Procurement Training & Development

Understand the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations that govern procurement decisions and contract design. Apply these policies in a manner that enables innovative solutions to achieve desired outcomes rather than imposes constraints. Comply with public policy mandates, such as procurement-related socioeconomic goals and support for disadvantaged businesses.

Provide effective coordination for the purchase of public goods and services through project planning, developing and executing schedules and time lines,and managing for outcomes.

Understand the mechanics of contracts and the contracting process, including the acquisition life cycle, elements of a contract, method and strategy, pricing techniques, competition, and principles of contract management. understand electronic contract management systems and reporting tools that support contract workflow and data reporting.

Comprehend internal customer needs and desired outcomes; structure requirements for solicitations and contracts to support overall mission.

Serve as a business adviser and manager throughout the procurement life cycle, and demonstrate a firm grasp of business and market fundamentals. Conduct fundamental procurement financial analyses:

• Spend analysis: Understand past, current, and future projected spending.
• Cost and price analysis: ensure that government is getting the best value in exchange for its investment, and understand alternative cost and price strategies and how they are influenced by requirements.
• Market analysis: Understand supplier capabilities, costs, pricing, product and service trends, and overall supplier market dynamics.

Apply critical thinking skills to develop innovative solutions that balance internal customer needs, best practices, core mission objectives, and procurement regulations.

Analyze and manage all aspects of financial, time line, performance, and legal risk associated with complex procurements.

Develop and execute effective negotiation approaches based on a strong understanding of supplier costs and pricing strategies, and of product capabilities.

Work with internal customers to ensure suppliers are meeting agreed-on deliverables. Manage contract change orders with appropriate justifications. Ensure government is providing suppliers with appropriate feedback and resources. Close out contracts efficiently and effectively.

Possess deep expertise in targeted industry sectors, including market trends, innovations, pricing and cost, competition, and best practices for structuring relationships. (examples of targeted sectors common to public agencies include information technology, facilities management and services, and professional services.)

Provide effective coordination for the purchase of public goods and services through project planning, developing and executing schedules and time lines,and managing for outcomes.

Partner with suppliers throughout the procurement process to ensure proper understanding of internal customer requirements and needs. Provide ongoing management of relationships with suppliers through the entire process to ensure performance against requirements and alignment with broader mission goals.