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InsIde ThIs Issue From the Desk of the President ..............................2VAGP Wants to Get Social with You .............................3Committee Reports .................................................4VAGP List Serve .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Mentor-Protégé Program ..........................................7VAGP / CAPA Reverse Trade Show ................................7
Hosting Opportunit ies ............................................8NIGP Information & Updates ......................................9March is Governmental Purchasing Month ..........10Upcoming 2012 Educational Offerings .......................11Members in Mot ion! .........................................12VAGP’s Organizational Culture .............................12Where Am I? ....................................................13High Expectations? ...............................................14VAGP at the DGS Forum .....................................14
Published for Members of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
March 2012
& News Views
VAGP’s Day on the Hill – Working for our IndustryBy J. Kevin Beardsley, CPPB, CPPOLegislative Committee Chair
This has proven to be a very active legislative session for procurement related bills, and the legislative committee has been working
hard providing input to our legislators on our views and positions. Andrew Sinclair, our lobbyist, and Bill Lindsey, our President-elect and resident expert on the legislative process, have put in many hours and have been very effective in advancing VAGP’s concerns and positions on various legislation.
Last month several of our members, including board members and legislative committee members, participated in the “VAGP Day on the Hill” event in Richmond. We had a full day and were able to meet with several legislators to thank some of them for their
support and to express the VAGP position to others and elicit their support. We met with the leadership of DGS and DPS, the Secretary of Administration, and various other officials and staff. We also were able to view a
legislative session where the VAGP was acknowledged and introduced from the floor of the House.
Every preference related bill, and there were as many as ten to fifteen, was opposed by the VAGP and all were killed in committee. Last week HB 1193, the bill supported by the VAGP that would remove the legal requirement to advertise RFPs in a newspaper, passed at both the sub-committee and the committee level and is heading to the
house where it appears to have a very good chance of passing. We are working to garner support on the
(above) Bill Lindsey, Diane Erway, Roxanne Ehardt, Yvonne Daniel, Kathie Haggerty, Delegate Sal Iaquinto, Kelly Okken, Chris Steele, Bill Davis, Kisha Allen, Jan Giffin, J. Kevin Beardsley
(above Jan Giffin, Kisha Allen, Kathie Haggerty, Chris Steele, Yvonne Daniel, Kelly Okken, J. Kevin Beardsley, Roxanne Ehardt, Bill Lindsey
Join our efforts by
contacting your
representative to
let them know you
support HB 1193!
(continued on page 13...)
Page 2 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
BoArD of DIrectors
Officers
PresidentKelly okken, cPPB, Vco, Vcco
President-electBill Lindsey, cPPo, c.P.M.
treasurerJan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCO
secretarystephanie suter, cPPB
first Past PresidentLinda Wade, cPPB
second Past PresidentJennifer Luchard, cPPB, Vco
first At–Large MemberGreg scearce, Vco
second At–Large MemberGinger Gordon, cPPB
committee chairpersons
conferenceAmy Holschuh, Vco
DiversityMarvis W. Marshall, cPPB
educationcindy Davis smith, cPPB
MembershipMichelle Glass, Vco
Professional Developmentchristopher cheney, cPPB
Public relationsLeeAnne Beatty smith, VcA
technologyJimmy MacKenzie, Vco
LegislativeJ. Kevin Beardsley cPPB, cPPo
executive Directorcrystal Anderson
News & Views
editorLeeAnne Beatty smith, VcA
Layout, Design & AdvertisingKim Breeding
News & Views is published quarterly and was designed and created for the members of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (VAGP), by Organization Management Group, Inc. Views and advertising expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of, or endorsed by, VAGP. Send correspondence to 638 Independence Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake VA 23320; (757) 609-3696; [email protected]. Subscriptions are included in the annual dues paid by members. Advertising rates and policies may be obtained by calling (757) 609-3696.
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
from the Desk of the PresidentBy Kelly Okken, CPPB VCO VCCO
Recently, I had the great pleasure of conducting a procurement presentation to a group of marketing students at James Madison University. I enjoy meeting with students each semester to share
my love of procurement and each time I am surprised by something a student says or a reaction that I receive from one of them. This time I was surprised at how much these students actually understood what procurement is about. You see, I started this session by asking, “If someone told you that they work in procurement or that they were a buyer, what would you assume that they do?” The answers I received were outstanding. One of the answers I received was that we perform cost analysis to be sure that we are receiving the best deal. The answer I assumed I would get was “they buy stuff.” These students really did their homework!
I think that I took away more from the meeting than the students did. One of the lessons I learned is that students are hungry to learn about different careers. Students these days seem to be more undecided in their career choices than when I was in school. Students pick a university or college but not necessarily the major they want to study. Because of their indecision, we as procurement professionals have a great opportunity! One comment I made to the students was that people in this profession either love or hate procurement. Either procurement is a lifelong career or just a 40 hour a week job. This can be the difference between great success or normalcy in the procurement arena. Now, I’m not saying that you can’t be successful if your heart isn’t in the profession, what I’m saying is to think of what you could achieve if you loved what you did.
Another thing I learned from meeting with these students is that colleges and universities encourage or require students to participate in internships, which can be free to the business or agency that agrees to have student interns. So with our increasingly tight budgets and having to do more with less, why not enroll the help of a student intern and help them realize their potential in the procurement profession? This is a “win-win” situation as we call it. They help us to get our jobs done while we help provide some invaluable training to them.
I also received some great questions from the students, more than just “what does it pay,” though I always receive that question. I received questions such as, “how did you know that procurement was the right choice for you,” “why do you prefer public sector over private sector,” and “how do you create successful relationships between your agency and your vendors?” These kids, or should I say young adults, are hungry for information and are open to new ideas and suggestions. Now is our time as procurement professionals to spread the fire! We should be telling these young adults what Public Procurement is all about and how we fulfill a public service to people in our agencies and to the tax payers, as well. Plus, what better job can you have than to be able to spend someone else’s money?
With Purchasing Month set for March, what better time than now to promote this wonderful profession to these young adults? Now, go forth and spread the fire!
With our
increasingly tight
budgets and having
to do more with less,
why not enroll the
help of a student
intern?
Page 3 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By LeeAnne Beatty Smith, VCAPublic Relations Committee Chair
What an exciting year this is for me to be working as the PR Committee Chair for VAGP! The committee and I have been brainstorming different ways that we can
improve upon the communication among the membership, both formally and informally. Ways that the membership communicates formally about important work experiences, questions, and feedback occurs through the VAGP membership list serve. This is a great resource for everyone, from seasoned buyers to those of us who are new to the industry, to inform ourselves of what is happening on the “front lines” of procurement, to ask for advice from buyers who may have experienced a similar experience, and to look for cooperative contracts that could be utilized by your agency. The VAGP Board of Directors also uses the list serve to communicate important happenings, dates, locations, and times of upcoming events to the membership. Both of these are wonderful ways for the membership to communicate to each other about our professional lives.
But what about communicating with the VAGP membership a little less formally? Would you be interested in knowing if a nearby agency were hosting a SWAM vendor fair? Would it make you more likely to attend a VAGP conference or symposium if you knew several other attending buyers on a more personal level? The PR Committee is hoping that several of the social media sites currently used by VAGP
could provide this less informal communication for all of us!
Within this newsletter there are two articles that we would love to have your feedback on through the VAGP Facebook page. The first article, “Where Am I?”, was written by a VAGP member about a lesser known Virginia landmark in her area. On March 1, I will post the article and pictures to our Facebook
page, asking for members to guess where this landmark is. Go ahead and give it a try; the winner gets a VAGP goody! The second article, written by Linda Wade about Purchasing Month, asks for VAGP members to post pictures of ways that their agency celebrated or commemorated March as Purchasing Month. Throughout the month of March go to the VAGP Facebook page and post your pictures! Your picture may just end up in the next edition of the News & Views! Don’t forget to comment on pictures from others that you like!
In addition to the Facebook page, VAGP also has a group on LinkedIn, and not one but two Twitter feeds. More information on the newest Twitter feed will be coming out soon, but we hope that among all of these ways to connect with VAGP, you will be able to find one that works for you and stay involved.
As always, if you have any suggestions for future News & Views articles or just want to give feedback, email me at [email protected].
VAGP Wants to Get social with You
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/VAGPofNIGPStay connected with your VAGP friends!We encourage you to share your links, photos, and other personal items of interest to the membership and the public at large. How are you celebrating Purchasing Month?
Twitter - http://twitter.com/VAGPofnigpGet updates delivered in 140 characters or less!Follow “VAGPofNIGP” on Twitter for quick, up-to-the-minute announcements and news.
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/e/n6js4j-gjohm1kw-13/vgh/3771217/eml-grp-sub/Name VAGP as an important part of your professional online presence!LinkedIn is a business oriented site, used for professional networking. Once you join the official VAGP group, you will be able to list it under "Groups and Associations" on your LinkedIn profile.
Page 4 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
conference ADVIsorY coMMItteeBy Amy Holschuh, VCOConference Advisory Committee Chair
Registration for the 2012 Spring Conference is underway! Join us for “A History of Procurement Excellence” March 21-23 at the Crowne Plaza Williamsburg at Fort Magruder. Visit their website at
www.cpwilliamsburghotel.com/ for information and directions. We have many informative sessions planned to help you advance your skills as procurement professionals and a vendor expo to help you find sources of supply. The entire schedule is available for download on the VAGP website: www.VAGP.org/_docs/events/spring/Schedule2012.pdf.
You also don’t want to miss our Presidential Reception. We have a fun night planned starting with a wonderful dinner and followed with the vocal stylings of the a capella group The Accidentals.
In conjunction with the Conference, VAGP will conduct a silent auction with all proceeds going to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). There are many ways you that you can get involved and help those who have helped us all. A basket will be provided for donations of personal hygiene items with these items being donated to the local chapter of DAV for distribution to the VA hospital.
• Lotions• Deodorant
• Razors• Body Wash
• Toothpaste / toothbrushes• Lip Balm
If you would like to donate an item for the auction, please contact Pat Lipscomb at (804) 743-4123. Make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. We hope to see you in Williamsburg!
eDucAtIon coMMItteeBy Cindy Davis Smith, CPPBEducation Committee Chair
A New Year and a New YOU! You can achieve your professional goals this year through the comprehensive offering of the VAGP education committee. If your goal is to become certified, then sign up
today for the CPPB/CPPO prep class. If your goal is to expand your procurement knowledge and strengthen your skills, then sign up for the contract administration class. Whatever your goal is, the Education Committee is offering classes that can help you reach it.
In this high stress “do more with less” world that we are currently living, we often put professional development at the bottom of our “to-do list”. However, we should do the opposite. Investing in your professional development will always yield greater payoffs—professionally and personally. When opportunity knocks, will you be ready to answer the call? Sign up for classes today!
soMe recent stuDent feeDBAcK
Susan Monaco, who recently received her CPPO certification, says: The CPPO Prep 2-day class I took in Roanoke, VA in August was an invaluable kick-off in my study efforts for the CPPO exam; Ron King guided us well and the quizzes were really helpful in determining strengths and weaknesses. The NIGP online testing module with quizzes per domain and the mock exam was a terrific aide in preparing for the actual exam, since you could constantly re-test in domains showing weakness. Jean Welsh, who recently received her CPPB, states: The online assessment tool was a tremendous help. I signed up 7 days in advance of my test and took online assessments over and over and over. Great practice for the CPPB exam!
coMMIttee rePorts
(continued on page 5...)
Page 5 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
Mark your calendar for the examination dates below. For more information about professional certification, visit the UPPCC website at http://uppcc.org.
2012 sPrInG eXAMInAtIons Application Submission Deadline - February 6, 2012 Application Submission Late Deadline – February 20, 2012 Exam Registration Deadline - April 2, 2012 Testing Dates - May 7-19, 2012
2012 fALL eXAMInAtIons Application Submission Deadline - July 16, 2012Application Submission Late Deadline - July 30, 2012 Exam Registration Deadline - September 3, 2012Testing Dates - October 15-27, 2012
(Committee Reports, continued from page 4...)
(continued on page 6...)
Congratulations to the following members who recently received their certification!
certIfIeD PuBLIc ProcureMent offIcer (cPPo)
• Anjelica M. Frazier, VCO, CPPO, CPPB - Town of Blacksburg, Blacksburg VA• Timothy W. Moore, CPPO, CPPB - Chesterfield County, Chesterfield VA• Priscilla M. Wallace, CPPO, CPPB, VCO - Virginia department of Transportation, Manassas VA• Christopher P. Steele, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M.,CPCP, CMA - Norfolk Public Schools, Norfolk VA• Susan R. Monaco, CPPO, CPPB - Fauquier County Government & Public Schools, Warrenton VA
certIfIeD ProfessIonAL PuBLIc BuYer (cPPB)
• Jean Welsh, CPPB - Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax VA• Lorie W. Newton, CPPB - Chesterfield County, Chesterfield VA• Trumekia D. Gatling, CPPB - VDOT - Fredericksburg Dist. Fredericksburg VA• Barry R. Chenault, CPPB - City of Newport News, Newport News VA• Katrece L. Hyde, CPPB - City of Newport News, Newport News VA• Patricia B. Martin, CPPB - City of Newport News, Newport News VA• Darrell L. Amos, CPPB, CITAM - Virginia Housing Development Authority, Richmond VA• Jacqueline R. Brunson, CPPB, VCO - Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Richmond VA• Tangela U. Innis, CPPB, VCO - City of Richmond, Richmond VA• Michael E. Burke, CPPB - Prince William County Service Authority, Woodbridge VA
conGrAts!
MeMBersHIP coMMItteeBy Michelle Glass, VCOMembership Committee Chair
As the new Membership Committee Chair, I have spent the last few months becoming acclimated with my new duties. I am very excited for this opportunity and look forward to serving on the committee. Our
committee will be busy this year with the Annual Membership Drive, Student Memberships, and planning the First Timer’s Reception at both the spring and fall conferences.
Currently the Membership Committee is planning the First Timer’s Reception for the Spring Conference to be held March 21-23 at the Crowne Plaza at Fort Magruder in Williamsburg. If this will be your first VAGP Conference please be sure to check the registration schedule and join us for this event. Even if this is not your first VAGP Conference please stop by and introduce yourself and take advantage of this networking opportunity!
Page 6 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
ProfessIonAL DeVeLoPMent (ProD) coMMItteeBy Christopher Cheney, CPPBProD Committee Vice Chair
The VAGP Professional Development Committee has seven great seminars to offer the membership in 2012. The committee and other volunteers are working hard to schedule many more! These seminars are
a great value—low-fee and taught by first-class procurement veterans and subject matter experts. Course listings are posted at www.VAGP.org/education/lowfee.html.
Would you like to join the Professional Development Committee or host a seminar? Hosting seminars and/or serving on the Pro-D Committee are great ways to network with others in the procurement profession, earn points towards recertification, and serve the membership by offering educational opportunities to other professionals in Virginia. We hope to hear from you!
Pro D coMMIttee MeMBers
Christopher Cheney, CPPB - 703-324-3279 - [email protected]
Ivy Crawford, VCA - P: 757-514-4015 - [email protected]
Maureen Daniels, CPPO CPPB VCO - P: 804-786-0266 - [email protected]
Lynn Enders, VCO - P: 804-367-0268 - [email protected]
(Committee Reports, continued from page 5...)
The VAGP list serve is a great resource for VAGP members and its use is highly encouraged. As a courtesy to all members of the list serve, please remember to reply back only to the individual sender of the email when responding or requesting additional information. Please do not “Reply to All” or reply to the “[email protected]” address.
Remember! When you unsubscribe, you will NOT receive any LISTSERV emails from VAGP volunteer members with information regarding educational courses, upcoming conferences, or other important notices that are relevant to your VAGP membership.
HoW to unsuBscrIBe
Please click here to send an email for removal from LISTSERV, or simply email VAGP headquarters at [email protected]. Thank you!
VAGP List serve
Page 7 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By Ginger Gordon, CPPBVAGP Second At-Large Member
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the VAGP members for their confidence in me to serve on the VAGP Board as the 2nd At-Large Member.
As the 2nd At-Large Member my role is to work with the President and fellow Board Members to achieve the goals of the organization.
I am honored to say that the first task that I have been assigned to from the President is the Mentor-Protégé Program. I think that this is an excellent program for any and all members that are interested in becoming a member of the VAGP Board of Directors. Yes, I know, there is always that one thing that holds an individual back and that is fear of not knowing the in and outs of VAGP. Well, the Mentor-Protégé Program was designed to overcome that fear.
This program has come a long way since it has first started. One of the enhancements is the Program Goals Report
Card, which helps the Mentor and Protégé to monitor their progress throughout the program.
We have five (5) qualified, outstanding professional Mentors in the program and out of the five (5) we have paired up two (2) mentors to a protégé. We still have three mentors left that are very eager to provide assistance, leadership and guidance! They are Jim Totty, Arlington Public Schools; Nancy Davis, Department of Motor Vehicles; and Jennifer Luchard, City of Charlottesville.
If you are interested in being part of this great program, please go to VAGP’s website to find out more information www.VAGP.org/education/mentor.html or feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Mentor-Protégé Program
VAGP Mentor-Protégé Program - Page 6 revised 01/21/11
Year 2 -GOALS
Completion Date Attend a minimum of two (2) Board of Directors Meetings (In-Person or Teleconference)
Insert datesWrite one News & Views article Insert date
Complete at least one outreach to membership agencies Insert date
Attend one VAGP Conference/Symposium (Fall or Spring), as the availability of funds of your agency allows.
Insert dateMentor-Protégé Monthly Follow-Up (Either In-Person, via Telephone or via E-mail) January
Insert date March
Insert date May
Insert date July
Insert date September
Insert date November
Insert dateComplete at least one volunteer assignment made by the Board of Directors. Detail assignment(s) below:
Insert date
Program Completion Requirements Completion Date Complete Program Goals Report Card Insert dateComplete Program Essay Insert dateSubmit Program Completion Requirements documentation to Program Coordinator Insert date
I certify that I have completed the requirements of this Program and have been a VAGP member throughout the duration of the Program:
Protégé Signature: Date: Mentor Signature: Date: Verification of Successful Completion of Program: Program Coordinator: Date:
NOTE: Prior to the end of the two (2) year Program period, a Protégé may request up to a one year extension to complete the program which will be granted by the Program Coordinator if the Protégé has already completed at least 75% of the Program requirements.
VAGP Mentor-Protégé Program - Page 5 revised 01/21/11
Attachment A
Program Goals Report Card
Protégé:
Name
Agency
Address
Phone Number
Mentor:
Name
Agency
Telephone Number
Program Start Date: xx/xx/xxxx
Anticipated Completion Date: xx/xx/xxxx
Year 1 –GOALS/DESCRIPTION Completion Date
Attend a minimum of two (2) Board of Directors Meetings (In-Person or Teleconference) Insert dates
Write one News & Views article Insert date
Complete at least one outreach to membership agencies: Insert date
Attend one VAGP Conference/Symposium (Fall or Spring), as the availability of funds of your agency allows. Insert date
Mentor-Protégé Bi-Monthly Follow-Up (Either In-Person, via Telephone or via Email): January Insert date March Insert date May Insert date July Insert date September Insert date November Insert date
Complete at least one volunteer assignment made by the Board of Directors. Detail assignment(s) below: Insert date
(continued)
By Jan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCOVAGP Treasurer
Believe it or not it is almost time for the 2012 VAGP/CAPA Reverse Trade Show! VAGP and the Capital Area Purchasing Association (CAPA) are partnering to host
this event. If you are not familiar with a Reverse Trade Show, think of a traditional Vendor Expo in reverse. The public agencies set up tables and they are the exhibitors. They are represented by staff from the purchasing department or sometimes other large departments such as facilities, construction, public safety, and public works. The vendors register as attendees and they are the ones to visit the tables to discuss opportunities to do business with that agency.
There is no cost to the public agencies except to come to the event and talk to vendors. This gives agencies the opportunity to expand or enhance their vendor outreach programs. By participating, you provide vendors a chance to reach public agencies across the Commonwealth in a cost effective manner during difficult economic times. This also
allows vendors an opportunity to network with procurement professionals like you. This provides a win-win opportunity for vendors and agencies.
This year the Reverse Trade Show will be held May 23 at the Holiday Inn Koger in Richmond, VA. Public Agencies can set up for the event on the evening of May 22. Anyone attending or participating in this event will be offered the discounted room rate of $83 per night—make sure to mention this discount when reserving your room. For more information on the conference center or for directions visit www.holidayinnkoger.com. Be on the lookout for more 2012 Reverse Trade Show information to come out soon. Several agencies have attended the past two years because these events were so successful. We look forward to this year’s event and hope you are one of the participating agencies. For more information, please go to www.VAGP.org/events/reverse.html.
2012 VAGP/cAPA reverse trade show
Page 8 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By Bill Lindsey, CPPO, C.P.M.VAGP President-Elect
Now that I have advanced to the President-Elect status in our organization, I find that one of my many roles includes the oversight of the development,
planning, and scheduling of all semi-annual conferences as far in advance as possible in accordance with the VAGP Conference Sponsor Guide and in collaboration with the Conference Advisory Committee.
Whew, that’s certainly a mouthful and appears to be a tall order. But, it is one where our membership has always stepped forward to volunteer as hosts of these events and in doing so, have done a magnificent job in showcasing their region. So, let me tell you what I have on the books:
2012 sPrInG conference
Dates: March 21-23, 2012Event: Conference and Vendor ExpoLocation: Crowne Plaza at Fort Magruder, WilliamsburgHost: VAGP
2012 reVerse trADe sHoW
Dates: May 23, 2012Event: Reverse Trade ShowLocation: Holiday Inn Koger Center, ChesterfieldHost: VAGP/CAPA
2012 fALL sYMPosIuM
Dates: To be DeterminedEvent: Fall Symposium (No Vendor Expo)Location: Roanoke (Possibly Sheraton Hotel)Host: To be Determined
For 2013, VAGP is considering the following regions and we are looking for volunteer hosts. We hope that you will consider this opportunity to showcase your neck of the woods!
2013 Spring Conference – Virginia Beach?2013 Reverse Trade Show – Richmond?2013 Fall Symposium – Fairfax?
So, with this in mind, it appears that we have both short term and long term needs as it relates to identifying volunteers that would step forward to host our 2012 and 2013 programs. But, it would also be wonderful to receive expressions of interest for 2014 and beyond.
Therefore, we need your help! Who is willing to step forward and help host the 2012 Fall Symposium in the Roanoke area? Or, is there a volunteer out there who would be willing to host any of our 2013 events?
If you are interested in hosting an event in the future, please give me a call at (804) 693-1210 or write me at [email protected].
Hosting opportunities
We want your news...and views!This is your Association and your publication—make your voice heard! All VAGP members are encouraged to send articles, press releases and photos. Published articles on purchasing-related topics may help members earn recertification points. For eligibility requirements, please verify directly with the certifying agency.
Submit articles to LeeAnne Beatty Smith at [email protected].
2012 PRODUCTION SCHEDULE 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th QuarterMaterials Deadline May 7 Aug. 6 Nov. 5Issue Available Jun. 1 Sep. 4 Dec. 1
9 Industry News 9 Best Practices 9 Photos 9 Book Reviews 9 Education Opportunities 9 Event Recaps
9 New Certifications 9 Tips and tricks
Page 9 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By Kathy S. Elgin, CPPO, CPPBNIGP Director, Region 4
nIGP MIssIonDevelop, support and promote the public procurement profession.
nIGP VIsIonNIGP is a vibrant international association creating a world in which public procurement practitioners are highly regarded members of a respected professional order.
GuIDInG PrIncIPLesPrinciple Initiative: Collaboratively develop the definitive body of values, guiding principles and standards of practices for the public procurement profession. NEXT STEPS: 30 Standards by June 30, 2013, Identify proposed standard(s), Post for public comment, Finalize. www.principlesandpractices.org e-LeArnInGPrinciple Initiative: 14 NIGP face-to-face courses modified to be ONLINE courses by 2013. NIGP currently offers 5 of its courses in an ONLINE format: CPPB Prep, CPPO Prep, Contract Administration, Developing & Managing RFPs, and Fundamentals of Leadership & Management.
These courses are university-style online courses requiring weekly online interactive sessions, small group activities and independent study. ONLINE NIGP courses are scheduled twice each year; once in the spring and again in the fall. Maximum enrollment in each class is 25.
The next two courses in development during FY12: Legal Aspects (late spring 2012) and Contracting for Public Sector Services (fall 2012). Sourcing in the Public Sector and Risk Management in Public Contracting follow.
nIGP LoGo cHAnGeNIGP has adopted a new tagline: The Institute for Public Procurement. This statement succinctly states who we are while reaffirming NIGP’s position as the go-to resource in public procurement.
To help maximize value of our tagline and further strengthen recognition of the NIGP name, going forward we will specifically identify the Institute in marketing communications and promotional materials as “NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement” or “NIGP.”
2012 nIGP foruMSave the date: Seattle, WA, August 18-22, 2012.
MeMBersHIP Dues – rAtes effectIVe 7/1/12Notices went out in August to advise members about the new membership rates and rate schedule that goes into effect 7/1/12.
InternAtIonAL – cIPs PArtnersHIPNIGP announced at its 2011 Forum a partnership with UK-based CIPS to further the work of both associations in the development, support and promotion of public procurement across the globe. NIGP has a long-standing relationship with CIPS through mutual participation in IFPSM.
CIPS has 63,000 members: 40,000 private sector, 23,000 public sector, with strong presence in the UK, Australia and the Pacific Basin, and South and eastern Africa.
The immediate work of the partnership is to:•Globalize the Values & Guiding Principles for Public
Procurement that NIGP has been facilitating since 2010;•As opportunity provides, partner on international
consulting engagements; and•Collaborate on the development of a Public
Procurement Maturity Framework.
sIGnAture serIes•Bundled educational services and membership benefits
at reduced pricing up to 25%•Packages geared toward preferred learning styles and
agency size •Packages for agencies and individuals include•Membership•Webinars•Educational Hours
•Package benefits are for use within one-year of subscription; unused benefits are not “carried over.”
nIGP Information & updates
Page 10 - March 2011
Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By Linda Wade, CPPBVAGP First Past President
It’s time to recognize and celebrate Purchasing Month! Governor Robert F. McDonnell officially recognizes March 2012 as Governmental Purchasing Month
in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The official Proclamation is shown here (at right) and posted on VAGP’s website for your review.
VAGP, along with other national and international purchasing associations, recognize the month of March as Purchasing Month. This significant recognition provides an opportunity to promote the importance of the purchasing and materials management profession. The goal of Purchasing Month is to raise public awareness and support of the importance of the procurement profession to governmental officials, the general public, business and corporate leaders, academia and the media.
This is a great opportunity for VAGP, public agencies, and procurement professionals to raise public awareness through accomplishments, activities, and special events. VAGP is holding our 2012 Spring Conference and Vendor Exposition in recognition of Purchasing Month. Please make plans to join me and other VAGP members as we celebrate Purchasing Month at our first big event of the year. I’m sure many agencies and procurement professionals have exciting activities and events lined up too for Purchasing Month. Perhaps you are planning a vendor outreach event, a scavenger hunt, an open house, or other unique and fun activities. There are so many creative possibilities to consider! If you are still planning your event or looking for new ideas, please be sure to check out VAGP’s Purchasing Month Toolkit posted on our website. The toolkit contains great ideas, a proclamation template, and samples of past activities shared by fellow VAGP members. NIGP’s Purchasing Month website also has some great information and ideas to check out. As fellow procurement professionals and VAGP members, I encourage everyone to recognize and proudly celebrate March 2012 as Purchasing Month!
We want to hear from you! Please share your Purchasing Month excitement and successes this year. VAGP members are encouraged to post articles, information about your Purchasing Month activities and events, and photos to the VAGP Facebook page! If you are not familiar with Facebook or feel uncomfortable with posting the information or photos yourself, feel free to send these to LeeAnne Beatty Smith, VAGP’s News & Views Editor at [email protected]. Happy Purchasing Month, everyone!
March is Governmental Purchasing Month
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Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
upcoming 2012 educational offerings
nIGP seMInArs
NIGP seminars are taught by NIGP approved instructors and can assist those aspiring to achieve their CPPB and/or CPPO certifications. These are the standard training courses for entry-level to experienced purchasing professionals. Please visit www.VAGP.org for a list of all 2012 courses offered.
seMInAr tItLe DAtes LocAtIon
Contract Administration Mar. 7-9 MC
Introduction to Public Procurement Mar. 14-16 VB
CPPB Prep Class Mar. 27-28 COM
CPPO Prep Class Mar. 29-30 COM
Legal Aspects of Public Procurement Apr. 18-20 VSPC
Inventory and Warehouse Control May 3-4 MC
Get What you need through Successful Negotiation May 8-9 Chesterfield
Sourcing in Public Procurement May 14-16 Richmond
Fundamentals of Leadership and Management May 24-25 COS
Contracting for Public Sector Services Jun. 13-14 WWRC
Risk Management Jun. 21-22 FCPS
CPPO Prep Class Aug. 21-22 VSPC
CPPB Prep Class Aug. 23-24 VSPC
LoW-fee seMInArs
Low-fee seminars are designed to offer VAGP members continuing education through courses designed to meet their particular needs. These courses are taught by instructors familiar with both the subject and Virginia Procurement Law. These courses can provide CPPO, CPPB and VCO recertification points (earn one point for a full day—eight hours of instruction time). Please visit www.VAGP.org for a list of all 2012 courses offered.
seMInAr tItLe DAtes LocAtIon
Competitive Sealed Bidding vs. Competitive Negotiation Mar. 9 TCC
How to Award to the Best Vendor Mar. 9 JMU
Time & Materials Contracts Apr. 27 TCC
Virginia Public Procurement Act Apr. 30 FC
Public Purchasing Basics Jul. 20 COS
Competitive Sealed Bidding vs. Competitive Negotiation Aug. 10 CV
How to Award to the Best Vendor Sep. 14 COS
Virginia Public Procurement Act Sep. 17 HQ
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Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By Maureen Daniels, CPPO, CPPB, VCOProtégé and Professional Development Committee Member
Organizational culture is a point of view that focuses on the ways in which communication creates and sustains social units in a particular organization. No matter what the unit is called or what it supports it has a culture. As members of a unit we should have a part in creating, sustaining, or changing its culture.
Once becoming a member of the Mentor-Protégé Program I had to ask myself: What is the VAGP’s culture? What are they trying to communicate and how do they do it? As a protégée I am granted a bird’s eye view of what goes on behind the scenes and I am impressed!
It is clear to me that the VAGP wants a culture that ensures growth for its members and ultimately the procurement profession. The observation of and interaction with board
members, committees members and my mentor revealed to me how professional, focused, and committed they are to their mission and assignments. Whether it is planning the next conference, introducing courses to enhance professional development, or looking for new ideas and innovative solutions to help us grow our public entities, the culture is not compromised.
I am pleased that I took the steps to get more involved in the organization and to experience what goes into making it valued. This opportunity has given me a better appreciation for those that give their time, energy and expertise.
So fellow members: take on a challenge, get more involved, share your skills, and have a part in sustaining a culture that wants to grow and move its members into the future.
VAGP’s organizational culture
By Mary Pennington, CPPBPublic Relations Committee Member
Welcome to the first article of this new series, Members in Motion! Each issue, we will feature a different VAGP member. This spring, we meet Melanie Tillotson,
CPPB, Buyer II, Fairfax Water, Fairfax, VA.
Years in Procurement: 27Years as a VAGP Member: 19
Melanie Tillotson began her career in Procurement in 1985 when she started as a part-time clerk typist in the Purchasing Department for a small research and development company in Springfield, Virginia, while attending Northern Virginia Community College. She began taking procurement classes and became a Buyer before leaving the company in 1989. In May of that year she accepted a job at Fairfax Water where she is now a Buyer II. She attained her CPPB Certification in 1995 and completed an undergraduate certificate program for Procurement and Contracts Management through UVA in 1999.
Melanie is responsible for a wide range of materials and services for Fairfax Water. From the beginning of her career there she has been responsible for all warehoused items including meters, hydrants, pipe and fittings, and valves
for the distribution department. Melanie’s larger contracts include landscaping for the 40+ sites throughout Fairfax County and all chemicals for water treatment there. Melanie invites any VAGP member who has questions about working with these commodities to contact her at [email protected].
Melanie will celebrate her tenth wedding anniversary with her husband Tom in September of this year. They have two beautiful boys, Christopher and Nathaniel, and enjoy spending time at the lake with family and friends.
If you would like to recommend a VAGP member to appear in the next News & Views publication please contact Mary Pennington at [email protected].
Members in Motion!
MeLAnIe tILLotson, cPPB
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Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By LeeAnne Beatty Smith, VCAPublic Relations Committee Chair
cAn You nAMe tHIs VIrGInIA LAnDMArK?
On a warm day in March, there’s no better place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends than this beautiful Virginia
landmark. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this landmark offers 20 miles of biking and fitness trails, along with 1.25 miles of beachfront property. The outdoor adventurer can partake in many activities including boating, swimming, nature and history programs, hiking, biking, and picnicking. If one day is not enough, visitors can extend their excursion by settling into the site’s many overnight camping accommodations. Be ready to meet the early morning fitness buffs who fill the trails to start their day with a serene morning activity, and don’t be surprised by a brush of fur running by you, as this site welcomes and accommodates our four-legged companions.
The name of this landmark commemorates the 1607 landing of the Virginia Company on Cape Henry. The group of settlers that made landfall here eventually moved west and formed Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America.
Got a guess? Think you know Virginia? Visit us on Facebook and tell us! The first person to comment on VAGP’s Facebook page with the correct answer wins a VAGP goody. Name the VAGP member in the photos and get extra bragging rights!
Send a suggestion for another Virginia landmark to feature in the News & Views to [email protected].
Where Am I?MAKe A Guess...
WIn A PrIze!
senate side in anticipation of a favorable result from the house.
While VAGP cannot and does not even attempt to take full credit for these legislative successes as we are only one of many entities working together, our efforts do matter and the VAGP is well regarded and respected by both legislators and the other players in this process. I attribute that to the efforts and professionalism of those who have served the VAGP in a similar capacity in the past, which both laid a foundation for the work we do today and established a favorable reputation that allows us to come to the table with credibility and as an equal partner.
Our work is not yet done this year. The fate of the advertising bill at this time is very much in doubt. The plan of the VAGP Legislative Committee is to do everything that we can so that we know we have presented our very best effort, and then accept the result and move forward; but you can help! Please join our efforts by contacting your representative to let them know you support HB 1193! Locate your local representative’s contact information here. Together we can make a difference!
(above) Roxanne Ehardt, Kathie Haggerty, Kisha Allen, Yvonne Daniel, Chris Steele, Secretary of Administration Lisa Thomas-Hicks, Kelly Okken, J. Kevin Beardsley, Jan Giffin, Bill Lindsey
(below) Kelly Okken, Andrew Sinclair, Bill Davis, Bill Lindsey, Delegate Ron Villanueva, Diane Erway, Yvonne Daniel, Kathie Haggerty, Kisha Allen, Roxanne Ehardt, Jan Giffin, Chris Steele, J. Kevin Beardsley
(Day on the Hill, continued from page 1..)
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Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
By Jeff Moyer, CPPBPublic Relations Committee Member
Recently my department has seen some normally solid and dependable vendors turn in extremely weak customer service. Recently I ordered an item and the
vendor shipped me that item in error, and then wanted to charge extra freight to ship me the correct item. This same vendor also delayed shipment of an important order for no good reason and didn’t think it necessary to call me about it.
Two other vendors I work with can’t seem to provide whole goods or support in a timely fashion and yet expect my locality to take on a new and unproven item with a questionable pedigree without thought. I have asked for more information from vendors and get a sales pitch and excuses but no solutions other than, “here, take this new item, it will solve all your problems!” I hear enough of that on TV every evening.
The list goes on and on and I ask myself, what has become of customer service and dedication to a product or principle? Why can’t these vendors take care of me and my organization in the fashion I expect? Am I really asking for too much? I liken it to how some young people behave in their first experience in the work place: is it really that hard to count my change back to me, smile, and not carry on a conversation with somebody else about what you did last night while you’re waiting on me?
What can we as purchasers reasonably expect from our vendors? Do we allow for human error and circumstances that could not be avoided? Vendors have the same basic needs, problems, and concerns that we do. They fight with a spouse, the car needs repairs, schools call about their kids, etc. Do we expect perfection each and every time, and if so, why?
Then it dawned on me. How many times have I dropped the ball and let down those who depend on me? Am I expecting my vendors to perform to a level that I don’t try to achieve myself? What happens when I don’t have enough materials on hand to keep that 30” waterline project moving ahead or when the storm knocks out that traffic intersection or the order I placed hasn’t arrived and I haven’t called to follow up on it?
I think we are entitled to expect the best from our vendors, co-workers, and organizations
if we as purchasers are giving the same level of service and dedication that we expect to receive. No one expects us to be perfect in everything we undertake, but there should be a reasonable expectation that we will give it our best and if we fall short that we will make every effort to address the issue in a timely and satisfactory manner. Do we extend the same to those who serve us?
High expectations?
Am I expecting my
vendors to perform
to a level that I
don’t try to achieve
myself?
VAGP participated as an exhibitor at the DGS Forum on November 15, 2011. Even P’Card came out to help!
VAGP at the DGs forum
Susan Kenney-Lambert and Elizabeth Baum at the VAGP booth.
Elizabeth Baum, Gigie Button, and Susan Kenney-Lambert enjoy a great lunch.
