InsIde ThIs Issue From the Desk of the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Commit tee Repor ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3New Agency Award: Leading L ight .....................................5T h e S o l e S o u r c e M e t h o d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Upcoming 2011 Educa t i ona l O f fe r i ngs ...........................7VAGP Welcomes new Volunteer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

VAGP Scho la rsh ips Ava i lab le . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8VA G P S t r a t e g i c P l a n n i n g R e t r e a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 VAGP/CAPA Reve rse Trade Show ...............................10VAGP on Facebook, Twit ter and LinkedIn ..........................10Call for VAGP Fall Award Nominations .............................................11Look What ’s Coming. . . .....................................................12

Published for Members of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

September 2011

& News Views

VAGP 2012 Election: Your Voice, Your Vote

By Jennifer J. Luchard, CPPB, VCOVAGP First Past President

Elections for the 2012 VAGP Officers will take place on October 18 - 19, 2011. Don’t miss this opportunity to select our future leaders. It only

takes a few minutes to vote, and unlike the Electoral College, deciding on our leaders is by MAJORITY vote of the people!

Call for nominations! I am opening the “floor” for nominations. Please contact me if any member would like to place additional names up for nomination. Be sure to get permission from the person being nominated before placing their name as a candidate for office. The deadline for submission of nominations is October 11, 2011.

The nominee must meet the following criteria:

1. The member nominee belongs to the NIGP, as required of all elected board members.

2. The nominee must have been involved in this, or any other, professional association.

3. The nominee has made contributions to the VAGP in a volunteer capacity.

4. The nominee has an adequate number of years of professional purchasing experience in positions of increasing responsibility and complexity.

It is my pleasure to announce the candidates for VAGP Offices. Bios and photos of the candidates will be uploaded to the website soon. The candidates are:

VAGP PrESidEnt-ElEct: Bill Lindsey, CPPO, C.P.M., Gloucester County

VAGP trEASurEr: Jan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCO, Department of General Services/Division of Purchases & Supply

VAGP SEcrEtArY (Vote for 1): Doug Crenshaw, CPPB, VCO, Virginia Information Technologies AgencyStephanie Suter, CPPB, CPPO, City of Lynchburg

VAGP 2nd At-lArGE MEMbEr (Vote for 1): Ginger Gordon, CPPB, City of ManassasDwayne Young, CPPB, VCCO, VCO, Old Dominion University

When voting is open, you will receive an email notice from VAGP. To vote, sign in to the IMS section for members only on the website - www.VAGP.org. Try your password and login now to assure that you can log in to vote later. Photos of the candidates along with their bios will be available on the site. Mark your calendar, access IMS on the VAGP website, and VOTE!

Election results will be announced at the 2011 VAGP Fall Business Meeting on October 27, 2011. This meeting will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in conjunction with the 2011 VAGP Fall Symposium. I hope to see you there!

Page 2 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

boArd of dirEctorS

Officers

PresidentLinda Wade, CPPB

President-ElectKelly okken, cPPb, Vco, Vcco

TreasurerBill Lindsey, CPPO, C.P.M.

SecretaryJan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCO

First Past PresidentJennifer Luchard, CPPB, VCO

Second Past PresidentLisa A. Cumming, CPPO, CPPB,

C.P.M., VCO

First At–Large MemberCrystal Lawson Weller, CPPB, VCO

Second At–Large MemberGreg Scearce, VCO

Committee Chairpersons

conferencevacant

DiversitySharita L. Bryant, VCO, VCA

EducationGinger Gordon, CPPB

MembershipStephanie B. Suter, CPPO, CPPB

Professional DevelopmentVernice G. Grooms, VCO, VCA

Public RelationsGigie Button, CPPB

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; info@vagp.org. Subscriptions are included in the annual dues paid by members. Advertising rates and policies may be obtained by calling (757) 609-3696.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

From the Desk of the PresidentBy Linda Wade, CPPB

It was great seeing so many fellow VAGP members at the 2011 NIGP Forum in August! Although Hurricane Irene cut my Forum attendance short, she could not compete with the force of all the Forum excitement

and activities. VAGP, several of our members, and several Virginia agencies have much to celebrate! The following NIGP awards and recognitions were announced during the Forum. Please join me in congratulating all of these deserving recipients!

LARGE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARDVirginia Association of Governmental Purchasing

PURCHASING MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARDJennifer Luchard, CPPB, VCO, Procurement and Risk Management Services Manager, City of Charlottesville

ANNE DEATHERAGE MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDTina Borger, CPPO, NIGP Executive Director, Research and Technical Services

o u t S tA n d i n G AG E n c Y Ac c r E d i tAt i o n ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS Culpeper CountyHenrico CountyMontgomery CountyOA4 Accreditation certification is valid for three years. Visit NIGP’s website for a complete listing of all accredited agencies.

AEP rEciPiEntSLoudoun CountyGeorge Mason UniversityNorfolk Public SchoolsOld Dominion UniversityPrince William County Public SchoolsVirginia Beach City Public Schools

cErtifiEd AGEnciES (fully uPPcc certified)City of ManassasOld Dominion University (Sterling Agency Award Recipient)Spotsylvania County Public SchoolsVirginia Beach City Public Schools (Sterling Agency Award Recipient)

During the Forum Awards Luncheon, NIGP also recognized new certified professionals attending the Forum. Certified Public Procurement Officers included George Armstrong, CPPO, CPPB, District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority and Stephanie Suter, CPPO, CPPB, City of Lynchburg. Certified Professional Public Buyers recognized included Christine Taylor, CPPB, VCO, VCA, Tidewater Community College.

As the season begins to change and we move closer towards the fall, VAGP has several exciting events planned including the VAGP/CAPA Reverse Trade Show; VAGP’s Fall Symposium; presentation of our fall scholarships and awards; and election of our 2012 officers. The VAGP/CAPA Reverse Trade Show will be held September 8 in Richmond.

(continued on page 5...)

Page 3 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

EducAtion coMMittEEBy Ginger Gordon, CPPB

Education Committee Chair

I am pleased to announce the following VAGP Members who have successfully completed the Spring 2011 UPPCC certification examination, which was administered in May of 2011. cErtifiEd Public ProcurEMEnt officEr (cPPo) Mr. George R. Armstrong, CPPO, CPPBDistrict of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority cErtifiEd ProfESSionAl Public buYEr (cPPb) Mrs. Delphine Genevieve Lambert, CPPBArlington CountyMs. Sybil H. Snee, CPPBLoudoun County Public SchoolsMs. Susan Kenney-Lambert, CPPBCity of ChesapeakeMs. Bonnie Gail Holloman, CPPBGloucester CountyMs. Caroline Renee Hester, CPPBCity of Virginia BeachMr. Keith L. Lee, CPPBCity of Virginia Beach Congratulations on a job well done! The next examinations for both CPPO and CPPB are scheduled for October 17-29, 2011. For more information about professional certification, visit the UPPCC website at http://uppcc.org. SEMinArS The VAGP Education Committee’s primary purpose is to offer continuing educational opportunities through the sponsorship of the NIGP courses and the NIGP Prep certification courses to the membership of the VAGP. Now with all that in mind the VAGP Education Committee is meeting during the first part of September to start working on the upcoming seminars to be offered for 2012. If you are interested in a particular NIGP Course that you would like to be held in your area or host at your facility, please contact myself or any one of the Education Committee members.

Remaining VAGP Seminars for 2011: Seminar Dates LocationDeveloping & Managing RFPs in the Public Sector Sep. 21-23 RichmondLegal Aspects of Public Procurement Oct. 4-6 LoudounWarehouse and Logistics Oct. 13-14 UMWProtests and Disputes: What’s a Buyer to Do? Oct. 28 FCPSContract Administration Nov. 2-4 RichmondContracting for Construction Services Nov. 9-10 ChesterfieldAlternate Dispute Resolutions Dec. 1-2 Manassas

diVErSitY coMMittEEBy Marvis W. Marshall, CPPBDiversity Committee Chair

Do you have a Supplier Diversity Program? A Supplier Diversity Program ensures that an organization’s procurement processes provide equal opportunities for all suppliers to compete for contracts in the public sector supply chain.

After spending many years in the field of procurement with a focus on supplier diversity, here’s my take on the various stages of a supplier diversity program.

Stage One: Basic Program• Not part of strategic plan (strategy, structure or culture)• Attend Advocacy Group events• Senior management not involved • No dedicated resources• No dedicated staff

Stage Two: Traditional Program• Demonstration of corporate commitment• Dedicated staff position• Establish Plan or Program• Executive management’s support

Stage Three: Advanced Process• Program manager at Director level• Sufficient resources• Process integrated into sourcing strategies• Senior management demonstrated commitment• Track progress

coMMittEE rEPortS

(continued on page 4...)

Page 4 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

While supplier diversity is surely a big part of procurement, it is not only procurements’ responsibility. It is a process that includes empowering the business units and other stakeholders on the ways and means of working together for a common outcome. It requires Supplier Diversity to become a strategic initiative that provides value to suppliers, employees and our citizens. uPcoMinG diVErSitY EVEntS

Hispanic Heritage Month - September

In 1968, Congress first designated the week including September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. This week was chosen because of two historical events: Independence Day (September 15), which celebrates the formal signing of the Act of Independence of Central America in 1821; and Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16), which commemorates the beginning of the struggle against Spanish control in 1810. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a full 31-day period beginning September 15. Disability Employment Awareness Month - October

In 1945, in an effort to assist disabled veterans, Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In the 1970s, a historic shift in disability public policy occurred. For the first time, the exclusion of people with disabilities was viewed as discrimination. The efforts of disability activists led to significant changes in laws, such as the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the designation of a full month to recognize the potential of America’s millions of working-age people with disabilities. American Indian Heritage Month - November

Since 1900, many have sought to recognize the great influence American Indians have had on the history, cultural development, and continuing growth of the U.S. Various dates and weeks were acknowledged until 1976, when Congress authorized a week in October as Native American Awareness Week. Finally, in 1990, the month of November was chosen because it is traditionally a time when many American Indians gather for fall harvest festivals, world-renewal ceremonies, and powwows.

ProfESSionAl dEVEloPMEnt (Prod)

coMMittEEBy Vernice G. Grooms, VCO, ProD Committee Chair

Don’t let budget cuts put a damper on your professional development! Professional development seminars are becoming more imperative as public agencies and procurement staffs are faced with doing “more with less”. However, despite budget cuts, continued professional development is critical to the Procurement profession.

Are you trying to figure out how to earn certification/re-certification points while dealing with budget cuts? If so, I have the solution for you. Become a Low-Fee Seminar Host!

By hosting a low-fee seminar at your agency, you or a member of your agency is eligible to attend the seminar at no charge and eliminate the travel expenses often associated with attending a professional development seminar. Hosting a low-fee seminar affords you the opportunity to enhance your professional procurement knowledge, network with other entities, earn free certification/recertification points and showcase your agency/locality all without consuming your agency’s budget.

The Professional Development Committee offers a variety of low-fee seminars designed specifically for the public purchaser. So, don’t let budget cuts put a damper on your professional development!

If you are interested in this professional development opportunity, please contact me today!

UPCOMING LOW-FEE SEMINARS

Virginia Public Procurement Act (9/19/11 PWCPS)This seminar provides an introduction and overview of the Virginia Public Procurement Act. Class is full!

Comp Sealed Bidding vs Comp Negotiation (10/21/11 COS)This seminar focuses on the competitive negotiation process, Request for Proposal development, and techniques for a win-win negotiation. The difference between competitive sealed bidding (Invitation for Bid) and competitive negotiations (Request for Proposal) are discussed.

(Committee Reports, continued from page 3...)

(continued on page 8...)

Page 5 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

By Crystal Weller, CPPB, VCO

VAGP has recently announced the new Leading Light Award. This new agency award program is to recognize an outstanding agency who has taken the “Lead” in the

public procurement profession through innovative ideas and achievements that “Light” the way for other public procurement professionals.

We continue to do more with less especially with recent economic downturns and budget cuts. We’ve creatively found solutions to the problems presented to us and found innovative ways to increase efficiency and productivity with little or no

increase in resources and/or budget. Now is our opportunity to get to the mountain top and scream our successes. The Leading Light Award opportunity is the bullhorn with which to scream. Here’s your chance to highlight things such as a new process implementation, an efficiency improvement, a new approach to contracting, etc.

How many agencies are willing to take advantage of this award opportunity and be recognized? To learn more about this exciting new agency award program, please visit VAGP’s website for complete details and submission requirements.

New Agency Award: Leading Light

www.VAGP.org/awards/leadinglight.html

Thank you to everyone who has registered to participate as a public agency exhibitor! Your support is truly appreciated and key to the success of the event each year. A diverse mix of suppliers, contractors, and consultants look forward to meeting with you to learn more about your agency and your procurement needs. Also, I would like to especially thank all our vendor partners who have registered to participate and support this year’s event. We look forward to meeting with each of you!

In October, please plan to join us in beautiful Fredericksburg for our next big event, VAGP’s Fall Symposium. VAGP is the host of this exciting event which will be held October 27-28th at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House and Conference Center. This low cost, high value event will focus on providing attendees with new ideas and tools to help you project the value of public procurement. The event program includes many great speakers and offers attendees great educational, professional development, and networking opportunities. The event will also include our Fall Business Meeting so we can discuss important Association business, including approval of next year’s budget. During the Symposium, our fall scholarships and awards will be presented, results of our fall election will be announced,

and our new 2012 Officers will be sworn in. Thank you to the Host Committee who has been hard at work to bring us a great program with lots of fun scheduled too including “A Night of Dinner and Fun” and a special charity event with all proceeds going to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Symposium registration is available so please plan to register early to assist the host committee with their planning efforts. For complete details, a link to the Fall Symposium Program Schedule and Registration Form is provided for you.

If you are working on your educational and professional development goals to make 2011 your year to shine, there’s still time to register for many remaining NIGP Seminar and VAGP Low-fee Seminar offerings. Please take advantage of these great opportunities and remember to register early to get the best NIGP seminar rate and to make the seminars a “GO”!

Congratulations again to all the award recipients and recognized VAGP members! It is a GREAT year for VAGP, and I am proud and honored to represent you as your President. Keep up the great work everyone!

(President, continued from page 2...)

Page 6 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

By Bill Lindsey, CPPO, C.P.M.VAGP Treasurer

Of the various procurement methods that are used to acquire goods and services for public entities, it is quite possible that administering a purchase program though

a single source may be one of the most challenging for a purchase officer. First of all, the standard operating procedure for any public purchaser always involves a strategy of seeking the highest degree of competition in order to acquire the best products or services for their client. So, to even think that your source selection is going to be limited to one vendor just goes against the grain of the cardinal principal of vying multiple bids and offers against others for the best buy.

How many of you have heard the statement made that there really is no such thing as a sole source? Unfortunately, this is a perception that may be shared by some of our ultimate customers, which are the taxpayers. Although the statement is usually coupled under a veil of frustration with government, it is an observation that can be detrimental to the professional integrity of the public procurement process.

As your colleague, I understand the difficult issues that public purchasers face when procurement desires are submitted as sole source requests. In a lot of cases, this request may be viewed as a challenge to the purchase office of proving the requestor wrong in their declaration that the item they desire is only available from one source. Unquestionably, this is not the type of environment that fosters a positive customer service approach with your clients, nor promotes a team approach targeted at being the best financial stewards for our citizens.

Rather, it is important that the purchasing office clearly communicate and train their customers to understand the various procurement methods available to the buyer. As it relates to requests for sole source purchases, your clients need to understand that the purchasing office is not against such actions, but rather this method is considered extraordinary and will require accompanying justification to be included with the request. At a minimum, this justification should explain the unique nature of the requested items and also why the vendor is the only available source. A review of the Procurement Act will also show that the framers offered some flexibility in this justification by indicating that the test

for a sole source was identified as the most ‘practicable’. In other words, this guidance tells us that this is ‘possibly’ a sole source or one based on everyone’s best judgment.

A lot of governmental entities have established written procedures for justifying sole source procurement requests. These range from multi-page documents to one of the most interesting formats where the public body would let the vendor include a letter declaring themselves as a sole source. Can’t say that I would support such a practice, but

communication with the suggested source is certainly not a bad idea in the development of a sole source request. Also, your customer needs to understand that the purchasing officer is not the know all or end all of every type of goods, services, and gizmo that is on the market. Therefore in many instances, the purchase officer will ‘default’ to their normal process of seeking competition for anything that hits their desk. It’s OK to tell a client that you don’t have familiarity with an item that is being proposed for a sole source purchase and to help you understand why this is the only source and especially why this the only vendor that can deliver the need.

As previously stated, there are many variations and procedures used across the state in justifying sole source procurement requests. At a minimum, if the following four questions can be answered, it may serve as an appropriate foundation to justify the sole source request:

• Explain why this is the only product or service that can meet the need.

• Explain why this vendor is the only practicable available source from which to obtain this product or service.

• Explain why the price is considered reasonable.• Describe the efforts that were made to conduct a

noncompetitive negotiation to get the best possible price for the taxpayers.

The various tools that the purchase officer uses to select the best method of procurement notwithstanding, probably one of the best is the networking opportunities offered through our professional association. Therefore, if you have questions regarding a specific sole source request, send out an inquiry through VAGP’s website. The institutional knowledge of our organization will never cease to amaze you!

The Sole Source Method

In many instances,

the purchase officer

will ‘default’ to their

normal process of

seeking competition.

Page 7 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

Upcoming 2011 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/education/seminars.html for a list of all 2011 courses offered.

SEMinAr titlE dAtES locAtion

Developing & Managing RFPs in the Public Sector Sep. 21-23 Richmond

Protests and Disputes: What’s a Buyer to Do? Sep. 30 COS

Legal Aspects of Public Procurement Oct. 4-6 Loudoun

Warehouse and Logistics Oct. 13-14 UMW

Contract Administration Nov. 2-4 Richmond

Contracting for Construction Services Nov. 9-10 Chesterfield

Alternate Dispute Resolutions Dec. 1-2 COM

VAGP 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/education/lowfee.html for a list of all 2011 courses offered.

SEMinAr titlE dAtES locAtion

VA Public Procurement Act Sep. 19 PWCPS Class is full!

Competitive Sealed Bidding vs. Competitive Negotiations Oct. 21 COS

Time and Materials Contracts Nov. 4 FC

diVErSitY coMMittEE chAir

VAGP welcomes Ms. Marvis Marshall, CPPB, to the Board of Directors as the 2011 Diversity Committee Chair. Marvis is the Supplier Relations Coordinator for Henrico County Purchasing. Welcome aboard Marvis!

VAGP Welcomes New Volunteer

Page 8 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

By Linda Wade, CPPBVAGP President

VAGP Scholarship opportunities are available to assist members with their professional development. Please take advantage

of these great opportunities to nominate a colleague or yourself for the chance to secure funds to offset training and professional development expenses. Complete details for all VAGP Scholarships are provided on our website. Below is a summary of VAGP’s Scholarships and upcoming deadlines.

J. Brad Oakley Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to a member who has served in a non-supervisory, non-management buyer or materials management related position. One scholarship valued at $750 each is offered, and the application deadline is September 16, 2011.

VAGP Manager-Level Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to a member who has served as a manager in a purchasing or related materials management capacity. One scholarship valued at $750 each is offered, and the application deadline is September 16, 2011.

“NEW” VAGP Certification Scholarship: This scholarship program is designed to provide financial assistance to members in need for the reimbursement of their CPPO and CPPB exam fees charged by Universal Public Procurement Certification

Council (UPPCC). VAGP offers these scholarships twice per year to align with UPPCC’s spring and fall exam periods. This new scholarship opportunity became effective with the 2011 Spring exam period and VAGP had 100% participation and reimbursement! Seven VAGP members achieved their new certification, took advantage of this great opportunity, and were awarded reimbursement of their exam fees. For the upcoming UPPCC fall exam period, the minimum goal of six scholarships are being offered ranging in value from $350-$650 each. For the 2011 Fall UPPCC Exam Period, the scholarship application deadline is January 17, 2012.

The J. Brad Oakley and VAGP Manager-Level Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the 2011 VAGP Fall Symposium in Fredericksburg, VA October 27-28. Scholarship awards will be in the form of a certificate valued at $750 each and will be valid for use through December 31 of the following year. Award recipients for VAGP Certification Scholarships will be determined after the fall exam period closes and results are announced by UPPCC. Scholarship awards will be in the form of reimbursement of the UPPCC exam fee. Please plan to take advantage of these great scholarship opportunities and good luck!

VAGP Scholarship Opportunities are Available!

NEW Certification Scholarship!

www.VAGP.org/education/scholarships.html

Time & Materials Contracts (11/4/11 FCGC)This seminar deals with the unique characteristics of time and material purchases on an as needed basis for repairs and emergencies. It will provide suggestions on how to deal with labor costs, repair parts, profit and overhead, travel time, administrative costs, securing estimates, and the importance of contract oversight/administration of contracts.

Pro d coMMittEE MEMbErS

Burtner, Brian, CPPB, VCO; Prince William County Public Schools ; 703-791-8736; burtneba@pwcs.edu

Crawford, Ivy, VCA; City of Suffolk; 757-514-7520;icox@city.suffolk.va.us

Dixon, Kelly, CPPB; King George County; 540-775-9181; kdixon@co.kinggeorge.state.va.us

Cheney, Christopher, CPPB; Vice Chair; County of Fairfax; 703-324-3279; christopher.cheney@fairfaxcounty.gov

Grooms, Vernice, VCO; Chairperson; City of Charlottesville; 434-970-3860; groomsv@charlottesville.org

(Committee Reports, continued from page 4...)

Page 9 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

(Left) Congratulations to the newest graduate of VAGP's Mentor-Protégé Program, Jimmy MacKenzie, VCO, Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA). Greg Scearce, Second At-Large Member, and Linda Wade, VAGP President, congratulate Jimmy for a job well done. Way to go, Jimmy!

(Above) Meet VAGP's new mascot, P' Card! Look for him perched proudly at VAGP's vendor expos, reverse trade shows and other events.

On May 5 - 6, 2011, the VAGP Board held their Strategic Planning Retreat at the secluded Airfield 4-H Conference Center in Wakefield, Virginia. During these two-days the Board rolled up their sleeves and went to work to begin planning the next three years. There are many great new ideas that have been put on paper and we are excited to present these to you and bring them to fruition in the coming years. Our work does not end here, as we will need you the membership to help make these next three years a great success! Thank you for all your comments and suggestions and we look forward to hearing more.

VAGP Strategic Planning Retreat

Page 10 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

By Jan Giffin, CPPO, CPPB, VCOVAGP Secretary

Believe it or not it is almost time for the 2011 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 become the exhibitors. The public agencies are represented by staff from the purchasing department or sometimes other large departments such as facilities, construction, public safety, and public works. The vendors then register as attendees and 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 travel 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.

We have many public agencies signed up for this year’s event. Many agencies are coming back for a second year because last year’s event was so successful. We look forward to this year’s event and hope you are one of the participating agencies.

2011 VAGP/CAPA Reverse Trade Show

You are invited to join VAGP on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/VAGPofNIGPStay connected with your VAGP friends!The VAGP fan page is now on Facebook. We encourage you to share your links, photos, and other personal items of interest to the membership and the public at large.

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.

Interested in Joining a VAGP Committee?We want enthusiastic volunteers with fresh ideas! Your efforts are essential to moving VAGP into the future. If you are interested in lending your time and expertise, go to www.vagp.org/about/committees.html for more details.

Page 11 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

By Linda Wade, CPPBVAGP President

It’s not too late to submit nominations for those deserving to be recognized with VAGP’s highest honors. VAGP’s Fall Awards

will be presented at the 2011 VAGP Fall Symposium in Fredericksburg, VA October 27-28. The submission deadline is September 16, 2011. Visit VAGP’s website for complete details and submission information. Please consider nominating a deserving individual or agency today!

AGENCY AWARD:

LEADING LIGHT AWARDThis new agency award program was implemented in July 2011. The purpose of this program is to recognize an agency for their outstanding contributions, achievements, and new initiatives that benefit their agency and/or other procurement professionals. The program also promotes sharing of innovative ideas and best practices within the procurement profession and VAGP’s membership. The Leading Light Award will be offered by VAGP in the fall of each year with the goal of recognizing an outstanding agency within VAGP’s membership.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:

T. GORDON SANDRIDGE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEstablished in 1994, this is VAGP’s most prestigious award, which is named in recognition of T. Gordon Sandridge, CPPO FNIGP. Mr. Sandridge, a charter member of VAGP and president in 1967, received VAGP’s Distinguished Service Award in 1984. In addition to his service to VAGP, Mr. Sandridge was president of NIGP from 1975 to 1976, served on the NIGP Board of Directors from 1969 to 1981, received his CPPO designation in 1977 and NIGP’s Distinguished Service Award in 1979. In 1982, he received NIGP’s highest award, the coveted Albert H. Hall Memorial Award in recognition of excellence in purchasing and outstanding contributions to the public purchasing profession. This award is presented to an individual who possesses high ethical and moral standards and in recognition of outstanding lifetime contributions and/or service to public procurement. Eligibility is restricted to past and/or present members of VAGP. Nominations should include a complete biographical sketch with detailed supporting information on the contributions and service of the individual as well as evidence of high ethical and moral standards.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDThe Distinguished Service Award is presented to a member or members displaying such distinguished service to the organization. The recipient of this award need not be a member of a purchasing association or of the purchasing profession

but must be recognized for service related to purchasing. The criteria for selection may include but are not limited to:

• Service to VAGP or NIGP which results in state and/ or national recognition that positively reflects on the purchasing profession.

• Providing active leadership in purchasing organizations and community affairs.

• Contributions to education and professional development at the state and/or national level.

• Activities that result in promoting the good name of purchasing organizations and/or the purchasing profession.

lifE MEMbErShiPSThere are two categories of Life Members, Regular and Retired, awarded to individuals for continuous and significant long-time service to VAGP. Nominations must outline the accomplishments and level of involvement of the nominee in the purchasing profession. The Regular Life Member should be actively involved in the purchasing profession and VAGP. The member should have displayed consistent involvement in VAGP through attendance of conferences and seminars and long-time support of the Association. The Retired Life Member shall be the same as a Regular Life Member but shall be retired from the profession.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDThis award recognizes a member or members displaying substantial volunteerism to the organization over the past year. The recipient of this award must be a member in good standing and must have served VAGP in a volunteer capacity during the previous calendar year. All members are eligible to receive this award except the voting members of the Board of Directors during their term of office. Individuals may nominate themselves, other members or elected officers could nominate individuals for this award. The criteria for selection may include but are not limited to:

• Service to VAGP which results in a substantial personal time donated to VAGP activities or service to the membership. This award is to recognize the member who has gone “above and beyond the call of the duty” in service to VAGP.

• Contributions to VAGP as demonstrated by service as a chapter volunteer as in a committee member or committee chair, volunteer instructor, conference host or other special contribution to the association through internal or external activities.

• Activities that result in promoting the good name of VAGP, activities which promote a positive reflection of VAGP, or a positive reflection on the purchasing profession.

Call for VAGP Fall Awards! Nomination Deadline is September 16, 2011

Page 12 - September 2011

Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

By Kelly Okken, CPPB, VCO, VCCOVAGP 2011 President-Elect

Below is updated information on our upcoming events through 2012. We welcome your input, questions, and ideas

for host sites, as well as volunteers. Get involved in VAGP!

RTS ‘11 Event: Reverse Trade Show Dates: September 8, 2011 Location: Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center, Richmond Host: VAGP/CAPA Contact: Kelly Okken (okkenkj@jmu.edu)

FALL ‘11 Event: VAGP Fall Symposium (no Expo) Dates: October 27-28, 2011 Location: Fredericksburg Hospitality House & Conference Center Host: VAGP Contact: Kelly Okken (okkenkj@jmu.edu)

SPRING ‘12 Event: Conference & Expo Dates: March 20-23, 2012 Location: Williamsburg Host: VAGP Contact: Kelly Okken (okkenkj@jmu.edu)

RTS ‘12 Event: Reverse Trade Show Dates: TBD Location: Richmond Host: TBD Contact: Kelly Okken (okkenkj@jmu.edu)

FALL ‘12 Event: VAGP Fall Symposium (no Expo) Dates: TBD Location: TBD Host: TBD Contact: Kelly Okken (okkenkj@jmu.edu)

Look what’s coming…

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 VAGP headquarters at smith2lb@jmu.edu.

VEndorSWHERE IS YOUR AD? Contact VAGP today to see yourself here!

2011 PRODUCTION SCHEDULE 4th QuarterMaterials Deadline Nov. 7Issue Available 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