Education: NIGP Seminar Descriptions

1-Day Seminars

Adding Value to the Procurement Process
This workshop focuses on ways the professional purchaser adds value to the procurement process by illustrating how the purchaser can enhance both the process and relations with customers and suppliers. Read more

Effective Management of Construction Contracts
Construction Contracts can represent a very significant expenditure of resources by public agencies and, thus, a heightened liability. Historically, they have not been a type of contract routinely administered by public purchasers, which may expose the agency to higher levels of liability. This seminar will key in on areas of contract administration specific to Construction Contracting and how they can best be applied to limit risk and liability.
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Ethics: A Survival Kit for Public Procurement
This course will introduce the student to ethical practices needed during the procurement process. The course will empower the student with the ability to make distinctions between competing choices that face the procurement professional. Being ethical is not always easy, but it is always important. The participant will learn to focus on discernment, discipline and effectiveness as vital elements of ethical decision-making. Both moral and business considerations will be analyzed in this seminar. Read more

Managing Your End Users & Suppliers
All public agencies face the challenge of stretching limited resources to accommodate an ever-expanding workload. Often we forget the value of investing our time and resources to reach out to our stakeholders. Public Procurement can benefit greatly from relationship management with our end users and suppliers. This seminar will demonstrate the benefits of reaching out to these groups and how it can improve Procurement's effectiveness. Read more

Marketing 101 for the Procurement Professional
The public procurement profession is at a cross roads. It is time we develop "our plan" and begin working that plan. Failure to gain recognition for the value that our profession brings to our organizations will result in continued reductions in the size of procurement staffs, annual budgets and support for training and professional certification. In worse case situation, privatizing the public procurement function may become a reality. Read more

Principles & Techniques of Problem Solving
In the information age, the true challenge is creating unique solutions to old and new problems. In this seminar, attendees will learn a process for solving problems creatively. You can apply this process in your work and personal life. Learn how to awaken the hidden creative energy in all of us and how to get others to buy into new ideas. There is a role for experts and a time for fools. Learn the questions to ask at each step in the process. This is an interactive class full of ideas, practical tips and fun. Read more

Protests & Disputes: What's a Buyer to Do?
You followed every policy, regulation and procedure to determine a contract award. Regardless, it happened to you—a protest! Take it one step at a time to understand the nature of a protest and its nuances, which are contributing factors. This lively seminar will provide an opportunity to discuss real live examples, determine root causes, predict opinions, and execute improved processes. Read more

Sustainable, Responsible Procurement: How Can a Public Buyer Do the Right Thing?
This course will introduce the student to sustainable procurement methods and procedures that he/she can utilize daily in their work, or share with their colleagues. This course will enable the student to make a professional and responsible difference in the goods and services they procure for their agencies. Buying responsibly with sustainability in mind might require some effort and acquired expertise, but step by step and purchase by purchase we can make a difference to leave some natural resources and ethical premise for future generations. The participant will learn how to be able to make a difference in several real categories and commodities while still being a good steward of public funds. Students will be able to discern eco labels and be able to differentiate real green labels from sales hype. Participants will learn that every purchase has an impact and they will learn how that impact can reflect values and professional vision. Read more

World Class Procurement Practices
The concept of World Class Procurement has application to both the public and private sectors. This workshop will address what is meant by "World Class" and what practices countless public agencies are adopting to achieve such status. Case studies shared in the class will illustrate many common practices of agencies and procurement professionals that are considered World Class. Read more