Virtual Conference

Discover your Potential

 

NIGP VCON 2023

June 7 - 8, 2023

12:30 PM - 5:00 PM (ET)

9 Contact Hours

Just getting started in public procurement? Or perhaps you’ve been in the profession for a while, but you need a refresher on the fundamentals. No matter where you are, NIGP VCON has something to offer you.

Join us and access expertly curated content taught by industry leading practitioners who will share the foundations to kick-start your career. You will get the essential knowledge, tools, and resources to discover your potential in public procurement.

  • Attendees will have a total of eight educational sessions to choose from in total throughout the conference.
  • Each day begins with a brief welcome, followed by two concurrent sessions in the early slot, and two concurrent sessions in the later slot, and then a brief wrap-up.
  • Attendees can select a total of four live sessions, (2 per day). However, your registration includes on-demand access to all the sessions post-conference.

REGISTRATION

REGULAR MEMBER PRICE

 

$149

 


REGISTER YOURSELF

NON-MEMBER PRICE

 

$249

 


REGISTER YOURSELF

Thanks to our Government Partner:

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Remember your registration comes with on-demand access to all topics so you don't miss out!

SESSION SCHEDULE

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Wednesday, June 7, 2023
 
Time
Session
Speakers
Details
 
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
Welcome: Professional Development for Procurement: Beginning of the Journey, Facilitator Introduction
Rick Grimm, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, FCIPS,, Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, Stephanie Akerley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CTPE, Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD
 
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Session 1:  Ethics as a Fundamental Element to the Entity’s Mission

Don’t all public sector procurement professionals share the same code of ethics?  If so, then how do so many rules go unobserved or get broken?  In this presentation, ethical considerations and challenges that procurement professionals face will be presented.  The presentation will cover the fundamental principles of ethical behavior, including transparency, accountability, and fairness and how these principles can be applied to the entity’s mission in the context of public procurement. 

Objectives

  • Apply ethical principles and values. 

  • Identify and manage ethical risks in the procurement process. 

  • Develop strategies for promoting transparency and accountability in public sector procurement. 

  • Analyze and evaluate the ethical implications of procurement decision and actions. 

Stephanie Akerley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CTPE
 
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Session 2: Synthesizing Requirements into Specifications

In this session, we will discover effective and efficient ways to advance from a conceptual idea to a well-defined specification.  Not only will we recognize the value in acquisition planning and market research when developing specs, we will generate a list of the types of questions to ask end users and suppliers along the way yielding better results. Asking the right types of questions helps to create a detailed description of a commodity or service that will effectively communicate to all stakeholders the precise requirements of the end user while maximizing competition in the marketplace. 

Objectives 

  • Recognize the value in acquisition planning and market research when developing specifications. 

  • Identify the type of specifications and recognize the types of questions to ask when developing specifications or SOWs. 

  • Recognize the challenges of ineffective or restrictive specifications. 

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Break
 
 
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Session 3: Complying with Legal and Legislative Requirements

Today’s public procurement professional is expected to be well versed in legal concepts and guidelines. In addition to becoming acclimated to agency policies and procedures, procurement professionals must comply with legislation, regulations, legal principles, and public procurement best practice guidance. Developing these skills is critical for the success of the procurement operation and the entity as a whole. 

Objectives 

  • Identify, define, and apply legal terms, concepts, and principles in public procurement functions. 

  • Examine the role of the attorney in public procurement and contrast it to the role of the procurement professional. 

  • Explain how the laws establish the rights and obligations of all parties.  

  • Compare and contrast legal and ethical issues and how to apply both to public procurement situations. 

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD
 
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Session 4: Determining the Best Procurement Method

Sourcing and contracting methods are at the center of the procurement profession. In this highly interactive session, we will not just identify the various sourcing strategies and methods of solicitation, but we will also recognize the advantages and disadvantages of each. Being empowered with this information will ensure procurement professionals can perform this essential job function with confidence. 

Objectives 

  • Determine the sourcing strategies and methods of solicitation. 

  • Identify whether a commodity is a sole source. 

  • Determine the role that pricing/cost plays in selecting the best procurement method. 

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Break
 
 
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Pathways Concierge, Raffle and Preview of Day 2
Cheral Manke, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM
Thursday, June 8, 2023
 
Time
Session
Speakers
Details
 
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Session 5: Partnering with Internal Customers

Have you ever been in a situation where an internal customer comes to you and has to have “that thing” right now?  And they know that procurement is going to stand in their way, so they answer shop or try to find a way to exclude the involvement of procurement? Partnering with internal customers is the biggest key to a successful procurement.  This session will discuss the importance and benefits of collaboration, early participation, and alignment with the entity’s mission, vision, and budget. 

Objectives

  • Appraise an internal customer’s perspective. 

  • Explain how procurement adds value to the internal customers. 

  • Analyze examples of successful partnerships between procurement and internal customers. 

  • Describe ways procurement professionals can ensure they are part of their entity’s planning process.  

Stephanie Akerley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CTPE
 
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Session 6: Evaluating Cost and Price Data to achieve Best Value

An important part of our job as procurement professionals is to conduct the price analyses necessary to ensure that our agency purchases supplies and services from responsible sources at fair and reasonable prices. During this session attendees will explore the impact that cost and price have on their agencies’ bottom-line. It is essential that the possible impact of costs be identified as part of the evaluation and negotiation process to achieve the best value. Based upon the contract type, a cost and price analysis of the data submitted with a proposal must be conducted to evaluate the reasonableness of individual cost elements contained within the responses. 

Objectives 

  • Analyze methods to evaluate cost data or pricing data during the procurement process. 

  • Compare the costs proposed by the offeror for individual cost elements with actual costs. 

  • Identify tools and techniques for the evaluation process to determine the best value. 

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Break
 
 
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Session 7: Understanding Documentation and Reporting Requirements

The purpose for this presentation is to aid public procurement agencies with developing the proper documentation relevant to their purchasing and procurement activities. Documentation is required to meet internal administrative needs, legal demands, program, and financial audit requirements. In general, documentation and records should provide the agency with a sound rationale that aligns with the details of the procurement process. 

Objectives 

  • Determine what documentation should be kept in the contract file for auditing and other purposes. 

  • Align record management and retention with agency requirements.  

  • Determine the appropriate documents to include in the procurement files and “why”. 

  • Identify tools and processes for record management, retention, and documentation. 

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Session 8: Ensuring obligations are met through Contract Administration

A perfectly executed procurement process and successfully negotiated award are of little value if the product or service is not ultimately delivered on time, within budget and according to specifications. An effective contract administration plan (CAP) is critical to ensuring successful contract completion, and also provides the ability to proactively identify early warning indicators for problems and delays. A CAP along with a healthy partnership between the contracting officer, project manager and other stakeholders allows an entity to exercise prudent financial stewardship of public dollars while achieving the objectives that fulfill its mission. 

Objectives 

  • Evaluate the importance of contract administration in the overall contract management process. 

  • List the steps to developing and implementing an effective contract administration plan (CAP). 

  • Identify the key internal members of the contract administration team and their roles and responsibilities.  

  • Recognize the importance of communication and documentation throughout the contract administration process. 

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD
 
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Break
 
 
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Procurement Professional’s Career Stories & Panel Questions 
Mr. Victor A. Leamer, CPPB , Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, Mr. Kevin C. Yin, NIGP-CPP, CPPB

Rick Grimm, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, FCIPS,

Chief Executive Officer, NIGP

Rick Grimm has served as NIGP’s Chief Executive Officer for 23 years.

Rick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Florida International University.  He served county governments and public school districts for 23 years, including over 12 years in the management of the public procurement function, before joining the NIGP team in 1998. 

As NIGP continues to develop, support and promote public procurement, Rick’s recent priorities have been the development of partnerships with universities and associations that represent the direct reports of the procurement function. To leverage these relationships and enhance NIGP’s role as a trusted advisor, Rick reorganized the NIGP team with a focus on content management and sustained membership growth.  The Institute now offers certificate programs for professionals entering the workplace and for seasoned professionals who seek high-level skills on procurement specialties such as technology and construction.

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Director of Statewide Sourcing, State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, is the Director of Statewide Sourcing for the State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services managing the State Term Contracting Teams. With almost 20 years of experience her skills represent governmental purchasing at the county, state agency and state-wide levels. 

Stacy is a leader who has been actively involved in content builds for The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) Pathways program. She also instructs courses nationally as a NIGP Certified Instructor.   

Stacy’s desire to “give back” to the profession she so dearly loves continues in her service to NIGP and its local Chapter, the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO). As an active member of both, she has served in many capacities including SCAGPO President. She was awarded SCAGPO’s Buyer of the Year for 2014 and was honored as the recipient of the B.D. Bland Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for her contributions to the Procurement Profession and the entity she serves.  Stacy currently serves on SCAGPO’s Past President Council and NIGP’s Talent Council as Chair Elect. 

Stephanie Akerley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CTPE

Corporate Procurement Program Manager, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Stephanie is a Corporate Procurement Program Manager for The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. She partners with CEOs, executives, and end users to assist them in gaining the right product or service at the right price at the right time. After spending nearly three decades working in procurement, Stephanie knows what truly drives the procurement process —and it’s not just about knowing all “the rules.” It’s how well you connect with the people you’re trying to help and communicate your understanding back to them. This is true not only for internal clients, but external clients.

Stephanie has saved her agency millions of dollars through her procurement and negotiation skills, purchasing a vast array of products and services, including negotiating software and utilities contracts.

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Energy Resource Conservation Manager, Harford County Public Schools

Bobbie has over 20 years of leadership experience in public procurement. In her various roles she has acquired the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience to implement strategies for developing a remote workforce, successfully implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, expanding Minority Owned Business opportunities through outreach programs and energy resource conservation program development.  She acts as the MBE Liaison by helping with the administration of State of Maryland mandated Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements involved in the procurement of facility projects, including goal setting, reporting, and outreach. . She is passionate about learning, teaching, and mentoring other professionals. She has experience with the management of procurement operations for K-12, water utilities, local, municipal government agencies. She is an NIGP Instructor, on the Talent Council, a liaison for the Mentorship Committee and a staff member of Radio NIGP.

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD is a seasoned public procurement professional dedicated to ensuring an efficient, transparent, and accessible process for all stakeholders, while maintaining a focus on integrity, honesty, and optimal customer service. In this role with NIGP, he looks forward to the opportunity to leverage his experience to help others reach their full potential. In his current role as Director of Procurement for the Maryland Judiciary, Danny is responsible for managing all procurements across the entire judicial branch, including establishing and maintaining a portfolio of master contracts for use across the judicial branch and beyond. He also administers all grants and memoranda of understanding. In this role, Danny has demonstrable experience with policy writing, streamlining processes and procedures, developing and delivering training, establishing standard templates, implementing emerging technologies and overall organizational transformation.

Stephanie Akerley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CTPE

Corporate Procurement Program Manager, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Stephanie is a Corporate Procurement Program Manager for The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. She partners with CEOs, executives, and end users to assist them in gaining the right product or service at the right price at the right time. After spending nearly three decades working in procurement, Stephanie knows what truly drives the procurement process —and it’s not just about knowing all “the rules.” It’s how well you connect with the people you’re trying to help and communicate your understanding back to them. This is true not only for internal clients, but external clients.

Stephanie has saved her agency millions of dollars through her procurement and negotiation skills, purchasing a vast array of products and services, including negotiating software and utilities contracts.

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Director of Statewide Sourcing, State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, is the Director of Statewide Sourcing for the State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services managing the State Term Contracting Teams. With almost 20 years of experience her skills represent governmental purchasing at the county, state agency and state-wide levels. 

Stacy is a leader who has been actively involved in content builds for The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) Pathways program. She also instructs courses nationally as a NIGP Certified Instructor.   

Stacy’s desire to “give back” to the profession she so dearly loves continues in her service to NIGP and its local Chapter, the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO). As an active member of both, she has served in many capacities including SCAGPO President. She was awarded SCAGPO’s Buyer of the Year for 2014 and was honored as the recipient of the B.D. Bland Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for her contributions to the Procurement Profession and the entity she serves.  Stacy currently serves on SCAGPO’s Past President Council and NIGP’s Talent Council as Chair Elect. 

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD is a seasoned public procurement professional dedicated to ensuring an efficient, transparent, and accessible process for all stakeholders, while maintaining a focus on integrity, honesty, and optimal customer service. In this role with NIGP, he looks forward to the opportunity to leverage his experience to help others reach their full potential. In his current role as Director of Procurement for the Maryland Judiciary, Danny is responsible for managing all procurements across the entire judicial branch, including establishing and maintaining a portfolio of master contracts for use across the judicial branch and beyond. He also administers all grants and memoranda of understanding. In this role, Danny has demonstrable experience with policy writing, streamlining processes and procedures, developing and delivering training, establishing standard templates, implementing emerging technologies and overall organizational transformation.

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Director of Statewide Sourcing, State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services

Stacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, is the Director of Statewide Sourcing for the State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services managing the State Term Contracting Teams. With almost 20 years of experience her skills represent governmental purchasing at the county, state agency and state-wide levels. 

Stacy is a leader who has been actively involved in content builds for The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) Pathways program. She also instructs courses nationally as a NIGP Certified Instructor.   

Stacy’s desire to “give back” to the profession she so dearly loves continues in her service to NIGP and its local Chapter, the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO). As an active member of both, she has served in many capacities including SCAGPO President. She was awarded SCAGPO’s Buyer of the Year for 2014 and was honored as the recipient of the B.D. Bland Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for her contributions to the Procurement Profession and the entity she serves.  Stacy currently serves on SCAGPO’s Past President Council and NIGP’s Talent Council as Chair Elect. 

Cheral Manke, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM

Procurement Innovation Manager, WA State Dept of Enterprise Services (DES)

20 years Public Procurement experience & 20 years private sector; Chair Governor’s SEEP Toxics & Plastics Reduction Committee; Chair OneWA Procurement Advisory Council; Former WA Enterprise Procurement Manager, NIGP Governing Board Member & NIGP Member Council Chair; NIGP Pathways Concierge program; 3x WA NIGP Chapter President; & WA Chapter NIGP Emerging Professionals Co-Chair; Bellevue College Advisory Board member; BS Legal Studies-Contracts & Executive JD - Cal State University-Lexington University; Certified Purchasing Management - University of Texas, Arlington; Certified Paralegal - California State University, San Marcos; Disney Institute Graduate.

Stephanie Akerley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CTPE

Corporate Procurement Program Manager, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Stephanie is a Corporate Procurement Program Manager for The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. She partners with CEOs, executives, and end users to assist them in gaining the right product or service at the right price at the right time. After spending nearly three decades working in procurement, Stephanie knows what truly drives the procurement process —and it’s not just about knowing all “the rules.” It’s how well you connect with the people you’re trying to help and communicate your understanding back to them. This is true not only for internal clients, but external clients.

Stephanie has saved her agency millions of dollars through her procurement and negotiation skills, purchasing a vast array of products and services, including negotiating software and utilities contracts.

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Energy Resource Conservation Manager, Harford County Public Schools

Bobbie has over 20 years of leadership experience in public procurement. In her various roles she has acquired the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience to implement strategies for developing a remote workforce, successfully implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, expanding Minority Owned Business opportunities through outreach programs and energy resource conservation program development.  She acts as the MBE Liaison by helping with the administration of State of Maryland mandated Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements involved in the procurement of facility projects, including goal setting, reporting, and outreach. . She is passionate about learning, teaching, and mentoring other professionals. She has experience with the management of procurement operations for K-12, water utilities, local, municipal government agencies. She is an NIGP Instructor, on the Talent Council, a liaison for the Mentorship Committee and a staff member of Radio NIGP.

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Energy Resource Conservation Manager, Harford County Public Schools

Bobbie has over 20 years of leadership experience in public procurement. In her various roles she has acquired the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience to implement strategies for developing a remote workforce, successfully implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, expanding Minority Owned Business opportunities through outreach programs and energy resource conservation program development.  She acts as the MBE Liaison by helping with the administration of State of Maryland mandated Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements involved in the procurement of facility projects, including goal setting, reporting, and outreach. . She is passionate about learning, teaching, and mentoring other professionals. She has experience with the management of procurement operations for K-12, water utilities, local, municipal government agencies. She is an NIGP Instructor, on the Talent Council, a liaison for the Mentorship Committee and a staff member of Radio NIGP.

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD

Danny Mays, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPSM, CPSD is a seasoned public procurement professional dedicated to ensuring an efficient, transparent, and accessible process for all stakeholders, while maintaining a focus on integrity, honesty, and optimal customer service. In this role with NIGP, he looks forward to the opportunity to leverage his experience to help others reach their full potential. In his current role as Director of Procurement for the Maryland Judiciary, Danny is responsible for managing all procurements across the entire judicial branch, including establishing and maintaining a portfolio of master contracts for use across the judicial branch and beyond. He also administers all grants and memoranda of understanding. In this role, Danny has demonstrable experience with policy writing, streamlining processes and procedures, developing and delivering training, establishing standard templates, implementing emerging technologies and overall organizational transformation.

Mr. Victor A. Leamer, CPPB

Senior Buyer, Spokane County

Victor Leamer has over 33 years of public procurement experience at the county, state department, and state-wide levels. Victor teaches Sourcing in the Public Sector and the Core Certificate: Foundations in Strategy and Policy for NIGP (virtual), the 10-part Learning Lab RFP series, and has presented NIGP webinars on protests, evaluating responsiveness in bids, virtual leadership, and contract price adjustments. Victor was appointed to the NIGP Talent Council in 2021, serves on NIGP's Content Management Committee (formerly Knowledge Management Committee) since 2015, produces the monthly Radio NIGP show, and is a founding member/former Vice President of the Alaska/Hawaii Governmental Procurement Association NIGP Chapter.

Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Director of Procurement, South Carolina State University

Stacy Gregg began working in public procurement in June of 1996. Currently, she is the Director of Procurement at SC State University (Go Bulldogs!). Stacy is an Instructor for NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. She volunteers with The Institute on the Member Council and Certification Commission. Stacy is an active member of the SC Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO) and hold honorary memberships in the Illinois Association of Public Procurement Officials (IAPPO) and National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO).

Mr. Kevin C. Yin, NIGP-CPP, CPPB

Director, Contracts and Procurement, San Mateo County Transit District

Kevin has been in procurement for 20+ years, in both private and public sectors. Currently, he is the Director of Contracts and Procurement for the San Mateo County Transit District in San Carlos, California. He and his team are responsible for developing and administering the District's procurement policies and procedures, and all procurement activities.

Kevin's thoughts on learning... 1) You're never too old to learn. 2) It's forever. No one can ever take that knowledge away from you. 3) Learning should be fun (your brain may experience a bit of pain, but it's temporary). Kevin is an active member at the Northern California Chapter of NIGP, where he is serving as the Chapter Vice President; and at the National level, where he is a Certified NIGP Instructor. Kevin has served on committees and on the Board of the OPPA Chapter of NIGP (Oregon), including serving as the OPPA President during FY2008-2009. Also, he has served as the Vice Chair of the NIGP Member Council.

Kevin graduated from the University of Oregon (Eugene, Oregon) in 1993 with BAs in Finance, Marketing, and Psychology. GO DUCKS!

Kevin lives in the Bay Area in California. He is married to Kelly for over 25 years. They have two children, Ethan (20) and Abbie (18).