and made valuable connections. I'm leaving with great memories and hope to see you all next year."

"I was a first-time attendee and I learned so much! Thank you for reminding me of my value in the procurement field and for reminding me that my integrity means something."

"I love what I do and it was so great to be around so many people that love what they do too."

"I received a scholarship and am so thankful for the opportunity to experience the camaraderie and wealth of knowledge that I did while at Forum."

Reminder: NIGP Forum 2024 attendees all content is available on demand until November 1, 2024.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Olga Culp
Senior Contract Officer 
City of Tucson, AZ

Olga approaches her role as a procurement practitioner with passion and integrity every day. She has developed and maintained strong relationships within the city and is viewed as a valuable resource within her organization. She maintains a customer-service focus both internally and externally while protecting the best interests of the city. Recently, a Contract Representative with the Environmental and General Services Division praised Olga’s efforts for providing guidance and clarification regarding a contract dispute.

Olga shares, “The stakeholders I assist with procurement opportunities are experts in their field, my goal is to make them confident that I am as knowledgeable in my field. When discussing contract language, I am direct and honest, leaving information out can only make Procurement look unreliable and cause myself to look unreliable. Having the tough conversations in the beginning is the best way to start a project.”

Olga embraces the team dynamic - always willing to help her coworkers in any way that she can, whether it’s serving as a member of the City’s Templates Team, helping to standardize forms, or organizing a baby shower or retirement party for one of her coworkers. She continuously takes on additional tasks and assists in the training and mentoring of new staff.

She is proud to be a part of the procurement profession and is always ready and willing to give back. Year after year, Olga has made significant contributions to the Copper Chapter of NIGP.  She has served as either a member or a Chair of several committees, including the Fundraising Committee, Communications Committee, and Social Events Committee. Olga has also been a key volunteer for the chapter’s largest event, which is their annual Reverse Vendor Trade Show. This year, she is serving as the Chair of that event. By contributing to the chapter’s largest fundraising event every year, Olga is directly responsible for raising funds, all of which go to the Chapter’s scholarship fund, to help her and her colleagues attend the NIGP Annual Forum each year.

Olga is a firm believer in the value of professional development. She’s attended the NIGP Forum in 2022, 2023 and 2024, taken advantage of NIGP training opportunities, earned three core certificates and is planning to pursue professional certification within the coming year.

Olga Culp is an outstanding procurement professional and a nominee for the 2024 NIGP Procurement Specialist of the Year Award.  The City of Tucson is proud to have Olga as part of the procurement team.

CELEBRATIONS

Member Anniversaries
NIGP Thanks These Entities For Their Dedication
and Milestone Membership

Celebrating 25 Years
Oregon State University
Effingham County Board of Commissioners, GA
Town of East Hampton, NY
South Texas Community College
Charlotte County Board of Commissioners, FL
St. Lucie County Fire District, FL
Washtenaw County, MI
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, TN
Metropolitan Development & Housing Authority, TN
City of Atlanta, GA
Eugene Water and Electric Board, OR
City of North Miami Beach, FL
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Palm Beach County Water Utilities, FL
Arizona State Parks
Audubon Nature Institute, LA
City of Winchester, KY
Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, FL

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Certification Is The Premier Certification

The NIGP-CPP certification is the premier certification for leaders in public procurement. From key procurement topics to leadership, strategy, business skills and operations, and everything in between, this certification tests the technical competencies, skills, and abilitiesneeded to be a leader in procurement.

If you are established in procurement as a leader, the time to consider getting certified is now. In addition to validating the competencies, abilities, and skills you have, this certification validates your skills are portable and transferable. 

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Fall Conference and Products Exposition
SEPTEMBER 24-26 | Dalton, GA

PUBLIC PURCHASERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN OHIO
Reverse Trade Show
SEPTEMBER 25 | Warrensville Heights, OH

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

READ MORE

FREE RESOURCES

NIGP Member Directory - a valuable resource to connect and consult with like-minded procurement professionals from across the country and Canada.

Search the 17,000+ member directory by organization type, geographic location and so much more.

There's no better time to build strong meaningful connections that can have a positive impact in our lives today and into the future.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Maverick Spending - purchases made outside of procurement policies and procedures or established contracts.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive reference with over 2,300 of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

COMING SOON...LEADERSHIP PIPELINE SURVEY

NIGP is partnering with Government Leadership Solutions (GLS) in support of their Leadership Pipeline Survey. We're inviting Members to participate in this valuable survey. It will be a great opportunity to contribute to the important effort of mapping and tracking how government entities are preparing their leadership pipeline with the hopes of ultimately strengthening said pipeline in years to come.

Details coming soon. 

Only 2 Days Left...
Scholarship Applications for EDGE and IMPACT Close on Friday

Leadership Summit 2025 | February 20 - 22 | Chicago, IL

What makes Leadership Summit distinct is the opportunity to expand your network as you connect with leaders who are at various stages in their career. Scholarships are now available for the EDGE and IMPACT programs. Applications close on Friday, September 13. 

EDGE PROGRAM - a dynamic platform for emerging leaders.The program runs from November 5, 2024 through March 4, 2025 and features a blend of virtual and in-person sessions that take place at Leadership Summit. Scholarships are available for accepted applicants. All admitted participants will receive a scholarship of $650 to be used towards the cost of the Edge program registration. APPLY TODAY  

IMPACT PROGRAM - is tailored for mid to senior-level leaders. These scholarships are designed for individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Leadership Summit due to financial constraints. Scholarships cover the early registration fee of $850. APPLY TODAY

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership mindset and engage with our team of subject matter experts to help you grow as a leader. 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

CoMakiya Baskin-Smith, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Procurement Manager 
Cook County Government, Chicago, IL

CoMakiya believes that growth takes flight when a person is willing to step out of their comfort zone.

She obtained her Bachelor’s degree through part-time study while her children were in elementary school. CoMakiya was determined to focus on ensuring that her children had an exceptional level of support in their formative years. As they transitioned from high school, she was able to put more focus on continuing to develop her career path.

And develop she did! CoMakiya has been a pillar of excellence in public procurement for an impressive 18 years consistently demonstrating exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to her role as a Public Procurement Professional for Cook County. She currently manages a staff of three under the direction of the Deputy CPO of Design and Construction and the Chief Procurement Officer. She is also in a partial dual role and serves the Deputy CPO for Commodities and Work Services.

Her professionalism has been recognized by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, where she was awarded the title of Manager of the Year in 2009, 2015, and 2019. She was the Chairperson of the Black History Month Program Committee in 2020 and received the Procurement Excellence Award from Euna Solutions in 2023 for her commitment to assist colleagues with professional development.

CoMakiya believes every leader must also be a good servant. She volunteers her time on a regular basis at a local food pantry and within her church and sorority organizations for various community-based events. She’s been a community leader of cheerleading programs since 2011 helping to shape the lives of young people.

She currently serves as the Professional Development and Education Chairperson for Illinois Association of Public Procurement Officials (IAPPO), a role in which she is demonstrably passionate about fostering the expertise of her colleagues.

Her expertise, leadership and commitment to her community make her an outstanding procurement professional and a nominee for NIGP’s 2024 Procurement Manager of the Year.

BLOG

Legally Speaking by Kirk Buffington
Understanding Retainage 
A Common Practice in the Construction Industry

Retainage, or retention or holdback, is where a portion of payment, typically 5-10%, is withheld until a predefined milestone is achieved on a building project. Retainage has a long history in the industry and can apply to both general and subcontractors. 

Retainage is designed to address several issues inherent to construction and other critical projects: 

Quality assurance: Retainage incentivizes a contractor and any applicable subcontractors to complete work to the owner's satisfaction. 

Defect correction: Retainge provides the owner or general contractor financial leverage by withholding a portion of payments. This leverage ensures the contractor addresses defects, deficiencies, or incomplete work. 

Project completion: Retainage motivates contractors to complete their work within the agreed-upon schedule to avoid abandoning or leaving projects unfinished.

READ COMPLETE BLOG

NIGP-CPP

The Forefront Of Procurement Excellence

NIGP-CPP is a unique and powerful certification for procurement leaders that enhances your long-term career growth. 

Built on extensive  research, this highly sought-after certification assesses the technical competencies, skills, and abilities required on the job in today's world.

Here's how the NIGP-CPP can help you move forward in your professional career journey:

• Emphasizes technical competencies vs. knowledge
• Flexibility for the fast-paced professional
• Focuses on the full scope of technical competencies required of successful leaders on the job today
• Sets a new industry standard
• Built on solid research. 
   

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING 
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Fall Conference and Products Exposition
SEPTEMBER 24-26 | Dalton, GA

PUBLIC PURCHASERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN OHIO
Reverse Trade Show
SEPTEMBER 25 | Warrensville Heights, OH

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

READ MORE

FREE RESOURCES

NIGP Mentorship Program - a formal 1:1 mentoring experience that allows for continuous registration.

Public procurement professionals are paired with more experienced NIGP members who can provide guidance on professional development opportunities and offer other career-related advice on an on-going basis.

Join as a Mentor or Mentee.

READ MORE 

WORD OF THE WEEK

Charette Process - a public forum in which the entity seeks the public’s input and informs them of general ideas and plans, for upcoming construction projects.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive reference with over 2,300 of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

NIGP Leadership Summit 2025
Scholarships Available for the IMPACT Program

Are you a mid to senior-level leader? If so, you don't want to miss this opportunity. 

The Impact cohort is an exceptional gathering of mid to senior-level public procurement practitioners dedicated to addressing the top leadership challenges in a collaborative and supportive environment. 

What past attendees are saying about IMPACT: 

"Impact goes beyond any other leadership training that I have taken. Learning to know yourself so that you can better lead and coach others is priceless."

"I've gained thorough knowledge of what leadership is and can be through different lenses depending on situations."

"Impact was a great opportunity to get to know other leaders in my field. I look forward to implementing the new ideas into my organization."

Scholarships cover the early registration fee of $850. Deadline to apply is September 13. 

APPLY TODAY

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Katrina House, NIGP-CPP, NIGP-PPA, CPPB
Certified Procurement Analyst, Purchasing 
City of Tampa, FL 

I was inspired to take my career to the next level by my mentors Greg Spearman, Joe Benjamin, Tony McGee, and Carrie Mathes - they instilled in me the value of becoming certified.

I began my journey by taking several NIGP courses and volunteering within my chapter. I was one of the first 127 professionals to obtain the NIGP-PPA and also earned my CPPB. I was encouraged to aim higher for the latest and greatest certification in our profession and obtained the NIGP-CPP.  

During my journey, I have been able to present on the local and State levels with my chapters. I have served as a volunteer, served with my local chapter as our Pro-D (TBAC), on our State chapter (FAPPO) as the Communications Chair and currently serve as one of the newest mefmbers of NIGP’s Pipeline and Placement Committee. I have been blessed to have my first mentee through the NIGP’s mentor program (Deanna Istre  Kentucky), and have served  as a Co-Facilitator (twice) for our NIGP-CPP study groups. I was also recently appointed by my State Chapter to Chair our Annual Fall Conference and will be a co-chair for our Spring Conference.

Being a part of NIGP’s family has enriched my life in ways I could never imagine. I'm humbled and grateful for the support and encouragement of my husband (Alejandro), my mentors, my mentee, local and state leaders and, of course, the one and only, Rick Grimm,  for believing in me and allowing me to believe in myself.

FORUM 2024 THANK YOU

Our Biggest Turnout in NIGP History
3,000+ Attendees for both in-person and virtual 
Thank You For Making NIGP Forum 2024 a Success

Here's a brief recap: Procurement professionals from across North America came together in person and virtually for an unforgettable four day experience that included customized educational sessions, (all live streamed), networking opportunities, supplier connections, and inspiring speakers designed to re-energize and prepare the procurement community for what's next in the profession as we continue to drive procurement forward! 

2024 NIGP Individual Award Winners:

• Keith Glatz - Albert H. Hall Award and 2024 Fellow
• John Edmondson - Distinguished Service Award
• Joe Tommie, Jr. - Distinguished Service Award
• Danny Mays - Distinguished Service Award
• Brian  Smith - Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award
• Valerie Scott - Ella Pierce Award for Inclusion and Diversity
• Krystyna Owen - Procurement Manager of the Year
• Casey Adams - Procurement Specialist of the Year
• Carl Bonitto - Volunteer Award
• Bobbie Tolston - Integrity Award
• Lourdes Coss - Leadership Award
• Jianchong Luo - Young Professional Award 
   

COMPLETE LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP...The Premier Certification

NIGP-CPP is the most sought-after certification for leaders in public procurement.

In addition to validating your competencies, abilities, and skills, this certification is portable, transferable and world class. NIGP-CPP is now only the second procurement and contracting certification (NIGP and NCMA) to achieve accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the most prestigious personnel certification accreditation program worldwide.

If you are established in procurement as a leader, the time to consider getting certified is now. 

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING 
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Fall Conference and Products Exposition
SEPTEMBER 24-26 | Dalton, GA

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NEW Global Best Practice: Managing A Remote Workforce

This global best practice provides guidance to public procurement leaders on effectively managing a remote workforce. Like other business sectors, public procurement has faced changes and challenges in recent years as more employees are performing their work at home or in remote offices.

Although managing a remote workforce has created a new challenge for procurement leaders, many have established some best practices.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Make or Buy  -  a procurement decision that examines the cost/benefit of producing an item in-house vs. externally. Two factors that stand out at the tactical level are total cost of ownership and the availability of production capacity.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive reference with over 2,300 of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

NIGP Leadership Summit 2025
Emerging Leaders - Apply for the EDGE Program

Scholarships are Available for Accepted Applicants

What past attendees are saying about EDGE: 

"This experience was truly transformational. It helped me identify my strengths and pain points and to develop a strategy that would propel me forward."

"If anyone wants to better understand why leadership is important in any profession and the difference between leadership and management, Edge is for you."

"The support, encouragement, collaboration, teaching and networking opportunities are phenomenal."
Edge offers a dynamic platform for emerging leaders to collaborate with peers and master today's top leadership principles.

This year's program runs from November 5, 2024 through March 4, 2025 and features a blend of virtual sessions and in-person sessions that take place at Leadership Summit.  . 

APPLY TODAY

PROCUREMENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Krystyna Owen, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Purchasing Agent
City of Norfolk, VA

Colleagues say, Krystyna's not “just a leader worth following, but a true public procurement professional.” Never satisfied with the status quo, she continually pushes her department forward with initiatives to increase public participation, employee engagement, and technological advancement.

She encourages her team to grow through NIGP training and gives them difficult procurement assignments, reminding them there is always a solution to a problem, it just might take a village to solve it!

As a government employee, she exemplifies what it means to go out and do good in the world. She applies sound judgment and inscrutable logic when decision-making to ensure favorable outcomes for all parties involved, making determinations based on merit without bias or favoritism.

Her transparency is unwavering as she provides clear and accessible information to all stakeholders. In addition to personally adhering to these principles, she actively leads and inspires others to do the same.

Krystyna's mentorship and guidance cultivate a culture of integrity and excellence within the procurement team and beyond.

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

Casey Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Senior Contract Officer
City of Tucson, AZ

Service is Casey's true North Star. He takes a “customer comes first” approach to his role in procurement, ensuring ethical alignment with suppliers and stakeholders.

Casey is the Copper Chapter President, leading with a blend of humility, honesty, and quiet humor. His journey to Chapter President started in 2019 when he first joined his local NIGP chapter. Since then, he has held several positions, including being on the Communications, Education, Nominations, Reverse Trade Show, Seminar, and Special Events committees. He's never afraid to lend a helping hand where needed and continually seeks innovative ways to serve his chapter, city, and greater community.

He is currently leading an initiative in his Chapter to revise the by-laws to ensure they are fair and align with the chapter’s overall goals, including allowing a more diverse group of professionals to attain scholarships.

Additionally, he's been a regular attendee of Forum since 2020 and completed the Leader’s Edge program in 2023. Casey has been described as “the picture-perfect example of a person who embodies the guiding principles of procurement.”

COMPLETE LIST OF PMOY AND PSOY NOMINEES

NIGP CHAPTER RECOGNITION

OUTSTANDING AWARD WINNERS

Outstanding Chapter Awards recognize outstanding chapter practices and innovations in these categories -Chapter Operations, Chapter Advocacy and Outreach, and Chapter Professional Development.  

Outstanding Chapter Operations Award
Oklahoma Association of Public Procurement

Outstanding Chapter Advocacy and Outreach
Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association

Outstanding Professional Development
Central Florida Chapter of NIGP

Special shout-out to all the chapters that participated in the 2024 Outstanding Chapter Award program. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARD SEALS

Each year, participating chapters receive an annual score which records their progress in achieving excellence. The program recognizes standards as platinum, gold, silver and bronze seals. This year's recipients include:  

Platinum Performance Standard Seal Recipients

Arizona State Capitol Chapter
Central Florida Chapter
Copper Chapter
Maryland Public Purchasing  Association
Oklahoma Association of Public Procurement
South Carolina Association of  Governmental Purchasing Officials
Tampa Bay Area Chapter
Virginia Association of Government Procurement 

COMPLETE LIST OF 2024 SEAL RECIPIENTS

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Member Directory - a valuable resource to connect and consult with like-minded procurement professionals from across the country and Canada.

Search the 17,000+ member directory by organization type, geographic location and so much more.

There's no better time to build strong meaningful connections that can have a positive impact in our lives today and into the future.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Ultra Vires Action - an action that is beyond the powers granted by authority or by law.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

NIGP Leadership Summit 2025
February 20-22 | Chicago, IL 

Scholarships Available for Edge & Impact Programs

Thanks to the generous support of our government partner Sourcewell, NIGP will be offering members $200,000 in scholarships. In addtion to the variety of professional development scholarship opportunities, we're excited to offer scholarships to the Edge and Impact programs. Applications are now open, Apply today. 

Edge Program - scholarships are available for accepted applicants. Edge offers a dynamic platform for emerging leaders to collaborate with peers and master today's top leadership principles.This year's program runs from November 5, 2024 through March 4, 2025 featuring a blend of virtual sessions and in-person sessions that take place at Leadership Summit.  

Impact Program - scholarships are available for the Impact Program which is tailored for mid to senior-level leaders. These scholarships are designed for individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Leadership Summit due to financial constraints. 

READ MORE

ALBERT H. HALL AWARD RECIPIENT

Keith Glatz, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Purchasing & Contracts Manager
City of Tamarac, FL 

Keith Glatz is a procurement leader who has poured his heart and soul into his professional journey. He’s been bringing his passion for serving and dedication to public procurement for over 45 years. This is not just a profession, for Keith it’s his calling.

He’s a well-respected subject matter expert and mentor in the field of public procurement who is often identified as the “face” of professional, ethical, and transparent public procurement in South Florida.

Under Keith’s guidance, the City of Tamarac Procurement Department has made significant progress in small business, minority owned, and veteran owned – with business participation through outreach programs increasing the percentage of MBE/DBE/SBE/ contracts by 32%.

Keith has served NIGP in multiple capacities since becoming a member in 1993 and has attended every Forum since 1994. He served as the first Chair of the NIGP Governing Board, founding Chair of the NIGP Mentorship Committee and most recently as a Concierge Program Counselor. He’s also active on Radio NIGP where he hosts his own segment aimed at providing growth opportunities for listeners

Keith is an inspiration to us all and recipient of NIGP's highest honor, the Albert H. Hall award. 

NIGP VIRTUAL FORUM EXPERIENCE

It's Not Too Late To Register & Join Us Virtually
NIGP Forum 2024 | August 25-28

The virtual experience gives you:

• Opportunity to better manage your work and learning schedule for those who find it hard to get away or prefer virtual learning.  
• Access to the virtual platform for simple, easy to get to sessions from anywhere.
• On-demand access to all the content for 60 days after the conference ends, so you don't miss a single session.
• No travel means no hassle and even more savings.

VIRTUAL
$399 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY

RADIO NIGP

August Show: NIGP Forum  2024
Interviews with NIGP Nominees & Award Winners

This month's show is the first of four featuring the nominees and winners of NIGP's Individual Member and Chapter Awards for 2024.

Highlights include:

The Forum Host Chapter (North Carolina Association of  Government Purchasing) shares exciting things to do and see in Charlotte, NC.

Interviews with nominees for the following awards:

• Procurement Manager of the Year
• Procurement Specialist of the Year
• Chapter Awards

Enjoy!

VIEW RADIO NIGP

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING 
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Fall Conference and Products Exposition
SEPTEMBER 24-26 | Dalton, GA

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Pathways Concierge Program 

Customized, complementary professional education services to help guide your career journey.

Experienced procurement and education professionals talk to members about their career goals and help identify their best professional path forward, and mentor them along the way using the NIGP Pathways program. 

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Hard Currency - a sound, widely accepted currency that is unlikely to fluctuate greatly or depreciate suddenly.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

We're Counting the Days...

NIGP Forum 2024 | August 25 - 28

Have you registered for the procurement event of the year? If not, what are you waiting for. This promises to be an epic experience and something you don't want to miss. 

Keep in mind you can join us virtually. The NIGP Forum content is based on current industry trends and what our members need most critically.

When you attend virtually, you have access to the same learning as in-person attendees and can earn up to 24 contact hours. All NIGP content will be streamed.

Check out the FORUM SESSION SCHEDULE along with session descriptions. There's also a PDF you can download.

VIRTUAL
$399 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY

ALREADY REGISTERED FOR NIGP FORUM, GREAT NEWS...

THE MOBILE APP is now available for in-person attendees. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search: NIGP Forum 2024

THE VIRTUAL PLATFORM  is now open for virtual attendees. Go to: https://beeapp.bravuratechnologies.com/BEE-WEB/?id=A41BD855-5898-4250-BEE8-9C30BA38FC50#!/login

LOGIN INFO: Use the NIGP email you have on file. Use the password: Forum2024

2024 NIGP Distinguished Service Award Recipients

John Edmondson, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Sr. Director of Procurement
Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority

John is a seasoned procurement leader with 19 years of experience. He is a visionary who challenges the status quo. He’s a catalyst for progress who turns ideas into reality. Through his leadership, the procurement team has successfully transformed from a department largely regarded as difficult to work with to one heralded for its dedication to customer service and continuous improvement.

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CMPO, CPSD
Asst. State Court Administrator
Maryland Judiciary 

Throughout his 15-year career in public procurement, Danny has held notable positions, equipping him with extensive experience in managing and composing a diverse range of procurement activities. Danny maintains two priorities – always have time to help others and always leave public procurement better than it was the day before. His personal motto is,"Be the leader you will follow."

William Tommie, Jr., CPPO
Retired Purchasing Director
Cobb County Government, GA

Prior to moving to Georgia and county government, Joe served in procurement management positions for three South Carolina public school districts for over 30 years and was an active member of three NIGP Georgia Chapters. His approach to service transcends individual accolades, centering on the broader progression of procurement standards and the empowerment of the procurement community. 

NIGP BLOG

Legally Speaking: U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Administrative Law Interpretation: Goodbye Ambiguity: Implications for Local Government Procurement by Kirk Buffington

The Supreme Court's ruling marks a significant shift in administrative law, with potential implications for local government procurement. While the decision introduces challenges related to increased litigation and the need for more precise contract terms, it also allows local governments to refine and strengthen their procurement practices. 

READ THE BLOG

2024 AEP Recipients

Established by the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI), the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award, is designed to recognize organizational excellence in public procurement. This prestigious annual award is earned by those organizations that demonstrate excellence by obtaining a high score based on criteria designed to measure innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement, and leadership attributes of the procurement organization. 

Congratulations to the 198 successful applicants!  

2024 AEP RECIPIENTS

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

Pavilion: FREE Cooperative Contract Search

Buy what you need faster from 50,000+ suppliers on 100,000+ contracts from cooperatives, states, and local agencies.

Find shareable public entity contracts for anything and it's FREE!

Search by products, services, brands, and suppliers.

SEARCH CONTRACTS

WORD OF THE WEEK

Acceptance of Offer - The agreement of the Supplier to deliver the goods ordered for the price offered.

 From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

Have You Considered Joining Us Virtually?

NIGP Forum 2024 | August 25-28

Enjoy the same great learning as in-person attendees and earn up to 24 contact hours.

No travel means no hassle and you can stretch your budget dollars. Plus, you'll have on-demand access to all the content for 60 days after the conference ends, so you don't miss a single session.

The content is all based on industry trends and what our members need most critically. For example, the Monday plenary focuses on "How AI is Revolutionizing Technology and How We Work" and the Wednesday plenary explores 

"The Power of Leadership in Procurement," and features a panel of distinguished procurement leaders who share how leadership has not only shaped their careers but also elevated the procurement function to new heights. 

Check out the FORUM SESSION SCHEDULE along with session descriptions.  There's also a pdf you can download to zero-in on what sessions speak to you and the impact it will have on your work. 

Virtual
$399 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY 

ANNE DEATHERAGE MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

Brian Smith, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, PMP, MPA
Purchasing Manager
Multnomah County, OR

Brian Smith has been in public procurement for over 36 years and is an extraordinary leader who goes out of his way to put others first. 

When you meet Brian, you’re struck by his desire to do what’s best for others and what’s best for the profession. He’s always thinking about the next generation of procurement professional and how to open doors that may otherwise be closed.  

His ‘team’ is a top priority. His greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing their success. From seeing their talent ignite, their ideas blossom, and their dedication and determination turn into tangible results.

Brian's accolades include: NIGP Distinguished Service Award, NIGP Professional Manager of the Year, Columbia Chapter Manager of the Year, and Oregon Public Purchasing Association Manager of the Year.  

The Institute established the Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award in 2005 to honor the life-long career of Anne Deatherage, a faithful public procurement champion for 3+ decades.

FREE NIGP FORUM 2024 ORIENTATION WEBINARS

Wondering What To Expect From Forum?
We've Got You Covered.
Forum Orientation Webinars

Join us for one of these Forum orientations to preview what's ahead and learn how to maximize your time at Forum.

These webinars are presented by the NIGP Member Council and are ideal for first-time attendees or for those who want a refresher.

Get a heads-up on what to expect and engage with fellow attendees BEFORE the big event. 

Plus, you'll have the opportunity to get your important questions answered. Don't miss it!

Virtual Forum Orientation Webinar
Wednesday, August 14 | 2PM - 3PM (ET)
REGISTER TODAY

In-Person Forum Orientation Webinar
Thursday, August 15 | 2PM - 3PM (ET)
REGISTER TODAY

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP...The Premier Certification

The NIGP-CPP certification is the premier certification for leaders in public procurement.

From key procurement topics to leadership, strategy, business skills and operations, and everything in between, this certification tests the technical competencies, skills, and abilities needed to be a leader in procurement.

If you are established in procurement as a leader, the time to consider getting certified is now.

In addition to validating the competencies, abilities, and skills you have, this certification validates your skills and are portable and transferable. 

Read More

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Fall Conference and Products Exposition
SEPTEMBER 24-26 | Dalton, GA

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

READ MORE

FREE RESOURCES

Webinar:  Collaborate to Innovate - Key Trends for Public Procurement in 2024
August 8 | 2PM - 3PM (ET) 

Get insights into the key trends in procurement such as: workforce shifts, the rising cost of business operations, considering AI and other emerging tools and more.

Brought to you by Euna Solutions.

REGISTER TODAY

WORD OF THE WEEK

Cardinal Change - a change that is beyond the scope of the contract, and thus cannot be ordered by the contracting officer under the contract’s change clause.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

NIGP Leadership Summit 2025
February 20-22 | Chicago, IL 

Scholarships Available for Edge & Impact Programs

Thanks to the generous support of our government partner Sourcewell, NIGP will be offering members $200,000 in scholarships. In addtion to the variety of professional development scholarship opportunities, we're excited to offer scholarships to the Edge and Impact programs. Applications are now open, Apply today. 

Edge Program - scholarships are available for accepted applicants. Edge offers a dynamic platform for emerging leaders to collaborate with peers and master today's top leadership principles.This year's program runs from November 5, 2024 through March 4, 2025 featuring a blend of virtual sessions and in-person sessions that take place at Leadership Summit.  

Impact Program - scholarships are available for the Impact Program which is tailored for mid to senior-level leaders. These scholarships are designed for individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Leadership Summit due to financial constraints. 

READ MORE

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AWARD

Valerie Scott, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Purchasing & Contracts Manager
City of Longmont, CO

Valerie Scott is a procurement leader who champions DEI in the workplace and recognizes the importance of creating a fair and equitable environment. Examples of her work include:

Initiating a Small Business Outreach Program - interacting directly with the small business community to understand their challenges

Piloting a Best Value Approach - reducing opportunity for bias to impact selection

Her devotion to DEI extends well into Valerie’s volunteer world and personal life. She’s a past board member of Safe Shelter of the St. Vrain Valley, which provides resources and education about domestic violence to the community including a robust legal program. 

And in 2023, Valerie volunteered her time at Shine Prom, a prom specifically for the special needs community. At the end of the night, each guest is crowned the king or queen of the prom. Valerie says, “it was my best night of the year!”

AGENCY ADVANCEMENT AWARD

Orange County Procurement Division
Orange County Government
Orlando, FL

The Contracting Academy was launched to tackle reduced competition in procurement due to market volatility. It’s no-cost educational initiative is aimed at demystifying the procurement process for potential suppliers, thus fostering broader community engagement.

The program’s curriculum, inaugurated in July 2023, spans essential topics like Procurement, Risk Management, Minority and Woman-Owned Business Development, and navigating the county’s e-procurement platform, OpenGov. 

By focusing on critical procurement processes and leveraging media for wider dissemination, the Contracting Academy aimed to cultivate a more competitive and informed supplier community within Orange County, marking a step forward in public procurement education and engagement.

We applaud Orange County’s dedication to drive excellence for the contractors in their community. 

NIGP FORUM SUPPLIERS

Announcing A New Procurated + NIGP Collaboration for Forum Suppliers 
The Forum Performance Kit 

The Forum Performance Kit: Tools and education resources to turbocharge the connection between suppliers and their government customers,

including:

• 2024 Virtual Forum Registration
• Procurated's Essentials Subscription
• NIGP's Public Procurement Supplier Essentials Core Certificate Course

Worth a combined $1,872, these powerful
tools and resources are available in
The Forum Performance Kit at a 20% discount.

BUY THE KIT TODAY 

FORUM VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE

Earn 24 Contact Hours - Virtual and In-Person Experience Offers The Same Great Content 
The virtual experience gives you:

Opportunity to better manage your work and learning schedule for those who find it hard to get away or if you prefer virtual learning. 

Access to the virtual platform for simple, easy to get to sessions from anywhere.

On-demand access to all the content for 60 days after the conference ends, so you don't miss a single session.

Opportunity to stretch your budget by learning more and earning more contact hours for less.

No travel means no hassle and even more savings.

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOUCES

NIGP Job Board - Career Opportunities For You

Whether you're looking for a job or recruiting for your entity, you can benefit from the NIGP Job Board. It's your best resource for career opportunities exclusively for public  procurement professionals.

All NIGP members can search for or post open roles on the NIGP electronic job board. Postings are free to member agencies and are valid for 45 days.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Job Shadowing - a training technique that gives employees the opportunity to learn from more experienced employees by following and observing them in their daily job activities. 

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

NIGP Forum Standard In-Person Registration Ends Friday!

Register Today & Save 

Connect with thousands of procurement professionals from across North  America! Experience dynamic networking sessions, hear inspirational keynote speakers, engage in new badged learning paths, participate in workshops, interact with top suppliers at the products expo and so much more. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT  - FORUM SESSION SCHEDULE

The content is all based on what our members need most critically.  For example, the Monday plenary focuses on "How AI is Revolutionizing Technology and How We Work" while the Wednesday plenary, "The Power of Leadership in Procurement," features a panel of distinguished procurement leaders who share how leadership has not only shaped their careers but also elevated the procurement function to new heights. 

IN-PERSON | CHARLOTTE
$999 Members; $1,200 Non-Members (Standard registration ends July 26).

VIRTUAL
$399 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY 

SHARE YOUR WORK

Create a Poster Showcase of Your Work and Have It Displayed at the Products Expo on Sunday, August 25

Share your success story! The Procurement Excellence Showcase is a fun way to visually translate and transform your accomplishments.

Each participant, or group, will be assigned a space to display their poster presentation to fellow conference attendee and engage in meaningful conversations.

Submit An Abstract by Friday, July 26

To participate in the Showcase, you must submit an abstract to apply. Hurry, space is limited.

READ MORE

FORUM SOCIAL EVENT

Get Ready For A High Octane Social Event
At The Charlotte Motor Speedway
Monday, August 26

NIGP takes over the Speedway for an action-packed evening of food, drinks, music, dancing, games, and the chance to experience the excitement of NASCAR racing.

Experience Pure Speed - get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car and reach speeds up to 140 mph. Or ride shotgun with a professional driver in a NASCAR for a high-speed thrill exceeding 150 mph.
(Both options at an additional cost)

Don't forget to reserve your driving experience! Availability is limited. 

READ MORE

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD WINNER

Jianchong Luo, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Purchasing Manager
Henrico County, VA

Jianchong Luo's unwavering work ethic and infectious enthusiasm for public procurement are an inspiration to us all. In just over 10 years, he has soared from an intern at Old Dominion University where he earned his Master of Public Administration to his current position as Assistant Division Director at Henrico County Virginia Purchasing Department.

In this role, he leads the construction team and supervises surplus property sales. He has overseen major procurements such as the construction of a firehouse, a police station, the renovation of their ACE Center, an elementary school, a sewer project and the architectural and engineering services for a middle school replacement.

His contributions to Henrico County include creating the County’s First Job Order Contracting program and he's also digitized Henrico’s fixed asset process for surplus property and  modernized the paperwork for efficiency.

His involvement in professional associations include serving on the VAGP Professional Development Committee, a past member of the Public Relations Committee of VAGP, a past President of ISM-Eastern Virginia. And this month, he began his term on the NIGP Member Council. 

Congratulations Jianchong!

NIGP LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER

Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA
Consultant, Speaker, Executive Coach, Trainer
Chicago, IL

Lourdes Coss is a trailblazing procurement transformation leader whose career spans over 30+ years of groundbreaking achievements. Her contributions have made a lasting impact in public procurement and beyond.

With a humble beginning, Lourdes rose to become a Chief Procurement Officer, leaving an indelible mark in some of the largest agencies in the U.S., including the City of Chicago, the City of Houston, Cook County, and the University of Illinois. 

Today Lourdes channels her wealth of experience and expertise into guiding individuals and organizations toward unprecedented success through dynamic training, insightful consulting, and personalized coaching. 

She holds various certifications to support her leadership development programs and is recognized as one of the top 100 Women Thought Leaders to Follow by Thinkers360 and as one of the Top 10 Global Influencers and Thought Leaders in Procurement.

Lourdes, thank you for all you do!

ANNOUNCING A NEW PROCURATED + NIGP COLLABORATION FOR FORUM SUPPLIERS...
The Forum Performance Kit

The Forum Performance Kit: Tools and education resources to turbocharge the connection between suppliers and their government customers, including:

• 2024 Virtual Forum Registration
• Procurated's Essentials Subscription
• NIGP's Public Procurement Supplier Essentials Core Certificate Course

Worth a combined $1,872, these powerful tools and resources are available in The Forum Performance Kit at a 20% discount.

BUY THE KIT TODAY

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NEW Global Best Practice: Managing A Remote Workforce

This global best practice provides guidance to public procurement leaders on effectively managing a remote workforce. Like other business sectors, public procurement has faced changes and challenges in recent years as more employees are performing their work at home or in remote offices.

Although managing a remote workforce has created a new challenge for procurement leaders, many have established some best practices.

READ MORE 

WORD OF THE WEEK

Retainage -  a percentage of funds due to a contractor that are withheld until the work has been satisfactorily completed and all subcontractors are paid.

Normally used in construction contracts. 

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

Save the Date for NIGP Leadership Summit 2025
February 20-22 | Chicago, IL 

Scholarships Available for Edge & Impact Programs

Thanks to the generous support of our government partner Sourcewell, NIGP will be offering members $200,000 in scholarships from now through June 2025. In addtion to the variety of professional development scholarship opportunities, we're excited to offer scholarships to the Edge and Impact programs. Applications are now open, Apply today. 

Edge Program - scholarships are available for accepted applicants. Edge offers a dynamic platform for emerging leaders to collaborate with peers and master today's top leadership principles.This year's program runs from November 5, 2024 through March 4, 2025 featuring a blend of virtual sessions and in-person sessions that take place at Leadership Summit.  

Impact Program - scholarships are available for the Impact Program which is tailored for mid to senior-level leaders. These scholarships are designed for individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Leadership Summit due to financial constraints. 

READ MORE 

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Carl Bonitto, CSCMP
Manager of Purchasing & Risk Management Svcs.
Northumberland County, ON

Carl leads by example, quietly and diligently working behind the scenes to address the challenges facing our profession. He is laser-focused on the needs of others and steadfastly committed to the principle that true fulfillment comes from making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.

He earned the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation through Supply Chain Canada in 2009 which helped propel him into his position at Northumberland County where he has worked for the past 15 years. He’s taught for the Ontario Public Buyers Association since 2010, is an NIGP instructor, and was one of the pioneers in establishing the NIGP-CPP certification as the NIGP Certification Commission Chair. He currently serves on the NIGP Member Council.

Carl actively encourages individuals to volunteer and contribute to the greater good. His quiet leadership and unwavering commitment to service have created a ripple effect that extends far beyond the borders of Canada, touching the lives of many in our profession and beyond.

INTEGRITY AWARD WINNER

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Energy Conservation Resource Manager
Hartford County Public Schols, MD 

Once you meet Bobbie Tolston, you are never the same. Her presence, personality and exuberance for life make her an unforgettable friend, an unforgettable instructor, and an unforgettable professional with high moral standards and values that guide every decision, every action and her every word.

Bobbie’s unwavering integrity is legendary. Leadership comes in many forms, but true leadership, the kind that inspires lasting loyalty and dedication is built on strong moral principles.

She’s a procurement leader with over 20 years of experience in public procurement. She currently serves as the Energy Conservation Resource Manager for Hartford County Schools (HCPS) in Maryland. HCPS has 37,000 students and 54 schools. When she speaks about sustainability and the recycling program she led in a middle school in Hartford County, you immediately see and feel the passion and integrity she brings to the profession.

Bobbie is a member of the NIGP Talent Council, Mentorship Committee, an NIGP Instructor, and a Radio NIGP personality.

LEGALLY SPEAKING

NIGP Blog: Snyder v United States, Bribery or Gratuity by Kirk Buffington

In the recent U.S. Supreme Court case, Snyder v. United States, the distinction between a bribe and a gratuity became a focal point, reversing a lower court's decision on what constitutes bribery in government procurement. This case involved a payment termed a "gratuity" made after awarding a $1.1 million procurement contract.

The Supreme Court's ruling underscores a nuanced legal landscape where the timing and intent behind payments to government officials can differentiate a gratuity from a bribe. While legal definitions and court rulings will continue to evolve, the commitment of procurement professionals to ethics should remain steadfast.

READ COMPLETE BLOG 

CHAPTER EVENTS

Upcoming Chapter Events

ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL CHAPTER OF NIGP August Career Seminar II
AUGUST 6 | Phoenix, AZ 

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING CHAPTER OF NIGP 
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

READ MORE

RADIO NIGP

Radio NIGP July 2024 - Forum Strategies Part I
The team discusses the many ways you can maintain your energy throughout Forum.

Learn more about the planned activities from the Forum Social Planning Task Force comprised of delegates from both the Member Council and Talent Council.

Hear some quick tips on what to bring, how to pack, and a bonus suggested packing list to help you get ready to go to Charlotte!

VIEW RADIO NIGP

WORD OF THE WEEK

Hard Currency  -  a sound, widely accepted currency that is unlikely to fluctuate greatly or depreciate suddenly.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

It's An Incredible Opportunity To Connect With Industry Leaders

NIGP Forum 2024 | August 25-28

Think Forum is just a bunch of stuffy lectures? Think again! Hear inspiring keynote speakers, get hands-on experience from subject matter experts, engage in workshops and interactive sessions on topics that impact you and your entity. Enjoy networking activities, meaningful conversations, meet top government suppliers at the products expo and so much more.

Invest in yourself and your professional development. You won't regret it. 

If this is your first-time attending Forum, check-out these FIRST TIMER FAQs and get ready for an unforgettable experience. If you're still on the fence, these FAQs may help you decide to step outside of your comfort zone and join us at Forum 2024.

In-Person | Charlotte
$999 Members; $1,200 Non-Members

Virtual
$399 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY (Standard registration ends July 26). 

FORUM KEYNOTE

Jeremy Poincenot
Renowned Keynote Speaker & Blind Golf Champion
"Together We Are Limitless"
Wednesday, August 28  

Jeremy inspires audiences to achieve the extraordinary. At 19, Jeremy’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic disorder that led to the loss of his central vision.  Initially viewing this as a life-limiting setback, Jeremy soon realized that every challenge comes with an opportunity for growth.  With determination and the support of his family and friends, he not only adapted to his new reality but also excelled in it.

Today, he works with organizations as they face unprecedented challenges, showing them that the path to their greatest results will be in the way they find solutions TOGETHER. 

Don't miss Jeremy's closing plenary session at Forum 2024 on Wednesday, August 28.

FORUM SHOWCASE

The Procurement Excellence Showcase
Create a Poster Presentation of Your Work and Have It Displayed at the Products Expo on Sunday, August 25

We invite individuals, groups, and chapters (up to 3 people) to be a part of this unique experience. 

Share your success story! The Procurement Excellence Showcase is a fun way to visually translate and transform your accomplishments.

Each participant, or group, will be assigned a space to display their poster presentation to fellow conference attendee and engage in meaningful conversations.

Submit An Abstract

To participate in the Showcase, you must submit an abstract to apply. Hurry, space is limited. The first approved 40 applications will participate in our first-ever Procurement Excellence Showcase.

READ MORE

PROCUREMENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

TOP 3 FINALISTS

Stephanie Brown, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Procurement Director
County of Chesterfield,  VA

Stephanie Brown began working for her organization in a non-buying role 12+ years ago and today is the Director of Procurement. Her innovative approach to procurement was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when she automated office operations. Her focus on modernization and streamlining operations has allowed for greater autonomy throughout the County while fostering greater transparency. For the betterment of her county, she restructured her department to create a Supplier Diversity and Outreach position which led to increased spend with more diverse vendors. She also recently led an effort to proactively renegotiate the county’s body-worn camera contract, generating over $1 million in savings for the public safety division. 

Linda Hodgson, CPPB
Agency Contracts Training Manager
WA State Dept. of Social & Health Services 

Linda Hodgson has served public procurement for 17 years until her recent retirement from the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services and is a career-long NIGP member. She has been described as “a true public servant” and “an absolute gem” by her team members and was recognized for bringing innovation and strategic thinking in every solicitation she managed. 

As a senior member of her work team, she has onboarded six peers over the last two years, providing mentorship to help them succeed in their procurement activities. She has also served as an NIGP mentor, helping to guide the next generation of procurement professionals to follow her model of accountability, ethical responsibility, impartiality, and professionalism. 

Krystyna Owen, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Purchasing Agent
City of Norfolk, VA

Colleagues say, she’s not “just a leader worth following, but also a true public procurement professional.” Krystyna Owen is at the forefront of procurement at the City of Norfolk VA. She continually pushes her department forward with initiatives to increase public participation, employee engagement, and technological advancement.

When she joined the City several years ago, customer service seemed bleak. However, she and her team were able to turn things around for the City’s procurement operation in a few short years: the overall satisfaction level with procurement services in 2024 is 94%!. Krystyna  says, “My team embraced the changes and stood up to the task of a renewed mindset and hard work, and believed in ME and our team’s ability to provide excellent services.”

Winner to be announced at the NIGP Forum Awards Dinner on Sunday, August 25.

FREE RESOURCES - NIGP BLOG

Legally Speaking: Understanding Cyber Insurance for Local Government by Kirk Buffington

In an era where digital threats loom large and cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures within local city governments cannot be overstated.

Investing in cyber insurance coverage is essential for today's local city governments. Discover how to protect your municipality and its citizens from hackers and other cyber threats in this latest blog post by Kirk Buffington.

READ THE BLOG

WORD OF THE WEEK

One Hundred Percent (100%) Inspection - inspection of every unit of product, each of which is accepted or rejected individually for the characteristics inspected.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

Attend In-Person or Virtually...Access The Same Great Content

NIGP Forum 2024 | August 25-28

No matter which way you choose to attend the NIGP Forum, you'll have access to the same learning and can earn up to 24 contact hours.

The content is all based on industry trends and what our members need most critically. Chances are high that many, if not all the sessions, will have a real-world impact on your specific job or address a challenge you may be going through at your entity.

Check out the FORUM SESSION SCHEDULE along with session descriptions.  There's also a pdf you can download to zero-in on what sessions speak to you and the impact it will have on your work. 

In-Person | Charlotte
$999 Members; $1,200 Non-Members

Virtual
$399 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY

MY FORUM STORY

Rogelio Anasagasti, CPPO, MED
Asst. Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer
The University of Texas at Austin 

To be honest, I can’t tell you exactly when I first attended Forum. It was at least 20 years ago, maybe even 25. What I can tell you is that the event is unlike any other professional development event I have attended. The knowledge I gain every year and the people I meet and reconnect with make me want to keep going back.

Forum is about bringing people from the profession together who might otherwise never meet. This is one way I hope to help guide the next generation of procurement professionals.

The call to bring up the next generation of professionals is part of what attracts me to the world of higher education. Speaking at Forum is a natural progression of that calling.

READ COMPLETE BLOG

REV UP YOUR ENGINES

Get Ready For A High Octane Social Event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway
Monday, August 26

NIGP takes over the Speedway for an action-packed evening of food, drinks, music, dancing, games, and the chance to experience the excitement of NASCAR racing. Choose your thrill:

Fun For All Without The Speed -  participate in activities like NASCAR and VR simulators, cornhole, and games.

Experience Pure Speed - get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car and reach speeds up to 140 mph. Or ride shotgun with a professional driver in a NASCAR for a high-speed thrill exceeding 150 mph.
(Both options at an additional cost)

Go Kart Racing - race colleagues on a new, world championship-spec 13-turn, 0.65-mile high-performance go karting track.

READ MORE

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

TOP 3 FINALISTS 

Winner to be announced at NIGP Forum Awards Dinner on Sunday, August 25.

Casey Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Senior Contract Officer
City of Tucson, AZ

This nominee may be up for Procurement Specialist of the Year, but service is his true North Star. He takes a “customer comes first” approach to his role in procurement, ensuring ethical alignment with suppliers and stakeholders.

He currently serves as a Chapter President. His journey to Chapter President started in 2019 when he first joined his local NIGP chapter. Since then, he has held several positions, including being on the Communications, Education, Nominations, Reverse Trade Show, Seminar, and Special Events committees. He is never afraid to lend a helping hand where needed and continually seeks innovative ways to serve his chapter, city, and greater community. 

Evan Amidan
Procurement Officer II
Ada County, Idaho

He’s a testament to the idea that procurement specialists can come from all backgrounds and walks of life, bringing new ideas to the organizations they serve even when they have no prior procurement experience. He started his procurement career in 2017 after graduating with a degree in Supply Chain Management. Even though he didn’t have “a lick of procurement experience” when he was interviewed, it was clear from the outset that he had something special to bring to the department.

He is driven to get the best value for his County and its taxpayers by zealously adhering to a fair, transparent, competitive process. Ada County is so glad Evan Amidan decided to take a role in procurement, and so are we.

Breann Aggers
Procurement Strategist
WA Dept. of Enterprise Services

This talented individual is known for never backing down from a challenge. Instead, she charges forward with the most difficult procurements requiring the highest standards, such as Bulk Fuel, Green Janitorial, and Snow/Ice removal. She recently took the lead on two solicitations that were behind schedule and increased efficiency in completing important contracting tasks, like market research, business outreach, and agency subject matter expert meetings, in a limited amount of time to meet her deadline.

Even when working on a deadline, this nominee always takes the time to help others grasp tough concepts. Her team values her commitment to upholding high professional standards and accepting even the most challenging assignments.

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Pathways Concierge Program 

Customized, complementary professional education services to help guide your career journey.

Experienced procurement and education professionals talk to members about their career goals and help identify their best professional path forward, and mentor them along the way using the NIGP Pathways program. 

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Last In-First Out (LIFO) -  a warehousing inventory term used to indicate that the latest received materials are to be used first, and the materials received earlier are to be left on hand.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

The Premier Public Procurement Event of The Year

NIGP Forum 2024 | August 25-28

What You Can Expect: Forum Webinar Recording 
Hear firsthand from NIGP experts and featured speakers who lead you through a detailed overview of what you can look forward to experiencing at Forum 2024 - content sessions, networking opportunities, new badged learning paths, the speedway social and so much more.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING

In-Person | Charlotte
$999 Members; $1,200 Non-Members

Virtual
$399 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY 

NIGP SPOTLIGHT

Justin Dearing 
Learning Systems Manager
Herndon, VA

What Members say:

"Justin is approachable, pleasant and helpful to everyone."

"He's a steadfast supporter of NIGP Members, Instructors and Staff."

Justin began his journey with NIGP in 2005 (19 years ago) when he was 22 years old.

He was the Support Services Coordinator managing in-person course materials, mailroom and office supplies.

Shortly thereafter he was promoted to Office Manager, then Content Delivery Administrator.

Fast forward to today, Justin is the Learning Systems Manager, managing ASPIRE our learning management systems along with our virtual event platforms.

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK

The Procurement Excellence Showcase
Create a Poster Presentation of Your Work and Have It Displayed at the Products Expo on Sunday, August 25

We invite individuals, groups, and chapters (up to 3 people) to be a part of this unique experience. 

The Procurement Excellence Showcase will feature a summary of your work (research, case studies, programs, or initiatives) using posters. This is a fun way to visually translate and transform your accomplishments.

Each participant, or group, will be assigned a space to display their poster presentation to fellow conference attendee and engage in meaningful conversations.

Submit An Abstract

To participate in the Showcase, you must submit an abstract to apply. Hurry, space is limited. The first approved 40 applications will participate in our first-ever Procurement Excellence Showcase.

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Achieves Accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) 

The NIGP-CPP certification program is now only the second procurement and contracting certification (NIGP and NCMA) to achieve accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the most prestigious personnel certification accreditation program worldwide.  

By earning ANAB’s accreditation, the achievement validates that NIGP-CPP certification, attained by more than 1,500 procurement leaders throughout North America, meets those standards.

Reminder: Registration and payment for August 2024 testing closes on June 30, 2024. There's still time to apply and register at the current rates. 

New pricing goes into effect on July 1, 2024 for November 2024 testing.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL CHAPTER OF NIGP August Career Seminar II
AUGUST 6 | Phoenix, AZ 

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING CHAPTER OF NIGP 
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OFFICIALS
Fall Conference & Supplier Conference
OCTOBER 9-11 | Oakbrook, IL

READ MORE

FREE RESOURCES

New Global Best Practice: Managing a Remote Workforce

Like other business sectors, public procurement has faced changes and challenges in recent years as more employees are performing their work at home or in remote offices.

Agencies across the world, including thousands of NIGP members, have adopted alternative work schedules in recent years. These changes, initially driven by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations and state and local regulations during the pandemic, have now become standard practice. As a result, work schedules for public procurement professionals have evolved.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Notice of Award   -  a written notification from a public entity to a successful bidder or proposer stating that a contract has been awarded to them in accordance with a bid or proposal they previously submitted. Effective with receipt, the supplier or contractor shall proceed with performance.

This allows work to start while the contract is printed and readied for distribution.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

Managing A Remote Workforce...

NEW Global Best Practice Provides Guidance As Our Work Environment Changes

Like other business sectors, public procurement has faced changes and challenges in recent years as more employees are performing their work at home or in remote offices.

Current State

Agencies across the world, including thousands of NIGP members, have adopted alternative work schedules in recent years. These changes, initially driven by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations and state and local regulations during the pandemic, have now become standard practice. As a result, work schedules for public procurement professionals have evolved. 

Technology Adoption

In a testament to the resiliency of public procurement, agencies put digital procurement systems in place that allowed for the submission of electronic bids and proposals. 

Management Practices
Although managing a remote workforce has created a new challenge for public procurement leaders, many have risen to the challenge and established some best practices.

READ MORE

MY FORUM STORY

Charles Spencer, NIGP-CPP, FCCN, FCCM
Procurement Director
City of Plantation, FL

I started my procurement career 24 years ago in Plantation, Florida, and I am proud to say that I have stayed there to this day.

Inspired by Energy
If I could describe that first Forum experience in one word, it would be inspiring. The event opened my eyes to the collection and diversity of thought within the procurement atmosphere. It was amazing to be surrounded by procurement colleagues I didn’t even know existed, dealing with the same challenges I was facing and handling them in different ways.

Forum is an event that challenges you to change the status quo...it inspires real change in commnunities. Being able to come back to your agency and make changes that have a noticeable, positive impact is a key reason I keep coming back.

READ COMPLETE BLOG

A SPEEDWAY SOCIAL

Get Ready For A High Octane Social Event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway
Monday, August 26

NIGP takes over the Speedway for an action-packed evening of food, drinks, music, dancing, games, and the chance to experience the excitement of NASCAR racing. Choose your thrill:

Fun For All Without The Speed -  participate in activities like NASCAR and VR simulators, cornhole, and games.

Experience Pure Speed - get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car and reach speeds up to 140 mph. Or ride shotgun with a professional driver in a NASCAR for a high-speed thrill exceeding 150 mph.
(Both options at an additional cost)

Go Kart Racing - race colleagues on a new, world championship-spec 13-turn, 0.65-mile high-performance go karting track.

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Certification Handbook, 5th Edition

NIGP-CPP is the only certification managed and administered by NIGP. 

The NIGP-CPP Certification Handbook is your essential and principal source of information for the NIGP-CPP program.

From eligibility requirements to testing policies, the handbook includes everything you need to evaluate the program and complete the certification and recertification requirements.

Reminder: Registration and payment for August 2024 testing closes on June 30, 2024. There's still time to apply and register at the current rates. 

New pricing goes into effect on July 1, 2024 for November 2024 testing.

VIEW THE HANDBOOK

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL CHAPTER OF NIGP August Career Seminar II
AUGUST 6 | Phoenix, AZ 

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING CHAPTER OF NIGP 
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
66th Professional Development Conference
SEPTEMBER 25-27 | Ottawa, ON

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS
Fall Conference
OCTOBER 2-4 | Detroit, MI

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OFFICIALS
Fall Conference & Supplier Conference
OCTOBER 9-11 | Oakbrook, IL

READ MORE

RADIO NIGP

Theme: How to Avoid "Use It  or Lose It" Spending - Part II 

Highlights include:

Year End Spending Tips - taking a deeper dive into tight budgets and reduced spending and why it's important to use the funds allocated to your agency or run the risk of losing those funds. 

ANSI-ANAB Accreditation -  Rick Grimm, NIGP CEO, shares key points on how this prestigious accreditation impacts NIGP-CPP certification

Plan Ahead & Save - Chanda Taylor Carpenter, NIGP's Director of Content Research, discusses how you can plan an entire year of professional development and save. 

VIEW RADIO NIGP

WORD OF THE WEEK

Clarification  - a communication with a proposer for the sole purpose of eliminating minor irregularities or apparent clerical mistakes in a proposal.

A clarification may be initiated by either the proposer or purchaser and does not give the proposer an opportunity to revise or modify its proposal, except to the extent that the correction of the apparent clerical mistakes results in revision.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

Congratulations To Our NEW NIGP-CPPs 

A Total of 1,513 NIGP-CPP Certifications Have Been Awarded To Date

The May exam results are in and we're pleased to introduce 160 NEW NIGP-CPPs.

When NIGP launched the NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification in 2020, we knew
from research that a competency-based certification for procurement leaders was needed and wanted.

The exam is a scenario-based exam, and it assesses the technical competencies, skills, abilities, and behaviors required of a procurement leader on the job in today's world.

ANSI Recognized Worldwide

The NIGP-CPP is accredited under the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) ISO/IEC 17024 Standards. ANAB is the most prestigious personnel certification body worldwide. It's a pinnacle achievement for the Institute and a deserved honor for NIGP-CPPs whose credential carries the weight of an international standard.

COMPLETE LIST OF NIGP-CPPS 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Kelly Vickers, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Administrative Services Manager II
Procurement - Management Information Services
Office of Shared Administration
West Virginia Departments of Health, Health Families, and Human Services

I am honored to have received the NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) designation. This certification has profoundly impacted my career by enhancing my technical competencies, skills, and abilities in public procurement. The rigorous, scenario-based exams have equipped me with a deeper understanding of procurement processes and best practices, allowing me to excel in my role and contribute more effectively to my organization.

Being part of a prestigious group of over 1,500 procurement leaders who have achieved this certification has significantly boosted my professional credibility and opened new opportunities for career advancement. The recognition by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) further validates the value and rigor of this certification. I am grateful for NIGP's commitment to professional development and am proud to be part of the NIGP community.

Thank you, NIGP, for supporting my journey towards excellence in public procurement.

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK

The Procurement Excellence Showcase
A New Way To Highlight Your Accomplishments

Create a Poster Presentation of Your Work and Have It Displayed at the Products Expo on Sunday, August 25

The Procurement Excellence Showcase will feature a summary of your work (research, case studies, programs, or initiatives) using posters. This is a fun way to visually translate and transform your accomplishments.

We invite individuals, groups, and chapters (up to 3 people) to be a part of this unique experience. 

Each participant, or group, will be assigned a space to display their poster presentation to fellow conference attendee and engage in meaningful conversations.

Submit An Abstract

To participate in the Showcase, you must submit an abstract to apply. Hurry, space is limited. The first approved 40 applications will participate in our first-ever Procurement Excellence Showcase.

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

What Makes NIGP-CPP Unique? 

The NIGP-CPP is the only certification managed and administered by NIGP.

Target:  Procurement Leaders
Source:  Public Procurement Competency Framework
Standards:  Designed to Follow Professional Certification Criteria
Focus:  Competency-Based Modular Exams
Flexibility:  Designed with the Fast-Paced Professional in Mind
Equity:  All Candidates Treated the Same
Relevance:  Certification is Integrated with Research and Life-Long Learning
Career Planning:  NIGP’s Credentialing System Provides Variety
Service Level:  NIGP is Committed to Providing Exceptional Service

READ MORE 

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTER OF NIGP
Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 14 | Tampa, FL

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION
Annual Meeting - Virtual
JUNE 20 

ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL CHAPTER OF NIGP
August Career Seminar II
AUGUST 6 | Phoenix, AZ 

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING CHAPTER OF NIGP 
Professional Development Day
SEPTEMBER 20 | Lebanon, MO 

NIGP BLOG

Legally Speaking: Buyers' Rights When Quantities Are Vague by Kirk Buffington

In contracts, language surrounding quantities can be a gray area. Many of us include terms indicating that all quantities are estimates and not binding. But what happens when this is challenged? 

Kirk examines two cases and what becomes evident is that buyers' rights in contracts with vague quantities is nuanced and multifaceted. Both cases serve as instructive examples emphasizing the importance of clarity, good faith, and mutual understanding in contractual relationships, regardless of the precision of quantity specifications. 

READ COMPLETE BLOG

WORD OF THE WEEK

Scope of Work - a written description of an entity’s needs and desired outcomes for a procurement developed at the beginning of the procurement cycle.

The scope of work is the basis for any resulting solicitation; it helps ensure that the product or service meets the stated outcome and establishes the parameters of the resulting contract.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

A New & Exciting Way To Highlight Your Accomplishments...  

The NIGP Procurement Excellence Showcase

Create a Poster Presentation of Your Work & Have It Displayed at the Products Expo on Sunday, August 25

We invite individuals, groups, and chapters (up to 3 people) to be a part of this unique experience. 

The Procurement Excellence Showcase will feature a summary of your work (research, case studies, programs, or initiatives) using posters. This is a fun way to visually translate and transform your accomplishments.

Each participant, or group, will be assigned a space to display their poster presentation to fellow conference attendee and engage in meaningful conversations.

Submit An Abstract
To participate in the Showcase, you must submit an abstract to apply. Hurry, space is limited. The first approved 40 applications will participate in our first-ever Procurement Excellence Showcase.

Vote On Your Favorite Topic
Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite showcase topics. We’ll celebrate the winners during the Tuesday morning Plenary session.

READ MORE

MY FORUM STORY

Erin D'Vincent, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Procurement Manager 
City of Austin FSD Central Procurement, TX

From Total Beginner to Multi-Panel Speaker

The first time I attended Forum, it was happening right in my backyard, Austin, Texas. It was 2019, and I was a procurement supervisor for the City of Austin. It was very exciting, made more so because so many people from my organization were able to attend.

I stepped into Forum without a good understanding of what it was. I assumed that everyone attending and speaking would be so highly knowledgeable and experienced that they would be unapproachable. 

To my pleasant shock, there were people from every generation, age group, and experience level at Forum. Everyone from the entry-level attendees to the vendors to the speakers and keynotes - all there to learn and to help others learn. It’s what sets Forum apart and what makes me want to keep attending every year.

When Forum went virtual in 2020, I took my shot at speaking. Everything went great, so I partnered with a colleague to present in person the following year. I ended up being part of four different presentations! It was amazing to have the confidence to go from being unsure about Forum itself to standing in front of a live audience four different times and presenting on a topic I felt knowledgeable about.

READ MORE

BUCKLE UP

Get Ready For A High Octane Social Event At The Charlotte Motor Speedway
Monday, August 26

For over 60 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard for motor sports entertainment and evolved into "America's Home for Racing". NIGP takes over the Speedway for an action-packed evening of food, drinks, music, dancing, games, and the chance to experience the excitement of NASCAR racing. Choose your thrill:

Fun For All Without The Speed
Participate in activities like NASCAR and VR simulators, cornhole, and games.
Test your driving skills in the equipment rodeo featuring zero-turn mowers and trailer backing challenges.

Experience Pure Speed
Get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car and reach speeds up to 140 mph.
Ride shotgun with a professional driver in a NASCAR for a high-speed thrill exceeding 150 mph.
(Both options at an additional cost)

Go Kart Racing
Race colleagues on a new, world championship-spec 13-turn, 0.65-mile high-performance go karting track.

Assemble a team of four and compete in the Chapter Challenge (details and registration coming soon).

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Achieves New Industry Hallmark 

The NIGP-CPP certification program has not only become the most sought-after certification for leaders in public procurement, but it’s now only the second procurement and contracting certification (NIGP and NCMA) to ever achieve accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the most prestigious personnel certification accreditation program worldwide.  

By earning ANAB’s accreditation, the achievement validates that NIGP-CPP certification, attained by more than 1,400 procurement leaders throughout North America, meets those standards. We recognize that standards are critically important to the public procurement community which frequently incorporates ANSI and ISO standards in bid specifications and assessments.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING ASSOCIATION (RMGPA)
Summer Conference and Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 11-12 | Aurora, CO

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Summer Hybrid Conference
JUNE 12 | Dunwoody, GA

TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTER OF NIGP
Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 14 | Tampa, FL

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION
Annual Meeting - Virtual
JUNE 20 

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Member Directory - a valuable resource to connect and consult with like-minded procurement professionals from across the country and Canada.

Search the 17,000+ member directory by organization type, geographic location and so much more.

There's no better time to build strong meaningful connections that can have a positive impact in our lives today and into the future.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Time Critical Shipment - guaranteed, urgent transport service that comes with different unique options, such as special handling and care.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

Act Fast Offer Ends In 3 Days...

NIGP Forum 2024 Early Registration Ends Friday, May 31

NIGP Forum is the premier public procurement event in North America. 

What You Can Expect: Forum Webinar Recording (May 22)
Hear firsthand from NIGP experts and featured speakers who lead you through a detailed overview of what you can look forward to experiencing at Forum 2024 - content sessions, networking opportunities, new badged learning paths, Procurement Excellence Showcase and so much more.

VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING

Register Early and Save. 

In-Person | Charlotte
$925 Members; $1,150 Non-Members

Virtual
$299 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY 

FORUM KEYNOTE

Riaz Meghji, Forum Keynote Speaker
Sunday, August 25
Topic: Every Conversation Counts: Building Extraordinary Relationships in a Changed World

Riaz Meghji is a respected thought leader, human connections expert and author of the book Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits that Build Extraordinary Relationships. He's also an accomplished broadcaster with 17 years of television hosting experience having interviewed experts on current affairs, sports, entertainment, politics and business. 

Riaz has committed his career to uncovering the key habits of human connection that build extraordinary relationships. His keynote is an engaging experience that is candid and offers a far-ranging look at how authentic conversations can help reinvent yourself, and reenergize your teams.

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Thanks These Entities For Their Dedication and Milestone Membership

Celebrating 30 Years
City of Lubbock, TX
City of Lompoc, CA
Town of Leesburg, VA
Teacher Retirement System of Texas
City of Watertown, NY
Cobb County School District, GA
Boone County Purchasing Department, MO
Regional Water Authority, CT
Lansing Board of Water and Light, MI
Jefferson County Purchasing, CO
County of Greenville, SC
Cobb County, GA
City of Frederick, MD
Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, CO
City of Fort Pierce, FL
City of San Bernardino, CA
Virginia Museum of Natural History 

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Is A High-Level, Competency-Based Certification 

The NIGP-CPP’s objective is not to replicate other respected procurement certifications. Rather, our objective is to complement other certifications by offering a competency-based, high-level certification that is specifically for leaders in procurement.

The NIGP-CPP addresses content and competencies that may not be addressed in other certifications in the marketplace, but are required to achieve success in the workplace.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

RMGPA
Summer Conference and Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 11-12 | Aurora, CO

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Summer Hybrid Conference
JUNE 12 | Dunwoody, GA

TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTER OF NIGP
Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 14 | Tampa, FL

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION
Annual Meeting - Virtual
JUNE 20 

READ MORE

NIGP BLOG
LEARNING BY DESIGN

Beat the Clock: 5 Essential Strategies for Learning When Time is Tight by Todd Slater

In today’s business environment, where the lifespan of professional skills is becoming increasingly shorter, continuous learning emerges as a cornerstone for career development.

However, as I talk with NIGP Members, a common hurdle consistently surfaces -- finding time for learning amidst the day-to-day demands. So, how do we address this challenge without adding to an already overwhelming workload.

The key is integrating learning effectively into our daily professional lives.

READ COMPLETE BLOG

WORD OF THE WEEK

Data Deliverable - factual information required by a contract that is organized for analysis (e.g., technical data, cost data, administrative report).

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

An essential resource for every public procurement professional. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

Showcase Your Accomplishments At Forum In A New Way...

Introducing The NIGP Procurement Excellence Showcase

Create a Poster Presentation of Your Work & Have It Displayed at the Products Expo on Sunday, August 25

The Procurement Excellence Showcase will feature a summary of your work (research, case studies, programs, or initiatives) using posters. This is a fun and exciting way to visually translate your accomplishments.

We invite individuals, groups, and chapters (up to 3 people) to be a part of this unique experience. Each participant, or group, will be assigned a space to display their poster presentation to fellow conference attendee and engage in meaningful conversations.

Submit An Abstract
To participate in the Showcase, you must submit an abstract to apply. Hurry, space is limited. The first approved 40 applications will participate as part of our first-ever Procurement Excellence Showcase.

Vote On Your Favorite Topic
Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite showcase topics. We’ll celebrate the winners during the Tuesday morning Plenary session.

READ MORE

MY FORUM STORY

Carrie Mathes, NIGP-CPP, MPA, CPPO, CPPB, CFCM, C.P.M., A.P.P.
NIGP Governing Board Chair
Procurement Manager 
Orange County, FL

The first time I went to Forum, I knew instantly this was something special. It was 2006. Forum was taking place in Tampa, Florida, which was just 90 miles from Orange County, where I’ve always worked. Luck was on my side, because I ended up winning a free hotel to the next year’s Forum, taking place in Hartford, CT. That was the beginning of my long relationship with NIGP and Forum.

I’m incredibly grateful to say I haven’t missed a Forum since 2006, and I hope I never miss one. This event is valuable for so many reasons. To start with, the programming is top-notch and the networking opportunities can’t be beaten. There’s no other place where you can mingle and meet with procurement professionals at all levels from across North America.

As NIGP Governing Board Chair, I can attend many conferences. They all serve a purpose and have benefits, but none of them compare to the enrichment I find at Forum.

READ MORE

CELEBRATIONS

The NIGP Governing Board Recently Approved These Appointments to the Member Council:

Re-appointment of Katherine Tople, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Chief Procurement Officer for the Illinois Secretary of State for the term of July 1, 2024 to
June 30, 2027

Appointment of Kara Daniel, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Purchasing Manager I for the School District of Springfield R-12 Missouri for the term of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027

Appointment of Selena Leon, Senior Procurement Specialist for the Arizona Department of Health Services to fill an unexpired term effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026

Appointment of Jainchong Luo, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, Assistant Division Director for Henrico County, Virginia for the term of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027

The Member Council establishes the eligibility and conditions for membership and revocation as well as the eligibility and conditions for chartering, maintaining, reinstating, and terminating a NIGP chapter affiliate. The Council also establishes and maintains standards of professional conduct, including a Code of Ethics.

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Certification Is The Premier Certification

The NIGP-CPP certification is the premier certification for leaders in public procurement. From key procurement topics to leadership, strategy, business skills and operations, and everything in between, this certification tests the technical competencies, skills, and abilities needed to be a leader in procurement.

If you are established in procurement as a leader, the time to consider getting certified is now. In addition to validating the competencies, abilities, and skills you have, this certification validates your skills are portable and transferable. 

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING ASSOCIATION (RMGPA)
Summer Conference and Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 11-12 | Aurora, CO

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Summer Hybrid Conference
JUNE 12 | Dunwoody, GA

TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTER OF NIGP
Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 14 | Tampa, FL

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION
Annual Meeting - Virtual
JUNE 20 

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Pathways Concierge Program 

Customized, complementary professional education services to help guide your career journey.

Experienced procurement and education professionals talk to members about their career goals and help identify their best professional path forward, and mentor them along the way using the NIGP Pathways program. 

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Hand-To-Mouth Buying - a purchase of the smallest quantity to satisfy a current need

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

It's Countdown Time...Early Registration Ends May 31

Register Now for NIGP Forum 2024 and Save

Session Schedule
Check out the FORUM SESSION SCHEDULE along with session descriptions. There's also a PDF you can download to zero-in on the sessions most important to you. The content is based on current industry trends and what our members need most critically.

In Person | Virtual
All NIGP Forum content will be streamed. So, no matter how you choose to attend - in person in Charlotte or virtually - you'll have access to the same learning and can earn up to 24 contact hours.

We're anticipating a record-breaking event and an experience that is simply unforgettable. 

In-Person | Charlotte
$925 Members; $1,150 Non-Members

Virtual
$299 Members; $449 Non-Members

REGISTER TODAY

FORUM KEYNOTE

Erin Stafford, Forum Keynote Speaker
Tuesday, August 27
Topic: Escape the Type A Trap: Three Steps to Beat Burnout and Sustain Peak Performance

Erin brings over 20 years of experience harnessing her own Type A personality and research with high-achieving athletes, entrepreneurs, executives and leaders around the globe. She is an award-winning Keynote Speaker, best-selling author, Cambridge social psychologist and burnout expert

During her keynote, Erin will use lessons gleaned from her international career as well as interviews and surveys with thousands of high achievers from all walks of life, which will inspire mindset shifts for leaders to move from exhaustion and burnout to kicking butt and thriving again.

Don't miss her session!

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Is Thrilled To Announce These Promotions Within The Organization 

Marlena Bludzien - promoted to NIGP's Meetings Administrator leaving her vacancy as Events and Programs Specialist to be filled.

Kaitlyn Mankin - promoted to the Events and Programs Specialist position previously held by Marlena). This is Kaitlyn's second promotion since she joined NIGP in September 2021.

Mervellie Basue - promoted to the Program Support Specialist (previously held by Kaitlyn). Merveille joined the NIGP team in early 2024 as a Customer Care Coordinator.

Katie McLachlan - promoted to Accounting Specialist transitioning from Customer Care on July 1st. Katie joined the NIGP team in Fall of 2023 as a Customer Care Coordinator.

NIGP BLOG

Legally Speaking: Fraudulent Certificates of Insurance by Kirk Buffington 

Public sector procurement risk management begins with a review of potential risks in a solicitation and how to mitigate them. Most importantly, risk management should be accomplished holistically, engaging everyone in the organization.

The first line of risk identification begins with documents and certificates received from a bidder, such as the Certificate of Insurance (COI). This certificate, also known as Accord 25, recognizes the Accord Certificate as the most often used by insurance companies. 

It's unfortunate, but fraudulent COIs are a reality, and many of us may not have an agency Risk Manager who would review and approve the submitted COI. Given the ease of use of Photoshop and Artificial Intelligence (AI), fraudulent certificates are on the rise.

READ COMPLETE BLOG 

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

CAPITAL AREA PURCHASING ASSOCIATION
Spring Buyer Symposium
MAY 17 | Henrico, VA

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING ASSOCIATION (RMGPA)
Summer Conference and Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 11-12 | Aurora, CO

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Summer Hybrid Conference
JUNE 12 | Dunwoody, GA

TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTER OF NIGP
Reverse Trade Show
JUNE 14 | Tampa, FL

ONTARIO PUBLIC BUYERS ASSOCIATION
Annual Meeting - Virtual
JUNE 20 

READ MORE

FREE WEBINAR

Stop Disqualifying Before the Race Begins: Tips for Enhancing Your Supplier Experience and Boosting Diversity brought to you by OpenGov

MAY 21 | 1PM - 2PM (ET) 

Local government procurement teams face the dual challenge of ensuring a seamless supplier experience while actively promoting diversity within the procurement processes.

Join us as we share innovative strategies and best practices that can significantly enhance the supplier experience, streamline operations, improve supplier engagement, and ultimately, drive better outcomes for your community.

REGISTER TODAY

RADIO NIGP

Theme: How to Avoid the "Spend or Lose" Year End Work Rush AKA "Use It or Lose It" Spending   

This theme is a two-month (Part 1 May, Part 2 June) broadcast. 

Hot Topics - The Team discusses the problem of spend or lose thinking.  When is it legitimate? When is it just bad planning?  How can we be the GPS and not the roadblock?  

Tech Talk/Construction Junction - Learn how procurement, by getting involved early, can aid in getting the project done during any time limit restrictions. 

And so much more...

VIEW RADIO NIGP

STATE OF PUBLIC SOURCING SURVEY

Help Shape The Future of Public Procurement

Please share your insights on the state of public procurement - a few moments of your time will help inform industry trends for 2024.

We're conducting our annual State of Public Sourcing survey and want your perspective. Your input fuels our report, keeping you and your peers informed on trends and best practices.

Participate now for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and exclusive early access to the 2024 report. It's quick anonymous, (if you wish), and impactful.

The Premier Public Procurement Event of The Year

What You Can Expect...Attend Our FREE NIGP Forum 2024 Webinar 

May 22 | 2-3PM (ET)

Get a glimpse into the innovations and opportunities that await you at Forum. Hear firsthand from NIGP experts and featured speakers who will lead you through a detailed overview of what to expect. We'll take a deeper dive into content sessions, networking opportunities, new badged learning paths and so much more.  

If you have any questions about Forum or the sessions, this is a great place to get answers immediately. You can also get a headstart on connecting with colleagues. 

Buckle-up as we drive procurement.

REGISTER TODAY

MY FORUM STORY

Michelle Palmer, NIGP-CPP, DASM, CSCMP, CPPB, PMP
Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Operational Effectiveness
City of Owen Sound, ON

"If you are on the fence about attending Forum, just go! Whether you go in person or virtually, you will get a lot out of it and make some friends along the way."

I first attended Forum around 2010, a few years after transitioning from private to public procurement. I was a member of my local Ontario NIGP chapter, and my boss at the time encouraged me to attend Forum to get more involved with NIGP and meet people from across the US and Canada.

First Impressions

I was in awe the first time I went. It was such a great event that radiated positive energy. I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of this. There were a lot of people, and they were all so friendly and ready to help with anything you needed. Of course, I also enjoyed the educational aspect. Continuous learning is one of my personal values, and it was nice to pick and choose to attend the sessions that were most relevant to me. As I grow in my career, I find that I participate in different types of sessions, so I’m never hearing the same thing twice.

The social aspect of Forum is one of the best parts of it. I love staying connected with the friends I have made there through social media and attending other NIGP events. It’s really nice to walk into Forum every year feeling a sense of familiarity and belonging. And, of course, it’s always great to meet new people!

Virtual vs. In-Person

When I first started attending Forum, there was only an in-person option. Now, there are options to attend in person or virtually. I took the virtual approach last year, in 2023. As far as educational opportunities go, it was incredible. I loved learning from great minds in procurement and attending the sessions as if I were physically there. I learned a lot and had many excellent takeaways that I was able to bring to my organization.

Of course, the social aspect of Forum is one of the highlights. So, I did miss not being able to see my friends or meet new people in the same way. If you are the type of person who loves to socialize, you may prefer the in-person experience over the virtual format. However, if you are unable to attend for any reason, then it’s well worth the virtual ticket to get access to exceptional educational content. It’s an excellent value for the education sessions, and you get access to all the sessions for 30 days afterward, so you can rewatch them or see the sessions you could not attend.

This year, I plan on attending Forum in person. However, if there were a reason I was unable to attend in person, I would definitely take the virtual option instead of missing out altogether. I will be attending Forum as a chapter ambassador for the first time, and I can’t wait to meet people from other chapters to find out what they are doing and how I can help them with their challenges.

Advice for First-Timers

Going to the Forum for the first time can be intimidating, but don’t worry—everyone is here to meet new people and talk about all things procurement! Here are a few ways to get the most out of the event.

1. Don’t sit with the same people: I might start by sitting with people I know, but as I move to a new panel or networking event, I sit with a new group. This is an excellent way to branch out and get to know people from outside your circle.
    
2. Attend all the plenary sessions: Ideally, attend every session, but sometimes you need to take a break or get caught up in a good conversation with someone and miss a session. Whatever you do, make sure to attend all the plenary sessions at least, as these are incredibly valuable. They can also be a lot of fun!
    
3. Find me: If you don’t know anybody, find me and say hello! I can show you around and introduce you to some great NIGP members. As a chapter ambassador, I’ll be attending the first-timers event, which is a great opportunity for you to get to know other people who are new to Forum.

Whether you attend Forum virtually or in person, make the most of every session and every opportunity to meet and network with other procurement professionals. See you there!

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Thanks These Entities For Their Dedication and Milestone Membership

Celebrating 35 Years
Texas Tech University
Georgia Department of Administrative Services
County of Galveston, TX
Darlington County, SC
Fayette County, GA
City of Middletown, CT
Kentucky State Fair Board
City of Palmdale, CA
Henry County Board of Commissioners, GA
City of San Marcos, TX
Wicomico County Board of Education, MD
City of Wheat Ridge, CO
Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
State of Utah, Division of Purchasing 
Little Rock School District, AR
Loudoun County Public Schools, VA
Savannah Chatham County Public Schools, GA
City of Loveland, CO
Loudoun Water, VA
County of Sussex, NJ
Berkeley County Government, SC
University of Central Missouri
Wichita Public Schools, KS

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

OPBA Designated As An Authorized Education Provider for NIGP-CPP Certificants Earning Continuing Education Hours

The NIGP Certification Commission is pleased to announce that the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) has earned the Commission’s Authorized Education Provider designation for a three-year period effective May 1, 2024.

The designation indicates that OPBA's educational conferences meet the standards defined by the Commission for granting Continuing Education Hours required for NIGP-CPP recertification.

To date five organizations have successfully demonstrated that the rigorous standards established by the Commission have been met through the organization’s portfolio of procurement education activities - NIGP, CAPPO, FAPPO, NPI and OPBA.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

CENTRAL GULF COAST
Reverse Trade Show
MAY 9 | Pensacola, FL

GOVERNMENTAL PROCUREMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA
Spring Conference
MAY 10 | Lagrange, GA

PUBLIC PURCHASING ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT CHAPTER OF NIGP
Annual Meeting & Trade Show
MAY 15 | West Hartford, CT

DELAWARE PUBLIC PURCHASING ASSOCIATION
DPPA and APEX Matchmaking Event
MAY 16 | Wilmington, DE

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Job Board - Career Opportunities For You

Whether you're looking for a job or recruiting for your entity, you can benefit from the NIGP Job Board. It's your best resource for career opportunities exclusively for public  procurement professionals.

All NIGP members can search for or post open roles on the NIGP electronic job board. Postings are free to member agencies and are valid for 45 days.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Fair Market Value  - the price for an item upon which the buyer and seller agree in an open market when both are fully acquainted with market conditions.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

RESEARCH SURVEY: USE OF PORTFOLIO MODELS IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

We’d like your insights to gain a deeper understanding of the current use, potential challenges, and desired modifications or innovations in procurement portfolio models within the public sector context.

Your input will help paint a comprehensive picture of the current landscape and future possibilities for procurement portfolio management in the public sector, guiding efforts to develop more effective and customized tools and strategies.

The survey will take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete; the background and objective of the study is provided. A report with the detailed results of the study will be distributed following the data collection.

Survey deadline is May 17.

COMPLETE RESEARCH SURVEY

It's Only One Week Away...

Hurry, There's Still Time To Register for NIGP VCON 2024

May 8 - 9 | 12:30 - 5PM (ET) | 19.5 Contact Hours

This one-of-a-kind virtual conference is designed with the needs of our members in mind. VCON offers two distinct track options for new and aspiring procurement leaders. Here's what you can expect: 

New to Procurement Track (8 sessions): Offering procurement-based training and refresher content for both new and veteran public procurement professionals. These sessions are an introduction to key topics crucial for a new practitioner's understanding of public procurement. 

New to Management Track (4 sessions): Introducing skills necessary for a management role, catering to those aspiring to become managers, new managers, and veteran managers.

$149 Members
$249 Non-Members

Join your peers.

REGISTER TODAY

NIGP SPOTLIGHT

Sean Carroll, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Founder, A Posteriori LLC

A Posteriori has been advocating for the government procurement function for over two decades, assessing current environments and supporting the plan for the future. 

Sean Carroll served as the chief procurement officer for the state of New York from 2016-2023, and various counties, cities and school districts across NYS state since 2005. He has served under 4 governors, and managed more than 3000 contracts with annual spend exceeding $50 Billion for state agencies, state campuses and local governments. He has served as an NIGP Chapter Ambassador, on the NIGP Governing Board and as Chair of the NIGP CPP Certification Commission.

NIGP VCON 2024 Presenter
Sean will be leading these informative sessions on the New to Management Track: 
May 8 - What To Expect When You're Expecting (To Become A Manager)
May 9 - Bad Manager, Recognizing and Managing Bad Habits In Yourself, Your Reports, and Your Leaders

VCON SCHEDULE

NIGP BLOG

NEW Technology Corner
Revolutionizing Public Procurement: The Role of AI and NIGP Leadership by Brooke Smith

Public procurement serves as the backbone of governmental operations worldwide, facilitating the acquisition of essential goods, services, and works crucial for public service delivery.

Yet, traditional procurement processes often grapple with inefficiencies and susceptibility to corruption. Enter artificial intelligence (AI), a transformative force poised to revolutionize public procurement practices by fostering transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

NIGP, with its 17,000+ members, stands at the forefront of ensuring procurement professionals remain abreast of AI advancements and their implications.

Through dedicated tracks and discussions at its annual Forum events, like the technology pathways track in Louisville, KY, and the upcoming focus on AI, cybersecurity, and large IT procurement during Forum in Charlotte, NC, NIGP ensures members have access to the latest insights in this rapidly evolving field.

READ COMPLETE BLOG

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Is The Only Certification Managed And Administered by NIGP

NIGP-CPP certification is the fastest growing globally recognized and competency-based public procurement certification available.

The NIGP-CPP recognizes and assesses how you, as an experienced procurement leader, deliver success to your organizations and supports your professional credibility and aspirations now and in the future.

Whether this is your first professional certification in procurement, or you’re ready to advance your career beyond the limits of other certifications, you will recognize distinct differences in the NIGP-CPP program that sets it apart.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTER OF NIGP
Annual Golf Tournament
MAY 3 |  Tampa, FL

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER
Family Day 2024
MAY 4 |  Orlando, FL

IOWA PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ASSOCIATION
Spring 2024 IPPA Conference
MAY 8 | Iowa City, IA

NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL PURCHASING OFFICIALS
Annual Conference
MAY 8-10 | Lake George, NY

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Member Directory - a valuable resource to connect and consult with like-minded procurement professionals from across the country and Canada.

Search the 17,000+ member directory by organization type, geographic location and so much more.

There's no better time to build strong meaningful connections that can have a positive impact in our lives today and into the future.

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

Uninsurable Risk  - a situation for which insurance companies will not provide coverage because such situation would violate the law or pose an unacceptable or unknowable risk of loss.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

Important Deadline for NIGP Member Awards
Individual and Agency Award Applications are Due Monday, April 29

Individual Award Nominees

PMOY & PSOY Awards

If you were nominated for the Procurement Manager of the Year (PMOY) award or the Procurement Specialist of the Year (PSOY) award, you've been notified and asked to complete an application as part of the award consideration process. Applications are due April 29.

AHH, DSA & ADMS Awards

If you were nominated for the Albert H. Hall Award (AHH),  Distinguished Service Award (DSA), or Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award (ADMS), you've been notified and asked to provide a bio to complete the award consideration process. Bios are due April 29.

Agency Advancement Award

This award recognizes agencies who have excelled at implementing a procurement-related program or process improvement within their organization. Programs or process improvements must have been implemented within the last two years of the application deadline. Applications are due April 29.

APPLY TODAY

NIGP SPOTLIGHT

Meet Todd Slater, Ph.D.
NIGP Chief Content Officer & Devoted Educator

Todd’s career journey reflects a deep commitment to learning and personal growth. Starting with a degree in video production from Michigan State University, Todd initially envisioned a life capturing the natural wonders of the world for National Geographic. When that path proved elusive, he found his niche in education, beginning at the University of South Florida. There, he set up innovative television studios that broadcast engineering courses to defense contractors across Florida, using cutting-edge microwave technology.

With a passion for enhancing educational experiences, Todd pursued a Master's in Instructional Design from the University of Central Florida, a commitment that saw him commuting from Tampa twice a week. His career further evolved with roles at Anderson Consulting and then a significant stint in the financial industry. It was during this period that Todd achieved his PhD in Adult Education from Capella University, deepening his expertise and impact in the field.

Life took a beautiful turn when Todd adopted his two daughters (Emily and Megan) from China, inspiring a shift towards more globally impactful work. This led him to The Nature Conservancy in Washington, DC, where he spent twelve years developing global learning programs in five United Nations languages, bringing education to diverse communities across the world.

Now, as the Chief Content Officer at NIGP, Todd is deeply committed to engaging with members and helping shape their professional paths. The opportunity to connect with members and collaborate with his NIGP team are the highlights of his day. As his children continue on their college journeys, Todd is shifting his focus back to global concerns, seeking ways to support the underserved in their educational pursuits. Alongside his wife Katy, he is eager to explore more of the world, blending his passion for education with his love of travel. This new chapter not only promises new adventures but also a chance to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

NEW NIGP BLOG

Learning By Design
The Art of Upskilling: Elevating Workforces, Shaping Bright Futures by Todd Slater

Todd's column Learning by Design focuses on your professional growth and development and how to best navigate your career path. The month's blog addresses the importance of upskilling. Here's an exerpt: 

In today's dynamic landscape upskilling — the strategic enhancement of one's skillset — is not just beneficial; it's essential. For those in the realm of procurement, tasked with safeguarding public resources and ensuring value, this is particularly pertinent. Upskilling goes beyond mere career advancement; it's about elevating the caliber of public service.

Investing in personal and professional growth ensures that procurement practices not only meet current standards but are poised to anticipate and adapt to future demands.

READ THE COMPLETE BLOG

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Is a Competency- Based Certification

The NIGP-CPP is the only certification managed and administered through NIGP. The NIGP-CPP is the premier procurement certification for leaders in the profession.

The first NIGP-CPP exams were offered in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. In less than three full years of testing, a total of 1,358 NIGP-CPPs have been awarded - a great accomplishment for the NIGP-CPP certification.

Eligibility for the NIGP-CPP is based on formal college/university education and fulltime procurement employment experiences at the mid to executive level. There are no informal training courses required for the NIGP-CPP.

READ MORE

UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS

WORD OF THE WEEK

Hard Currency - a sound, widely accepted currency that is unlikely to fluctuate greatly or depreciate suddenly.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Are You Attending THE Procurement Event of the Year?
NIGP Forum 2024 | August 25-28

Attend in-person or virtually...No matter which way you choose to attend, you'll have access to the same learning and can earn up to 24 contact hours.

Great news...we've just added the FORUM SESSION SCHEDULE along with session descriptions.  There's also a pdf you can download to zero-in on what sessions speak to you and the impact it will have on your work. The content is all based on industry trends and what our members need most critically. Chances are high that many, if not all the sessions, will have a real-world impact on your specific job or address a challenge you may be going through at your entity. 

In-Person | Charlotte
$925 Members; $1,150 Non-Members

Virtual
$299 Members; $449 Non-Members

Early Registration ends May 31.

REGISTER TODAY 

MY FORUM STORY

Valerie Scott, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Purchasing & Contracts Manager 
City of Longmont, CO

I went to my first Forum in 2014, just after receiving my CPPB certification. The first thing I noticed was that the energy was electric. There were so many people doing so many things. I am a classic introvert, so I was a little overwhelmed at first. 
 
Fortunately, my manager had sent me and a colleague together, so I wasn’t alone. It was great having someone I knew with me who was familiar with the event and many of the people. She introduced me to a lot of the NIGP community, who immediately welcomed me with open arms.

After 10 years of attending Forum, I feel comfortable walking into the room because I recognize so many faces, many from that very first event! Becoming friends with other procurement professionals helped me come out of my shell and put myself out there as a speaker. 

READ COMPLETE BLOG

RADIO NIGP

April Show Theme: When Contracts Go Bad 

This month we discuss contract mismanagement and how to mitigate a bad situation into a win-win outcome. We share real-world experiences and provide valuable insights to help you successfully manage contracts. 

Highlights include: 

Way to Grow: What Do You Tell Your Mentee When Their Contract Goes Bad? NIGP Governing Board Chair Carrie Mathes provides advice on who to contact when a contract goes bad and how to avoid the problem in the first place.

Chapter Updates: Delve into the challenges surrounding Conference Contracts with Art Moore, IAPPO Chapter President. 

Deeper Dive: Share lessons learned from our bad contract experiences - what went wrong, the outcome, and what could have been done differently.

VIEW RADIO NIGP

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Is The Premier Procurement Certification For Procurement Leaders

This competency-based certification assesses the technical competencies, skills, and abilities required on the job today, and it is the only certification managed and administered by NIGP. 

The NIGP-CPP certification is a valuable investment in your career and in yourself.

Here’s how the NIGP-CPP can help you move forward on your professional career journey:

• Emphasizes Technical Competencies vs Knowledge. 
• Provides Flexibility and Choice. 
• Focuses on the full scope of all the capabilities needed to be successful 
• Sets a new industry standard
• Built on solid research

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

ARKANSAS CHAPTER
Conference and Vendor Expo
APRIL 24-26 | Fayetteville, AR

UTAH CHAPTER OF NIGP
Reverse Trade Fair
APRIL 25 | Salt Lake City, UT

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (MPPOA)
Reverse Trade Fair
APRIL 26 | Novi, MI

TAMPA BAY AREA CHAPTER OF NIGP
Annual Golf Tournament
MAY 3 |  Tampa, FL

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER
Family Day 2024
MAY 4 |  Orlando, FL

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCE

The NIGP Blog - A great way to connect and communicate. Check out the content we currently have posted which includes columns such as - Learning by Design, Legally Speaking and Forum Stories. Let us know what you think.

Your feedback is invaluable to help us shape the future of public procurement.

Whether you have questions or comments, or suggestions on future topics, we want to hear from you. Please email blog@nigp.org.

WORD OF THE WEEK

Fast Track Construction -  a project delivery strategy in which construction starts before the design is completed.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT BENCHMARK SURVEY

Deadline Extended to April 19

We Want Your Feedback!

NIGP, in partnership with NIGP Consulting and the University of Connecticut, is launching our Public Procurement Benchmark Survey. We urge all public procurement entities to complete this survey which includes 2 parts. This is your chance to make your voice count as we develop benchmark standards for public procurement across all sectors of government.

Be on the lookout for a direct email asking you for your input. Share the opportunity with your peers and encourage them to complete the survey as well.

New To Procurement Or New To Management

NIGP VCON 2024 Is Designed For You

May 8 - 9 | 12:30 - 5PM (ET) | 19.5 Contact Hours

Our expertly curated two half-day virtual conference is a one-of-a-kind annual event designed with the needs of our members in mind.

Get ready to learn the fundamentals of procurement or the skills needed to move into a management role. Discover how to navigate challenges, make well-informed career decisions, and unlock your innate potential within the public procurement profession.

$149 Members
$249 Non-Members

Join your peers.

REGISTER TODAY

NIGP SPOTLIGHT

Ryan Swink 
NIGP Business Development Manager

My professional career with NIGP began over two decades ago. In 2002, I started working as an intern in the meetings department during my senior year of high school after just turning 18. I was excited to contribute to the success of our annual forum and expo, laying the groundwork for what would become a fulfilling career.

Transitioning to the customer service side further honed my skills and deepened my connection to the organization. Over time, I was honored to be promoted to the role of Business Development Manager, where I continue to thrive today and recently, (March 23rd), celebrated my 40th birthday. 

Beyond the professional realm, NIGP has become my second family, fostering an environment of support and dedication that transcends the ordinary workplace. The unwavering commitment that NIGP demonstrates towards its employees mirrors the dedication it shows to its members, underscoring the organization's profound impact on both personal and professional levels.

CELEBRATIONS

The County of York, VA for Procurement Month
"Cookin' Up Savings"

Throughout the month of March, ‘Cookie Crumb’ emails were sent to the departments with ‘small bites’ of information about how to purchase goods and services.

At the end of the month, the Purchasing Team had an educational and fun cookie bake-off with studio audience participation!

The event attendees were challenged to figure out which method of procurement was used by the ‘bakers’ to make certain purchases for their cookies.

Everyone was a winner with enhanced Procurement knowledge….and cookies.

Celebrating the Power of YOU...Thanks to everyone who submitted their Procurement Month proclamations, photos and activities and for making March 2024 an incredible Procurement Month!

READ MORE

The County of York, VA Purchasing Team
Cookin' Up Savings for Procurement Month

(left to right): Evan Young, Buyer I; Victor Robinson, Buyer I; Stephanie Cowden, Administrative Assistant II; Jan Dudley, Purchaing Agent; Mimi Gartner, Senior Buyer; and Greg Smith, Management Consultant

NIGP-CPP

Future-Focused and Elevating the Profession

The NIGP-CPP is the premier certification for procurement leaders. The NIGP-CPP certification is a competency-based certification that assesses the technical competencies, skills, abilities and behaviors required of a procurement leader on the job in today's world.

A total of 1,358 NIGP-CPP certifications have been awarded to procurement leaders throughout North America since the leadership-based certification program was launched in 2020. 

FREE NIGP-CPP Webinar
Find out how the NIGP-CPP can help advance your procurement career by joining us for this upcoming Webinar, hosted by NIGP CEO, Rick Grimm, NIGP-CPP and NIGP Director of Certification, Diane Daly.

Webinar: NIGP Certified Procurement Professional - Connecting Certification To Your Learning Aspirations

APRIL 23 | 2PM - 3:30PM

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
TAPP Professional Development Conference
APRIL 17-19 | Franklin, TN

GULF COAST ASSOCIATION GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING OFFICERS
12th Annual Reverse Trade Show and Conference
APRIL 18 | Punta Gorda, FL

ARKANSAS CHAPTER
Conference and Vendor Expo
APRIL 24-26 | Fayetteville, AR

UTAH CHAPTER OF NIGP
Reverse Trade Fair
APRIL 25 | Salt Lake City, UT

MICHIGAN PUBLIC PURCHASING OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (MPPOA)
Reverse Trade Fair
APRIL 26 | Novi, MI

READ MORE

NEW NIGP BLOG

Legally Speaking: Understanding Risk in Public Procurement by Kirk Buffington

Government procurement is a complex process that involves managing various risks associated with acquiring goods and services, including construction projects.

Given the significant financial investments involved and the public interest at stake, effective risk management is paramount. Public sector entities employ a range of strategies, including contract clauses, liquidated damages, and payment and performance bonds, to mitigate risks throughout the procurement and contracting process.

NIGP BLOG 

WORD OF THE WEEK

Time Value of Money - the concept that an amount of money is worth more now than the identical sum would be worth in the future, based on the financial principle that money can earn interest.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

NIGP FORUM 2024

VISIONING THE FUTURE OF PROCUREMENT TOGETHER 

In Person | Virtual
August 25 - August 28 

Earn Up To 24 Contact Hours

NIGP Forum provides innovative educational content and practical advice from subject matter experts so you stay on top of the latest trends and best practices within the industry.  Unexpected connections, inspiring keynotes, and collaborative opportunities are just a few things to look forward to at NIGP FORUM 2024.

Earn up to 24 contact hours whether you join us in person or virtually. All session are recorded and available on-demand, so you can catch up on missed content or revisit key takeaways at your convenience. 

NIGP Forum is where public procurement professionals from across North America come together to support and learn from one another - share challenges, success stories and make connections on a personal and professional level that can last a lifetime. What makes NIGP Forum unique is this personal connection - this sense of belonging. Members develop bonds with one another and attend this once-a-year experience year after year.

This sense of camaraderie and connecting is the inspiration behind the NIGP Blog, Forum Stories. Members share their heartfelt experiences and what attending NIGP Forum meant to them and how it impacted their lives on a professional and personal level. Do you have a Forum story to share? Email blog@nigp.org. 

MY FORUM STORY

Russ Pankey, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Retired

NIGP Forum is all about the people. I look forward to reconnecting with my NIGP Family every year at Forum.

If you’ve been to NIGP Forum, there’s a good chance we’ve met. I have been attending Forum since 2006 when it was held in Tampa. This year will mark my 16th Forum, and I am as excited as ever to reconnect with my NIGP family while meeting new attendees. 

Forum has helped me navigate every stage of my procurement career. Forum is an exceptional opportunity to learn from the best procurement minds in North America. When I was a practitioner, I made sure to attend the plenary sessions and relevant panels throughout the day. 

Forum is particularly special to me because of what it means for my family.

READ COMPLETE STORY

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Agency Advancement Award
Now Accepting Applications

The Agency Advancement Award recognizes agencies who have excelled at implementing a procurement-related program or process improvement within their organization. 

Agencies are always seeking new ways to perform their function more efficiently to serve their departments and the public better. Recognizing and rewarding such advancements not only acknowledges the efforts of individuals and teams but also promotes best practices that can lead to enhanced productivity, cost savings and overall organizational success.

"I encourage all agencies big and small to apply for this award to demonstrate the contributions, dedication, and achievements of their procurement organization." - Lori Bryant, NIGP Member Council 

Deadline to apply is April 29. 

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NEW NIGP-CPP Certification Handbook, 5th Edition

NIGP-CPP is the only certification managed and administered by NIGP. 

The NIGP-CPP Certification Handbook, 5th Edition revised in February 2024 contains updated processes, policies and procedures.

This is your essential and principal source of information for the NIGP-CPP program. From eligibility requirements to testing policies, the handbook includes everything you need to evaluate the program and complete the certification and recertification requirements.

VIEW THE HANDBOOK 

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

SOUTHEAST TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Lone Star Conference
APRIL 7-10 | Houston, TX

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Commitment to Excellence Conference
APRIL 10-12 |  Lake Ozark, MO

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA CHAPTER
Reverse Trade Show
APRIL 11 | Coral Springs, FL

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

Nsite - Your Online Community - Connect, communicate and collaborate with peers from across North America at all different stages in their careers.

What your peers are saying about Nsite:

VIEW VIDEO

WORD OF THE WEEK

Open Insurance Policy - a form of insurance that covers shipments for a specified time, or a stated value, and is not limited to a single shipment; the premium is determined based on the values reported.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

An important resource for everyone in the profession.

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

DO YOU WORK WITH AN AMAZING COLLEAGUE? 

Now Accepting Nominations for NIGP Member Awards

Hurry, the deadline for submissions is Friday, March 29.

Whether you nominate an extraordinary colleague or yourself, now is the time to share procurement greatness. 

NIGP Member Awards include:

• Albert H. Hall Award - NIGP's highest award named in honor of our founder, Albert H. Hall. Professionals who receive this award also earn the designation of 'Fellow of NIGP’ or FNIGP.
• Distinguished Service Award - recognizes outstanding service through first-rate accomplishments to the public procurement profession.
• Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award - recognizes an individual based on their extraordinary contributions over the course of their career to Service.
• Procurement Manager of the Year - recognizes public procurement supervisors or program managers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of procurement.
• Procurement Specialist of the Year - recognizes non-supervisory public procurement specialists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of procurement.

The award criteria is based on the Values and Guiding Principles of Public Procurement. You do not have to be a NIGP Chapter Award Recipient to apply.

NOMINATE TODAY

Procurement Is In The House 
City of Palm Bay, Florida

(left to right): In the back, behind the dais - Suzanne Sherman, City Manager; Deputy Mayor Felix; Councilman Johnson; Councilman Foster; on the stage - Juliet Misconi, Deputy City Manager; Selda Vasquez-McMahan, Procurement Agent I; Susan Ziegler, Procurement Agent III; Debbie Feingold, Procurement Agent III; Nick Canjar, Procurement Manager; in back - George Barber, Chief Procurement Officer; Mayor Medina; Kelly Gutierrez, Procurement Agent I; Grace Keller, Administrative Assistant; Not Pictured: Bonnie Hall, Support Services Coordinator. 

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Diana Kerfoot, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, ACBS
Director of Purchasing
Tucson United School District, AZ

Originally from Sullivan, Illinois, Diana worked as a Senior Buyer for 20+ years at the Carle Foundation Hospital, a level one trauma center located in Champaign-Urbana.

For the past 12 years, Diana has been involved in public procurement for the Tucson United School District, TUSD, serving as a Procurement Specialist, then Purchasing Manager, and now as the Director.

Diane shares, "I'm doing what I love...public procurement! I love our staff and the support we get from all of the District's administrators, teachers, and staff. Our students are totally awesome and we love purchasing what they need every day to become the best people they can be!"

She's an active member of the South Arizona Copper Chapter of NIGP where she served as a past Secretary and Vice President of Membership.

Diana and her husband, Steve, have three amazing children, plus four active grandchildren.  

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CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Thanks These Entities For Their Dedication and Milestone Membership

Celebrating 40 Years
Collin County, TX
South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
County of York, VA
Town of Blacksburg, VA
City of Vicksburg, MS
Lake County Government, IL
Laramie  County School Dristrict #1, WY
City of Waycross, GA
State of Hawaii Procurement Office
Cecil County, MD
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Larimer County, CO
Mississippi State University
Montgomery County, TN
City of Beaverton, OR
Four Rivers Sanitation Authority, IL

READ MORE

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Procurement Team With Well-Deserved Proclamation

Ada County, Idaho

(left to right): Alyssa Ellington, Procurement Manager; Evan Amidan, Procurement Officer II; Kathy Corless, Procurement Analyst; Robyn Swaney, Procurement Officer II; Bob Perkins, Procurement Director; Rod Beck, Ada County Commissioner (Chair); Thomas Dayley, Ada County Commissioner, Ryan Davidson, Ada County Commissioner.

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PROCUREMENT MONTH SPECIAL OFFERS
For Members and Non Members

FREE On-Demand NIGP-CPP
Module B (Only) Assessment Tool

This interactive tool provides personalized insight into your procurement knowledge before you test. 

NIGP’s CPP Bridge On-Demand Module B Self-Assessment consists of 75 multiple choice questions. Detailed feedback is provided for each question.

Price: $49; FREE 

FREE NOW  until March 31

FREE Digital Version
NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms 

A comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions.

A great resource if you are new to the profession or want to stay current on the latest procurement definitions and concepts.

Price: $15; FREE (Use Code PROCURE24 at checkout)

FREE NOW until March 31

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Bureau of Procurement and Contract Administration Team
Department of Juvenile Justice, Tallahassee, Florida

(left to right): Erica Barnes; Terra Dailey; Mavis Brown; TeSharie Spaulding; Viccie Borders; Ashley Bridges; Michelle Zieman; Brian Thompson; Bethany Richardson; Kanton Enzor; Rosa Nichols; Tiffany Baylor; Ginger (dog); Natasha Holmes; William “Bryant” Womble; Adrian Nealy; Brian Chambless

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NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Certification Is The Premier Certification

The NIGP-CPP certification is the premier certification for leaders in public procurement. From key procurement topics to leadership, strategy, business skills and operations, and everything in between, this certification tests the technical competencies, skills, and abilities needed to be a leader in procurement.

If you are established in procurement as a leader, the time to consider getting certified is now. In addition to validating the competencies, abilities, and skills you have, this certification validates your skills are portable and transferable. 

Reminder: March 31 is the final day to register and pay for May 2024 testing.

READ MORE

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CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

NEW MEXICO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ASSOCIATION (NMPPA)
Spring Conference
APRIL 3-6 | Las Cruces, NM 

SOUTHEAST TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Lone Star Conference
APRIL 7-10 | Houston, TX

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Commitment to Excellence Conference
APRIL 10-12 |  Lake Ozark, MO

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA CHAPTER
Reverse Trade Show
APRIL 11 | Coral Springs, FL

READ MORE

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NIGP BLOG - LEARNING BY DESIGN

Navigating Success in Public Procurement: A Continued Look At The Importance Of Life-Long Learning

Following up on last month's installment of Learning by Design, we return to the 2023 NIGP Workforce Development Study to review the numbers behind the vital role of continuous learning for procurement professionals. 

The study highlights the strategic significance of investing in pofessional development. Certifications emerge s integral to professional growth. Noteworthy is the fact that nearly 70% of job postings across all career levels consider certification either mandatory or preferred. 

READ MORE 

Learning by Design is your career and professional development guide authored by Todd Slater, NIGP Chief Content Officer. In his monthly column, Todd offers sound advice and direction on how to best navigate the many professional and career development opportunities that are available to you. 

Your feedback is invaluable to help us shape the future of public procurement. Whether you have questions or comments on this post, or suggestions on future topics, we want to hear from you. Please email blog@nigp.org.

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WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

Public Procurement Benchmark Survey

NIGP, in partnership with NIGP Consulting and the University of Connecticut, is launching our Public Procurement Benchmark Survey. We urge all public procurement entities to complete this survey which includes 2 parts. This is your chance to make your voice count as we develop benchmark standards for public procurement across all sectors of government.

Be on the lookout for a direct email asking you for your input. Share the opportunity with your peers and encourage them to complete the survey as well.

New to Public Procurement or New to Management?

NIGP VCON 2024 is for you.

May 8 - 9 | 12:30 - 5PM (ET) | 19.5 Contact Hours

Here's what you can expect:

Foundation Level Content (8 Sessions): Offering procurement-based training and refresher content for both new and veteran public procurement professionals. These sessions are an introduction to key topics crucial for a new practitioner’s understanding of public procurement.

New to Management Content (4 Sessions): Introducing skills necessary for a management role, catering to those aspiring to become managers, new managers, and veteran managers.
In addition, this virtual conference will present an overview of various professional development resources available to you, and a panel of experts will share their career experiences and answer any questions you may have.

NIGP Members Save $75
Be one of the first 250 Members to register for VCON 2024 and you'll save $75 off the regular registration price of $149. Simply use Discount Code: VCON75.
(Special savings thanks to our government partner Sourcewell).

Hurry, and join your peers. 

REGISTER TODAY

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Kate Rotella, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA
Director of Fiscal Affairs and Acquisitions
Eastern Connecticut State University
Chair-Elect NIGP Governing Board

Kate has been in procurement and finance 20+ years. Throughout her career, she's been responsible for overseeing procurement and finance, developing, and implementing procurement policies, procedures, and strategies, contract management, municipal and state budgets. She has held both state and local elected offices, including most recently as a Connecticut State Representative.

VCON 2024 Presenter

Join Kate at VCON 2024 where she'll be presenting these two sessions tailored for public procurement managers: 

Becoming A  Strategic Leader - Discover how to manage the complexities of government purchasing and enhance cooperation, transparency, and efficiency in procurement processes to achieve organizational objectives.

Navigating Procurement Legislation - Explores the intricacies of advancing procurement legislation while effectively navigating the relationship dynamics between procurement leadership and elected officials.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Call for Nominations Now Open

The NIGP Member Awards are designed to showcase exemplary service and outstanding accomplishments. The criteria is based on the Values and Guiding Principles of Public Procurement: Accountability, Ethics, Impartiality, Professionalism, Service, and Transparency. 

Take a few minutes to nominate (yourself) or that special person who is always willing to help, offer guidance, and provide support.

NIGP Awards Include:

• Albert H. Hall Memorial Award
• Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service
• Distinguished Service Award
• Procurement Manager of the Year
• Procurement Specialist of the Year
   

Deadline to submit is March 29.

NOMINATE TODAY

NIGP Forum 2024
August 25 - 28 

We make learning and professional development easy, meaningful, and always focused on delivering the best value to you.

We know you have different preferences for learning and various constraints on your time and budgets. That's why we give you the choice to attend NIGP Forum in-person or virtually, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. No matter which way you choose to attend, one thing is guaranteed, an experience that is simply unforgettable.

Why You Need To Attend...

VIEW VIDEO

READ MORE

MARCH 13, 2024

It's Procurement Professionals' Day 2024
This Is YOUR Day

The second Wednesday of March has been declared Procurement Professionals' Day. This dedicated day provides procurement departments with the opportunity to strategically market all the value they bring to their agency and the important role procurement professionals play in building trust with the communities they serve. 

Join your colleagues in celebrating your day and the Power of YOU all month long. Our website currently features Procurement Professionals' Day proclamations from the following entities and chapters:

• City of Springfield, MO
• City of Tucson, AZ
• Copper Chapter of NIGP
• Missouri Association of Publc Purchaisng 
• Oregon Public Purchasing Association
• Washington State Chapter of NIGP
   

PROCUREMENT MONTH 2024

RADIO NIGP

Procurement Month Special
Celebrating The Power of YOU

Rick Grimm, NIGP CEO, shares his thoughts on the evolution of the profession and how perceptions have changed.

Highlights include interviews with Leadership Summit attendees, Chapter Updates, NIGP Business Council perspectives and this heart-warming commentary:

"Always remember the difference you make in your community is something worth celebrating, not just during Procurement Month, but every day of the year. 

Capturing those projects that bring a smile to your face and a feeling of pride to your heart help you remember the power of YOU and the value you bring to public procurement.

Use those special projects to keep you focused on the tough days and as a reminder that a new day and a new project are just around the corner waiting to bring another smile to your face!"

VIEW RADIO NIGP

PROCUREMENT MONTH SPECIAL OFFERS
For Members and Non Members

FREE On-Demand NIGP-CPP
Module B (Only) Assessment Tool

This interactive tool provides personalized insight into your procurement knowledge before you test. 

NIGP’s CPP Bridge On-Demand Module B Self-Assessment consists of 75 multiple choice questions. Detailed feedback is provided for each question.

Price: $49; FREE 

FREE NOW  until March 31

FREE Digital Version
NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms 

A comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions.

A great resource if you are new to the profession or want to stay current on the latest procurement definitions and concepts.

Price: $15; FREE (Use Code PROCURE24 at checkout)

FREE NOW until March 31

City of Providence, Rhode Island

Proud Procurement Team with Mayor Brett Smiley and Procurement Month Proclamation 

(left to right): Sophie Worsh-Farnum, Sustainability Policy Associate; John Arzoomanian, Director of Public Property; Kevin Proft, Deputy Director of Sustainability; Mayor Brett P. Smiley; Alejandro Tirado, Purchasing Director; Chevell Burgess, Deputy Director of Purchasing, Rosanely Vazquez, Purchasing Agent 

NIGP-CPP

Thank You! We've Awarded A Total of 1,358 NIGP-CPP Certifications To Date

The February exam results are in and we're pleased to announce a new milestone -  a total of 1,358 NIGP-CPP certifications have been awarded to procurement leaders throughout North America.

When NIGP launched the NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification, we knew from research that a competency-based certification for procurement leaders was needed and wanted.

And, we're thrilled with the success of this premier certification in public procurement. This is in no small part due to the amazing group of professionals, volunteers, and subject matter experts who work hard to elevate the work that each of you do by building a whole new way to get recognized for your competencies, skills, and abilities.

COMPLETE LIST OF NIGP-CPPS 

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING 
Spring Conference
MARCH 17-20 | Roanoke, VA

OREGON PUBLIC PURCHASING ASSOCIATION, INC. CHAPTER OF NIGP
Joint Virtual Workshop
MARCH 20-22 | Gleneden Beach, OR

SOUTHEAST TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Lone Star Conference
APRIL 7-10 | Houston, TX

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Commitment to Excellence Conference
APRIL 10-12 |  Lake Ozark, MO

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA CHAPTER
Reverse Trade Show
APRIL 11 | Coral Springs, FL

READ MORE

BLOG

Legally Speaking: Agency Discretion
By Kirk Buffington

Kirk hosts a regular column called Legally Speaking, which explores the legal aspects' procurement professionals deal with every day - something he's very knowledgeable and passionate about. 

Agency Discretion
When we hear about an agency having a certain amount of discretion, what is meant by that term?

Different courts have defined it differently, and this month we will look at two different court cases defining agency discretion for jurisdictions.

CHECK OUT THE NIGP BLOG

AEP AWARDS

Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Program - FREE Educational Sessions

NPI's  Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) program is designed to recognize organizational excellence in public procurement. This annual award is earned by organizations that demonstrate excellence by obtaining a high score based on criteria designed to measure innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement, and leadership attributes of the procurement organization. 

Join the AEP Evaluation Team for a series of FREE AEP Educational Sessions where they review this year's application and discuss a few of the more challenging criteria. 

READ MORE 

TAKE THE SURVEY

Personality Traits and Cognitive Biases in Public Procurement

We're inviting public procurement officials to participate in a study about personality traits and cognitive biases by completing a relatively short survey. The survey is completely anonymous, and your answers will be aggregated with those of other participants. The study does not include any sensitive or highly personal questions.

Your voluntary participation in this study will assist in the further development of debiasing strategies that can enhance credibility in the public procurement profession.  

Please complete this  SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Thomas Kamara MSc. Doctoral Candidate (California Baptist University)

New to Public Procurement or New to Management?

NIGP VCON 2024 is your destination

May 8 - 9 | 12:30 - 5PM (ET) | 19.5 Contact Hours

Our readily accessible, expertly curated virtual conference offers substantive learning, insights, and guidance for new and aspiring procurement leaders. 

NIGP Members Save $75
Be one of the first 250 Members to register for VCON 2024 and you'll save $75 off the regular registration price of $149. Simply use Discount Code: VCON75.
(Special savings thanks to our government partner Sourcewell).

Hurry and save your spot!

REGISTER TODAY

NIGP CEO SPOTLIGHT

NIGP FORUM 2024
Scholarships Available
Deadline to Apply: March 6

Thanks to our government partner Sourcewell, we're offering scholarships once again to NIGP members who lack funds. We encourage all eligible members to apply.

Individuals can choose to apply for one of the following scholarships:

In Person In Charlotte, NC - scholarship covers the registration fee at the Early Registration Rate of $925.

Virtual - scholarship covers the registration fee at the
Early Registration Rate of $299.

NIGP FORUM 2024
August 25 - 28
Earn Up to 24 Contact Hours

We know our members have different preferences for learning and various constraints on your time and budgets. That's why we give you the choice to attend NIGP Forum in-person in Charlotte, NC or virtually.

In Person $925 | Virtual $299

Thanks to our government partner Sourcewell, we’re offering scholarships once again to NIGP members who lack the funds. 

NIGP and ICLEI USA agree to jointly develop and disseminate effective professional development opportunities for procurement professionals in the sustainability space and local government climate action professionals.

The organizations will collaboratively manage a comprehensive outreach program, making formation easily accessible and available to procurement and climate action professionals across the nation.

NIGP and ICLEI USA are committed to making the industry aware of their strategic partnership and share a primary obligation to efficiently serve the needs of its members by delivering education and networking of the highest quality in a manner that allows for the most effective use of resources by each organization.

Rick Grimm, NIGP CEO stated, "The interconnection between NIGP and ICLEI USA will be far-reaching and have a profound impact on the future generations and our global community."

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NIGP-CPP Is A High-Level, Competency-Based Certification

NIGP FORUM 2024
Delivering The Best Value To You

NIGP Forum provides innovative educational content and practical advice from subject matter experts so you stay on top of the latest trends and best practices within the industry. As the largest conference dedicated solely to public procurement in North America, NIGP Forum provides the best value for your money.

To illustrate the value of attending Forum and what you'll get out of the experience, we've created a special resource, MAKE THE MOST OF NIGP FORUM YOUR HOW-TO GUIDE. This can serve as a worthwhile tool to get your Manager/CPO to support your attendance.   

The National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP) recognizes stars in public procurement who have gone ABOVE & BEYOND in their procurement roles. With all that's happened in the past few years, all heroes in procurement - be it the  Director, Buyer 1, or Stockroom Clerk - deserve recognition. 

March is Procurement Month. Fifteen award winners will be showcased in the NCPP newsletter and website during the month of March and receive a NCPP "Let's Just Cooperate" t-shirt and other special rewards.

Submit your nomination to Tammy Rimes, at Tammy.Rimes@NCPPAssociation.org with your nominee's name, title, agency, and email along with a couple of paragraphs about their 'Above & Beyond' performance.

Choose Your Own Adventure!
In Person in Charlotte, NC or Virtually
August 25 - 28, 2024

Earn up to 24 Contact Hours through Forum learning sessions. 

NIGP Forum is the must attend and the only conference dedicated solely to public procurement. Unexpected connections, inspiring keynotes, and top-notch education sessions are just a few highlights of NIGP Forum 2024. Plus, all learning sessions are live- streamed and recorded for convenient On-Demand access.

Scholarships Available
Thanks to our government partner Sourcewell, scholarships are available for individuals who would otherwise not attend Forum due to lack of funding. 

Individuals can apply for one of the following scholarships:

In-Person in Charlotte, NC - scholarship covers the registration fee at the Early Registration Rate of $925.

Virtual - scholarship covers the registration fee at Early Registration Rate of $299.

REGISTER TODAY

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Michelle Palmer, PMP, DASM, CPPB, CSCMP
Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Operational Effectiveness
City of Owen Sound, Ontario

NEW Chapter Ambassador - Area 3

As the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Operational Effectiveness for the City of Owen Sound, Michelle is at the forefront of driving positive change in a small, rural community. She thrives on leading innovative projects that not only enhance operational efficiency, but also strengthen the bonds across different corners of the organization. 

Michelle shares, "I'm known for my authentic approach, I believe in the power of genuine connections and transparency as catalysts for continuous professional growth. It is my genuine enthusiasm for public service and unwavering dedication to people that fuels my excitement every day to make a meaningful impact on the community."

For 12 years, Michelle has volunteered for the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) and made significant contributions as a member of the Board of Directors and Past President. She was a guiding force in the development and implementation of the OPBA's strategic plan and has played a pivotal role as the lead for the chapter conference, orchestrating a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. She was also an instructor for the OPBA's Principles of Effective Public Purchasing Certificate Program.

Michelle is a firm believer in the power of lifelong learning and is on a continuous journey to learn and grow personally and professionally.

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Thanks These Entities For Their Dedication and Milestone Membership

Celebrating 50 Years

Township of Lower Merion, PA
Regional Municipality of Peel, ON
City of Flagstaff, AZ
City of Jacksonville, AR
County of Volusia, FL
County of Bucks, PA
City of Cleveland, OH
City of Saint Paul, MN
Johnson County, KS
City of Rochester, NY
Arizona Department of Administration, AZ
Stafford County Purchasing Office, VA
DuPage County, IL

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

Seeking Candidates To Serve On The NIGP Certification Commission 

The NIGP Talent Council is recruiting leaders to fill one (1) public procurement practitioner position on the NIGP CERTIFICATION COMMISSION.

To be considered for this volunteer role, please submit the following documents:

1. LETTER OF INTEREST – explain why you are a good candidate to serve on the NIGP Certification Commission, please email your letter of interest to Helen Leonard (hleonard@nigp.org)
    
2. COMPLETED NIGP VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Questions? Contact Helen Leonard, Governance Manager at hleonard@nigp.org or call (800) 367-6447 x240. The deadline to submit is February 21. 

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING
Spring Conference and Vendor Exhibition
MARCH 4 | Cherokee, NC

EAST TENNESSEE PURCHASING ASSOCIATION
Diversity Business Expo
MARCH 7 | Knoxville, TN

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Spring Conference
MARCH 12-14 | Jekyll Island, GA

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING (VAGP)
Spring Conference
MARCH 17 - 20 | Roanoke, VA 

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

Nsite - Your Online Community - Connect, communicate and collaborate with peers from across North America at all different stages in their careers.

What your peers are saying about Nsite:

VIEW VIDEO

WORD OF THE WEEK

Forward Purchasing - the purchasing of supplies and materials in quantities exceeding immediate needs, often in anticipation of a price increase, strike threat, or future supply disruption.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

An essential resource for everyone in the profession.

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

SHARE YOUR STORY... 
Present at NIGP Forum 2024

We believe every procurement professional has a story to share and we want to hear yours.

Take part in the largest conference for public procurement professionals in North America. We invite you to submit your presentation for NIGP Forum 2024 offered in-person and virtually from August 25-28, 2024. This is a great opportunity to showcase your experience and help "Drive Procurement Forward". 

Every year, we get hundreds of outstanding submissions from members and other key stakeholders. What we’ve heard from past Forum attendees is the need for fresh voices and new perspectives participating along with our stalwarts.

If you’ve never presented before, this is your chance.

The deadline to submit proposals is February 9. 

READ MORE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Saba Musleh, CPPB
Negotiator
Miami-Dade County, FL

Saba Musleh has 8+ years experience in public procurement. He joined Miami-Dade County as a Procurement Contracting Officer 2 in December 2018. Prior to that he served the School Board of Broward County, where he handled multi-million dollar contract negotiations for their general obligation bond program.  

Since joining the County, Saba has been promoted twice: in December 2020 as a Procurement Contracting Officer 3, and in November 2023 as Negotiator. 

Saba is a resourceful and valuable County procurement professional who has worked on multiple complex and high priority projects including but not limited to park development, helicopter and elevator agreements, and emergency purchases during the Coronavirus pandemic, when he negotiated agreements with hotels countywide that served as shelters used by the Homeless Trust. 

He's a graduate of Florida International University with a double major in business management and international business. Saba is passionate about business, supply chain management, and negotiations. He's the SWOT analysis expert – always volunteering to assess the factors that may create opportunities and  risks for the Strategic Procurement Department, thereby allowing management to establish priorities, identify options and implement strategies for efficient and effective operations. 

Saba is always willing to go the extra mile with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to engage all stakeholders in the procurement process.

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Thanks These Entities For Their Dedication and Milestone Membership

Celebrating 75 Years
City of Des Moines, IA
Richmond Public Schools

Celebrating 70 Years
City of Miami, FL
City of Cincinnati, OH

Celebrating 65 Years
City of Richmond - Procurement Services, VA
Henrico County, VA
City of Albany, GA

Celebrating 60 Years
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, MD
City of Daytona Beach, FL

Celebrating 55 Years
Montgomery County, PA
Frederick County Government, MD
City of Durango,CO
City of Wyoming, MI
Loudoun County, VA
City of Highland Park, IL

READ MORE

NIGP-CPP

NPI Designated As An Authorized Education Provider for NIGP-CPP Certificants Earning Continuing Education Hours

The NIGP Certification Commission is pleased to announce that the National Procurement Institute (NPI) has earned the Commission’s Authorized Education Provider designation for a three-year period effective January 25, 2024.

The designation indicates that NPI's educational conferences meet the standards defined by the Commission for granting Continuing Education Hours required for NIGP-CPP recertification.

To date four organizations have successfully demonstrated that the rigorous standards established by the Commission have been met through the organization’s portfolio of procurement education activities - NIGP, CAPPO, FAPPO and NPI.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING
Spring Conference and Vendor Exhibition
MARCH 4 | Cherokee, NC

EAST TENNESSEE PURCHASING ASSOCIATION
Diversity Business Expo
MARCH 7 | Knoxville, TN

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Spring Conference
MARCH 12-14 | Jekyll Island, GA

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING (VAGP)
Spring Conference
MARCH 17 - 20 | Roanoke, VA 

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

Upcoming Webinar: Staffing For Change

Challenges to our workforce is a trending topic and one that's of utmost importance to the public procurement profession. This webinar dives into the critical shifts in the workforce and what it means to the profession. Learn new approaches and new mindsets. It's a must-attend event that's
FREE TO ALL.

WEBINAR: STAFFING FOR CHANGE: Supporting Today's Public Procurement Teams
FEBRUARY 6 | 2PM - 3PM (ET)

WORD OF THE WEEK

Economic Interregnum - 1. A gap in economic continuity, the outcome of which cannot be predicted. 2. A discontinuity in the global economy, thereby making future predictions uncertain.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

READ MORE

FEW SPOTS LEFT!
Register NOW for IMPACT

Our profession is evolving rapidly. Are you equipped with the leadership skills and knowledge to succeed?

The NIGP Impact Program is designed for mid to senior leaders and focuses on today’s most pressing challenge – attracting, retaining, and inspiring talent. Our opening session gets right to the heart of the matter by explaining the importance of moving from transactional to transformational leadership and how this impacts acquiring and developing top people.

That's just one example of the career-changing content that will be shared at Leadership Summit.

Registration: $850 | Contact Hours: 24.5

Registration closes on January 31. 

REGISTER TODAY

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Jamaal Turner
Procurement Manager
Maryland Transportation Authority
New Chapter Ambassador - Area 2

Jamaal started his career in public procurement in 2015 for the State of Maryland and subsequently, joined the Maryland Public Purchasing Association (MPPA) where he became an active member and served as Vice President in 2023. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the State of Maryland’s Office of State Procurement and Department of Health was overwhelmed with procuring Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).  He worked endless days, nights and weekends to conduct not one, but two PPE commodity, multi-award contracts; one available to all vendors and one reserved for certified small businesses.  This was in addition to collecting data for the solicitation; responding to questions; evaluating over 100 bids for each contract; and writing endless Procurement Officer’s Determinations, rejection letters, Purchase Orders and Award letters.  Jamaal accomplished all of this while maintaining his own agency’s workload. This feat gained him recognition from the leaders of his agency and Maryland State Procurement and was voted MPPA’s 2020 Buyer of the Year.

Jamaal’s apparent work ethic and leadership skills are not exclusive to his work in public procurement.  As a single father, he still finds time to volunteer his skills at the local churches within his community, using his talent as a musician for religious services, as a musical coach and as an educator.  He also volunteers annually at a private K-12 school for students with dyslexia and other related language-based learning differences and participated in theatrical workshops; mentoring students by helping them learn their lines and providing music for their plays. 

His commitment to both, his work life and personal life makes him a great asset to the State of Maryland and his home chapter, the MPPA.

CELEBRATIONS

Grateful To These Volunteer Leaders
NIGP Accreditation Committee 

Kathleen Fisher, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPCP
Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, FL (chair)
Jesus Amezcua
Harris County Department of Education, TX
Michael E. Bevis, JD, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPSM, C.P.M.
City of Norfolk, VA
Tammy Daniels Bradley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, C.P.M.
Department of Financial Services, West Hartford, CT
Sonya Collins, CPPB
Great Lakes Water Authority, MI
Julie Denton, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
City of Vancouver, WA
Karen Dewar, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, FL
Janina Lewis, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
City of Tarpon Springs, FL
Lawrence L. Lee Martin, PH.D.
University of Central Florida
Terry L. McKee, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M. MPA, CPCP
Knoxville's Community Development Corp - The Public Housing & Redevelopment Authority, TN
Nick Perrera, NIGP-CPP, CPPO CPPB
Arizona Department of Administration
Richelieu M Sese, CPPB
City of Independence, MO

NIGP-CPP

Reminder to CPPO and CPPB Applicants and Pathway F Candidates

After May 31, 2024, Pathway F will still be available to current CPPB/CPPOs as an eligibility pathway.

However, the opportunity to bridge to the NIGP-CPP by successfully completing Exam Module B only ends on May 31, 2024.

When May 2024 testing ends on May 31, 2024, ALL candidates – regardless of eligibility pathway – will be required to successfully complete BOTH
Exam Module A and Exam Module B to earn the NIGP-CPP certification.

Registration and payment for May 2024 testing closes on March 31, 2024.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Upcoming Chapter Events

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING
Spring Conference and Vendor Exhibition
MARCH 4 | Cherokee, NC

EAST TENNESSEE PURCHASING ASSOCIATION
Diversity Business Expo
MARCH 7 | Knoxville, TN

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Spring Conference
MARCH 12-14 | Jekyll Island, GA

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING (VAGP)
Spring Conference
MARCH 17 - 20 | Roanoke, VA 

READ MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

Introducing The NIGP Blog 

The intent behind launching the NIGP blog is to create a two-way conversation. Your feedback is invaluable to help us shape the future of public procurement. Whether you have questions or comments on a post, or suggestions on future topics, we want to hear from you.

Check out the content we currently have posted and be sure to check back regularly as we update with new posts over the weeks and months to come.

CHECK OUT THE NIGP BLOG

WORD OF THE WEEK

Zero Defects Standard - a quality management philosophy that promotes an environment in which perfection is strived for in all actions, while conducting process improvement actions to eliminate any and all gaps in conformance to requirements. 

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. 

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL...

Present at NIGP Forum 2024

Take part in the largest conference for public procurement professionals in North America by submitting your presentation for NIGP Forum 2024—offered in-person and virtually.

Showcase Your Expertise, Enhance Your Skills
Presenting at NIGP Forum offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and expand your professional network by engaging in lifelong learning alongside your industry peers.

For the first time ever, all content from this year’s NIGP Forum will be live-streamed and recorded for on-demand viewing. We welcome submissions that spark critical and creative thinking, advance public procurement, and engage audiences both in person and virtually.

The deadline to submit proposals is February 9. 

LEARN MORE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Oren "Rick" Thomas, IV, QPA, CPM
Purchasing Manager
Atlantic County Utilities Authority, NJ
New Chapter Ambassador - Area 1

Rick has 20+ years of public purchasing experience throughout the state of New Jersey covering municipal, county, utility, and state entities.  He currently serves as Purchasing Manager for the Atlantic County Utilities Authority and Purchasing Agent for the Ocean County Board of Health.  He's a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) through the New Jersey Department of Local Government Services, a Registered Public Purchasing Official (RPPO) through Rutgers University, and a Certified Public Manager (CPM) through the New Jersey Department of Labor.

Rick is an instructor for various Public Purchasing classes through Rutgers University’s Center for Government Services and as President of the Southern New Jersey Chapter of NIGP is involved with planning of the annual Rutgers/ NIGP Public Purchasing Forum in New Jersey.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Science degree in Public Administration. 

In his spare time, when he's not chasing around his son Oren V, Rick is an avid golfer, skier and snowmobiler, and loves traveling to the red half of Manchester to support his favorite football club. GGMU!

RADIO NIGP

Highlights From The January Show
"Loyalty To The Procurement Profession While Pursuing Your Best Career Path"
Radio NIGP explores these issues:

• What defines loyalty to the procurement profession?
• How does that differ from loyalty to your organization, staff, or leadership/boss? 
• Does loyalty to the profession help you make the right choices/decisions? 

Hot Topics:  Why the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  

Tech Talk: The headliner on January 24, "Harnessing AI in Public Procurement", what this session will cover, leadership's role in AI, and the use to mitigate risks and the pitfalls. 

NIGP Forum 2024: It's not too early to begin planning for the NIGP Forum in Charlotte, NC. Chanda Taylor Carpenter, NIGP's Director of Content and Research, discusses preliminary details regarding Forum including some very exciting news about the Virtual conference. 

RFP Learning Lab Series: The RFP Dream Team shares what you can expect from the upcoming six-week series and who would benefit from attending.

RADIO NIGP

NIGP-CPP

NEW NIGP-CPP Certification Handbook, 5th Edition

NIGP-CPP is the only certification managed and administered by NIGP. 

The NIGP-CPP Certification Handbook, 5th Edition issued in December 2023 contains updated processes, policies and procedures.

This is your essential and principal source of information for the NIGP-CPP program. From eligibility requirements to testing policies, the handbook includes everything you need to evaluate the program and complete the certification and recertification requirements.

Reminder: the deadline for registration and payment for May 2024 testing is March 31.

VIEW THE HANDBOOK 

CHAPTER EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Don't forget to invite your Chapter Ambassadors or the NIGP Business Council to your chapter event.

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING
Spring Conference and Vendor Exhibition
MARCH 4 | Cherokee, NC

EAST TENNESSEE PURCHASING ASSOCIATION
Diversity Business Expo
MARCH 7 | Knoxville, TN

GEORGIA CHAPTER
Spring Conference
MARCH 12-13 | Jekyll Island, GA

READ MORE

INTRODUCING THE NIGP BLOG

NIGP is thrilled to introduce a new way to bring you industry relevant thought leadership content with the launch of our new blog—focused on all things related to public procurement.

Keeping in mind that informal learning and engagement is just as important as formal learning, in the blog, we'll bring you curated, professionally relevant content on what’s new and noteworthy in the profession.

We kick-off January with a focus on what NIGP does best, learning and professional development. In Learning by Design: Crafting Your Professional Journey in 2024, Todd Slater, NIGP Chief Content Officer focuses on your professional growth and development to start the new year on solid footing. You will learn to navigate the vast ocean of professional and career development opportunities available, and how to make intentional and strategic decisions as you map out your development. Todd offers a compass of resources tailored to your individual growth.

The intent behind launching the NIGP blog is to create a two-way conversation. Your feedback is invaluable to help us shape the future of public procurement. Whether you have questions or comments on this post, or suggestions on future topics, we want to hear from you. Check out the content we currently have posted and be sure to check back regularly as we update with new posts over the weeks and months to come.

Emily Moses, Publications and Content Curation Manager, is our main go-to NIGP staff person for all things related to the NIGP Blog and she can be reached at: emoses@nigp.org.

CHECK OUT THE NIGP BLOG

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

NEW NIGP Scholarship Program Recipients  

I.  NIGP Professional Development Scholarships

NIGP’s professional development scholarship program provides members who lack funding and are interested in taking their career to the next level with a $1,250 scholarship toward NIGP’s Concierge and Pathways programs.

II. Leadership Summit 2024:
IMPACT and EDGE Program Scholarships
NIGP provided select members with scholarships to participate in the IMPACT program (valued at $800 each) and all EDGE participants received scholarships (valued at $997 each) for our upcoming event on February 22-24 in Houston, Texas. 

Thanks to the generosity of our longtime government partner Sourcewell, NIGP continues to support the professional development of our members. Through our scholarship fund, we have provided over $200,000 to hundreds of members so they can prioritize learning and professional development activities. 

COMPLETE LIST OF NEW RECIPIENTS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Christopher Grant-Henriques, MBA, CPPB, FCCM
Procurement Contracting Manager
Miami-Dade County, FL

Christopher  is a seasoned procurement professional with over a decade of experience in procurement, negotiating contracts, and optimizing strategies to drive operational efficiency and cost savings.

Throughout his career, Christopher has served in senior procurement officer and management positions in multiple government agencies, such as Florida Department of Transportation and Miami-Dade County. 

As a Procurement Contracting Manager with Miami-Dade County, Strategic Procurement Department, Christopher leads a team of six procurement professionals handling over 180 operational goods and services contracts for multiple County departments and offices.  

Christopher is committed to delivering excellent service to clients and ensuring that procurement decisions lead to value for money. He’s passionate about talent development, building professional relationships and serving the County’s vendor community.  He consistently partners with the Department’s Policy, Analysis and Training team to conduct training sessions for procurement professionals as well as participates in vendor outreach events and workshops to provide vendors with information on the County’s procurement processes, programs and contracting opportunities.

In March 2023, Christopher was one of the Department’s Above and Beyond Award recipient for his outstanding contribution to the procurement profession.

CELEBRATIONS

NIGP Is A Community That Celebrates The Contributions of Our 17,000 Members 
Recent Promotions and Retirements

Congratulations to..

Jeff Dansdill, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPCM (NIGP Finance Council) is leaving the island of Hawaii to join Jack Adger and the Harris County Health team in Houston, Texas.

Barbara Grilli, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPPB, FCCM (served NIGP on the Research and Knowledge Committees for several years) retired from the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Florida.

Tory Huff, CPPO, CPPB, VCCO, VCO (NIGP Talent Council) is leaving  Fairfax Water VA and the public sector for opportunities in the private sector. 

Jon Walton, NIGP-CPP, JD, CPPO, CPM, CPPB (NIGP Governing Board) retired from the Oregon Business Development Department (Jon remains on the Board until his term ends on June 30, 2024). 

NIGP-CPP

Future-Focused and Elevating the Profession

NIGP-CPP is a unique and powerful certification that accelerates your long-term career growth and success. It’s the only certification managed and administered by NIGP.

The NIGP-CPP is the premier certification for procurement leaders. The NIGP-CPP certification is a competency-based certification that assesses the technical competencies, skills, abilities and behaviors required of a procurement leader on the job in today's world.

To date, the NIGP Certification Commission has awarded the NIGP Certified Procurement Professional designation to 1,243 procurement leaders across 46 U.S. States and 5 Canadian provinces (including 246 new NIGP-CPP leaders in 2023).

We're still looking for our first NIGP-CPP in Montana, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming!

READ MORE ABOUT THE NIGP-CPP

CHAPTER NEWS

The NIGP Pipeline and Placement Committee Is Honored to Reappoint These Chapter Ambassadors: 

Fatima Calkins, CPPO, CPPB
Assistant Manager, IT Purchasing
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, FL (At-Large) 

Jed Greenfield
Procurement Director
City of Houston Finance Department, TX (Area 7)

Cindy Norton, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CPFM
Duputy Director of Purchasing & Contract Admin. 
Santa Rosa County School Board, FL (Area 5)

Russ Pankey, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
Retired
City of Virgina Beach, VA (At-Large Ambassador)

John Veal, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Retired
Small Business Administration, OK (At-Large Ambassador) 

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF AMBASSADORS

PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITY

Case Studies Requested for Procurement Teaching Book

Scholars from Boise State University, University of Washington, and Florida International University, along with academics worldwide, are working to bridge theory and practice in a procurement teaching book. Their goal is to include at least one practitioner per chapter to provide relevant case studies aligned with each chapter's theme. 

The yellow highlighted chapters in THE BOOK OUTLINE  are where they would particularly value your involvement to provide a case. The case can be short (500-600 words) or longer (1,000-1,200 words).  

If you are interested in contributing, reach out  to Ana-Maria Dimand, PH.D., Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Administration at anamariadimand@boisestate.edu.

WORD OF THE WEEK

Hold Back - a public sector regulatory requirement that primarily appears in construction solicitation projects; the retainage of a predetermined portion of the full payment by the entity for a predetermined length of time before the final payment is made by the entity to the prime contractor to ensure that the prime's subcontractors have been paid for their work and materials.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. A valuable resource for every procurement professional.

Order a copy today in digital or print format.

SEARCH THE ONLINE DICTIONARY

NIGP LEADERSHIP SUMMIT2024

February 22-24 | Houston, TX

REGISTER NOW FOR IMPACT
Limited Number of Spots Available

Are you a mid to senior-level procurement leader? Then, you need to register for IMPACT. 

Addressing today’s public procurement talent challenges is the theme for NIGP'S IMPACT program.

Get active solutions on how you can be a more effective leader and create a culture that attracts, retains and develops top people.

The future of the profession depends upon it.
Registration: $850 | Contact Hours: 24.5

SPACE IS LIMITED. 

Hear why this is a must-attend experience...

IMPACT VIDEO 

Register Today

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Kristy Varda, NIGP-CPP, MS, MBA, CPPO, CPPB
Contracting Officer, Division of Procurement
County of Loudoun, VA

Kristy is originally from Oklahoma and is a proud alumna of Oklahoma State University. She spent 10 years living in Germany as a military spouse before relocating to Virginia.

Kristy completed her Masters in Biotechnology Studies in 2008 and her MBA in 2009 while working in a variety of industries. She has been in public procurement for almost 12 years and now works as a Contracting Officer for Loudoun County Government focusing on Capital Construction.

Her passion to help others began with presenting webinars on Sole Sources and Software Procurement. Kristy is an active member of NIGP having served on a number of task forces. She's currently a NIGP instructor, mentor, member of the Member Council, part of the Radio NIGP team and an American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer.

CELEBRATIONS

FAPPO Designated As An Authorized Education Provider for NIGP-CPP Certificants Earning Continuing Education Hours

The NIGP Certification Commission is pleased to announce that the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials (FAPPO) has earned the Commission’s Authorized Education Provider designation for a three-year period effective December 11, 2023.

The designation indicates that FAPPO’s educational programs of courses, workshops, webinars, and conferences meet the standards defined by the Commission for granting Continuing Education Hours required for NIGP-CPP recertification. 

This achievement is particularly important to public procurement professionals in the State of Florida since the state represents the highest concentration of NIGP’s Certified Procurement Professionals in North America. Since the inception of the designation in August 2020, 240 Floridians have earned their NIGP-CPP including 54 in 2023.

NIGP-CPP

Reminder to CPPO and CPPB Applicants and Pathway F Candidates

After May 31, 2024, Pathway F will still be available to current CPPB/CPPOs as an eligibility pathway. However, the opportunity to bridge to the NIGP-CPP by just successfully completing Exam Module B only ends on May 31, 2024.

When May 2024 testing ends on May 31, 2024, ALL candidates – regardless of eligibility pathway – will be required to successfully complete BOTH Exam Module A and Exam Module B to earn the NIGP-CPP certification.

READ MORE

CHAPTER NEWS

Start Planning And Scheduling Your Chapter Visits

Don't forget to invite your Chapter Ambassadors or the NIGP Business Council to your chapter event. To schedule a visit please fill out the VISIT REQUEST FORM. NIGP has provided a CONTENT DESCRIPTION for all Business Council requests. 

Upcoming Events

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING (VAGP)
Spring Conference
MARCH 17 - 20 | Roanoke, VA 

MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC PURCHASING
Commitment to Excellence Conference
APRIL 10-12 | Lake Ozark, MO

LEARN MORE

FREE MEMBER RESOURCES

NIGP Pathways Concierge Program 

Customized, complementary professional education services to help guide your career journey.

Experienced procurement and education professionals talk to members about their career goals and help identify their best professional path forward, and mentor them along the way using the NIGP Pathways program. 

READ MORE

WORD OF THE WEEK

No Bid - a response to an Invitation for Bids (IFB) stating that the offeror does not wish to submit a bid; functions to prevent suspensions from the bidders list for failure to show active interest or submit bids.

From the NIGP Public Procurement Dictionary of Terms, a comprehensive and timely reference with over 2,300 entries of the most common industry terms and definitions. Order a copy today in digital or print format.

LEARN MORE