Workshop Description:
This workshop provides practical skills for developing clear, effective specifications for procuring goods and services. Well-written specifications are critical to achieving successful procurement outcomes, ensuring fair competition, and supporting effective contract administration. Participants will learn a structured approach to specification development that combines technical writing principles with real-world procurement practices. The workshop includes lectures, discussions, and hands-on exercises to reinforce learning through practical application.

Who Should Attend:

• New purchasers seeking to develop foundational specification writing skills.
• Experienced procurement professionals who want to strengthen technical writing and improve specification quality.
• Anyone responsible for planning, drafting, reviewing, or managing procurement specifications.

Course/Workshop topics:

• Importance and purpose of specifications
• Identifying needs and defining objectives
• Types of specifications and when to use each
• Brand name and approved product lists
• Planning and organization techniques
• Specification structure and formatting
• Technical writing best practices
• Determining minimum requirements
• Writing Statements of Work (SOW)
• Payment methods

Benefits of Attendance – participants will:

• Apply technical writing principles to develop effective specifications
• Select appropriate specification types based on procurement needs
• Use clear and precise language to reduce ambiguity and risk
• Develop specifications that support effective monitoring and administration