Education: NIGP Seminar Descriptions

3-Day Seminars

Contract Administration
The class provides a framework for examining contract administration by focusing on essential elements of the discipline. It also provides the participant with a focused look at key considerations related to important contract terms and conditions that must be enforced during contract administration. The intent is for the student to develop a strong understanding of the complexities of contract administration and recognize the importance of planning, monitoring, and proactive insight into and oversight of contract performance. This class provides a comprehensive overview of the contract administration process within the public sector along with illustrations of the various methods available. Determining the appropriate contract administration method, preparing a relevant plan, participating in the process, evaluating the success of the contract and evaluation procedures will all be addressed. Read more

Developing & Managing RFPs
This course is uniquely designed to prepare procurement professionals to use the RFP process to its maximum potential. The class agenda will identify the process, offer a key understanding of the elements of the proposal and ascertain ways in which the document can be used to its full capability. Pitfalls and success stories will make the class relevant and applicable when planning to incorporate this type of solicitation into the government process. Read more

Introduction to Public Procurement
The work of public procurement is no longer a clerical function performed independently by various people throughout different agencies or departments within a government entity. This class provides an overview of the ever-changing profession by identifying fundamental concepts that will affect procurement in the public sector. Read more

Legal Aspects of Public Procurement
Designed to be an educational exploration of the Legal Aspects of Public Procurement, this course will provide a foundation of the principles and general concepts of the law as it applies to public procurement. Course content will address issues such as the UCC, the Model Procurement Code, Sale of Goods Act and the legal implications surrounding solicitations, contracting and post award issues. Attention will be given to the ethical issues facing the profession relevant to the law. Taught by procurement professional, not an attorney, this course will focus on actual procurement situations with actual procurement implications. Read more

Negotiate to Win-Win Solutions
This seminar will introduce students to some of the best principles used in negotiating. It will cover characteristics of a good negotiator; critical elements in every negotiation, basic strategies, tactics used for and against you, how to overcome negative attacks, and especially how to read the other person. Special attention is given to listening skills, managing conflict and dealing with the five generations that may be in your workplace. You will learn how to create a win-win situation. Read more

Planning, Scheduling & Requirement Analysis
This course will cover strategic planning within an organization and the importance of its relationship to procurement planning. Planning models will be discussed as will public sector budgeting. Developing key partnerships within the organization in requirements determination will be explored, as this will lead to the development of proper specifications. Pricing strategies employed in the public sector such as cost analysis and life cycle costing will also be covered. Read more

Sourcing in the Public Sector
This course provides the participant with a comprehensive overview of the sourcing process within the public sector. Essential elements, including pre-sourcing planning, needs assessment, specifications, scope of work, deliverables, procurement strategies, value analysis, and internal control processes are explored. Determining the appropriate sourcing method, preparing the relevant sourcing invitation document, managing the acquisition process, evaluation of response submissions, and contract awards will also be explored. In addition, trends and technology developments and their effect of processes will be discussed. Read more

Train the Trainer
This is an intensive three-day program designed to prepare certified purchasing professionals to become qualified NIGP instructors. The participant will be introduced to some of the fundamental concepts, principles, theories, and techniques of learning and instruction, be able to identify ways to use audio/visual aids effectively, and receive suggestions for incorporating various tools and technologies into the classroom. Participants will prepare and instruct a short lesson that will demonstrate their skills and knowledge. This course focuses on instructor skills and does not address the content of any specific NIGP course. Participation in this seminar does not ensure selection for the instructor consortium. Read more