
About The Institute
The Institute is a by-invitation only consortium of leading public sector procurement executives. Their goal is to create on-demand training offerings which promote best practices across jurisdictions. Institute executives bring with them experience obtained at the highest levels of state and local procurement organizations. Their specialties include policy development and implementation, contract negotiations, management of large scale systems integration projects, staff training, and supplier development. Each executive has been invited to participate because of their reputations as educators, innovators and leading practitioners in public procurement.
Why Training-On-Demand is Important
Procurement is a risky business, especially when using RFPs. There are many issues and events that can de-rail a project. Risks can be reduced or eliminated by using experienced staff and providing training for key participants in the RFP process.
These days, training dollars are disappearing from many organizations' budgets and experienced people are often unavailable.
One solution to the lack of experienced staff and the almost zero budget for training is to acquire inexpensive CD-based training and make it readily available “on demand” to all stakeholders and participants in the procurement process.
The institute@rfpmentor.com will offer CD-based training from leading procurement executives. The training will deal with all aspects of the RFP process. The training will focus on the needs of staff that have little experience with procuring goods and services in the public sector.
Training CDs Available Now
Training CDs Schedule for 2006
Benefits
There are many problems with traditional training. It's never available when it's needed. Often, key stakeholders who would benefit greatly from specific training resist attending an in-house course, especially if sponsored by the procurement department. Sending your people to a conference or training facility is often impractical as it consumes both time and scarce travel money.
CD-based Training Solves These Problems:

Provides training on-demand, when it's needed. For example, an engineer who has just been assigned the task of writing a statement of work for a new recycling facility can simply “CLICK” and learn all about preparing a Statement of Work. There is no need to find and attend a course which may not be offered for weeks or months.
Reduces overall training costs. Any stakeholder can take the course at work, or at home. There is no need to travel to an off-site training center or a conference.
Improves efficiency and quality. By taking the course and then reviewing it when it's needed, more of the information is retained and incorporated into the process.
Reduces risks. A more complete document results from using the examples, checklists and template presented in the course.
Brings all project members up to speed quickly, discreetly . Often, having the course available means that it will be taken by stakeholders “as needed” and it can be done discreetly. (Senior executives and many many engineers like “on-demand” training because no one knows that you've taken it. Attending a class often means that you are admitting your lack of knowledge.)
Saves time and increases flexibility. These courses can be taken wherever there is internet access to your organization's web site. At any time of the day or night; from any location.
Add some expertise and excitement to your next conference!!
Each member of the Institute is available to give a speech, workshop or participate in a round table discussion at your next conference or professional development day.
Most of us have a variety of topics and presentations. Give Michael Asner a call (604.530.7881) or send him an email (michael@rfpmentor.com) and we can discuss your requirements, availability of our speakers and the associated costs. Click here for information about our speakers.