Workshop Description:
This workshop provides a practical overview of the public purchasing process, focusing on core principles, best practices, ethical standards, and effective procurement methods. Participants will gain a clear understanding of purchasing authority, solicitation procedures, cooperative purchasing, and evaluation and award processes. The training combines instructor-led discussion and interactive small-group exercises to reinforce practical application.

Who Should Attend:

• Purchasers or buyers responsible for purchases under competitive bid thresholds or through informal procurement processes
• Department managers, administrative staff, user departments, auditors, VETHUB coordinators, procurement card users, and anyone seeking a stronger understanding of public procurement fundamentals

Course/Workshop topics:

• Principles, roles, and best practices of public purchasing
• Ethical standards of conduct in government procurement
• Purchasing authority and organizational structure
• Purchasing methods and threshold considerations
• Solicitation, evaluation, and award processes

Benefits of Attendance – participants will:

• Understand the foundational principles and strategic role of public purchasing
• Apply ethical standards and compliance requirements in procurement activities
• Select appropriate purchasing methods based on procurement needs and thresholds
• Identify informal versus formal procurement requirements
• Navigate the solicitation process, including evaluation and award best practices