|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPBA Annual Meeting + Special AI Presentation |
|
|
|
Don’t Miss the OPBA Annual Meeting – June 19!
Join us for key updates, board elections, and a special 30-minute feature on AI in municipal government.
Special Presentation:
5 Myths of AI Assistant Usage at Canadian Municipalities
Presented by Andrew Wilgar, Co-Founder of GovAI
Free for OPBA members | 1.0 contact hour
Register Now
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
2025 Early Bird Rates End July 7 – Need Approval? We’ve Got You Covered |
|
Join us at the OPBA Annual Conference an action-packed agenda designed to elevate your procurement practice:
• AI in Procurement
• Innovative Construction Strategies
• Shifting from Tactical to Strategic Roles
• Legal Considerations for AI in Vendor Tools
Start planning with our Justification Letter Template to support your approval process.
📄Download the Justification Letter Template [Word]
Don’t wait – early bird pricing ends July 7!
The full agenda is now live—secure your spot today.
👉 Visit the OPBA’s 67th Annual Conference & Tradeshow website to learn more and register.
Questions? Contact us at conference@opba.ca.
|
|
|
|
|
Strengthening Public Procurement through Strategic Partnerships
SPONSORED CONTENT |
|
|
|
Strong partnerships are essential to achieving effective public procurement outcomes. In the public sector, strategic collaboration among purchasing groups, government agencies, and key stakeholders fosters efficiency, compliance, and innovation—while generating greater value for buyers.
“Collaboration is the best opportunity to fully understand government priorities and policies. And it sets what the expectations are, in terms of what needs to be met from the government’s perspective,” says Ben Hamilton, OECM’s Vice President of Government Relations and Partnerships. |
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
|
🌟 Member Spotlight – We Want to Feature You!
Do you or someone you know have a great story to share? We want to hear from you!
The Caveat Emptor e-newsletter is shining a light on the incredible public procurement professionals across our membership. Whether you're leading innovative projects, giving back to your community, mentoring others, or just have a unique perspective on the work we do—this is your time to shine.
Share your story or nominate a colleague to be featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight.
Submissions can highlight professional achievements, career journeys, lessons learned, or personal passions that inspire your work.
📩 Submit your story or nomination to Serena Wilgress at swilgress@thebluemountains.ca.
Together, let’s shine a light on the great work happening across our membership.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
OECM Launches 3rd Generation EUC Agreement
OECM, Ontario’s trusted partner in collaborative strategic sourcing, proudly announces the launch of its third-generation End-User Computing (EUC) Products and Related Services Agreement. Since its initial introduction in 2012, the EUC Agreement has been instrumental in supporting Ontario’s Education, Municipal, and Broader Public Sector (BPS) customers.
Discover the benefits of the new EUC Agreement today at bit.ly/4hE6M9T
Contact Us
For more information, please contact OECM's dedicated Customer Support team via email at customersupport@oecm.ca.
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest OECM news and agreements.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
How Sustainable Procurement enhances procurement for the City of Mississauga |
|
|
|
What is Sustainable Procurement?
Sustainable Procurement evaluates social, environmental and Indigenous impacts, in addition to cost, quality and service, when purchasing goods and services to achieve best value. By considering social, environmental and Indigenous impacts the City enhances its procurements by minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing social and Indigenous benefits.
How is sustainability integrated into procurements?
Sustainability is integrated in procurements through the City of Mississauga’s Sustainable Procurement policy which is supported by the City’s Procurement By-law.
|
| Read More |
|
 |
|
Andrea McLeod, Sustainable Procurement Consultant
City of Mississauga |
|
|
|
|
|
Understanding Project Delivery Models in Construction: A Guide to Procurement and Management
Authored by Joseph Adekale, Category Manager – Construction, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) |
|
The construction industry relies on various project delivery models to manage complexity, allocate risk, and optimize financial arrangements. These models define relationships between owners, contractors, designers, and financiers, significantly impacting project outcomes. Below is an in-depth exploration of key construction delivery models, their benefits, challenges, and best-use scenarios. |
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Dear Erb: Vendor Performance Woes |
|
|
|
Dear Erb,
I’m having a lot of issues with vendor performance, and user departments are coming to me for help. Where do I even start on creating a new program or policy for my organization?
Signed,
Poor Performance Pains
|
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
|
Ontario's New Procurement Restriction Policy: A Trade-Compliant Tangle? |
|
|
|
In March, the Province of Ontario introduced a new Procurement Restriction Policy, a direct response to protectionist measures emerging from the United States amid ongoing tariff tensions. The policy, which applies to Ontario ministries, agencies, and designated broader public sector (BPS) organizations—but not municipalities—aims to exclude U.S. businesses from participating on Ontario public procurements. |
| Read More |
|
 |
|
Lise Patry, LXM LAW LLP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
New Members
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new members:
• Arathy Murali, Workplace Safety & Insurance Appeals Tribunal
• Sanna D'Ornellas, City of Ottawa
• Nelson Severino, City of Mississauga |
| Read More |
|
|
|
Ready to turn your European travel dreams into reality? |
|
|
|
As a Perkopolis member, you have exclusive access to unbeatable deals on hotels, resorts, and experiences across Europe’s most iconic destinations — from the cobbled streets of Paris to the sun-drenched coasts of Greece.
Whether you're planning a weekend in Rome, a scenic rail trip through Switzerland, or a summer getaway in the Mediterranean, Perkopolis helps you travel better — and spend less. As a reminder, Perkopolis is your members-only gateway to exclusive offers and savings on travel, entertainment, shopping, and more. It’s completely free to use and tailored to elevate your everyday experiences.
Attached is a flyer with information regarding registering for your Perkopolis account and all the amazing perks available to you!
A perk of being an OPBA member is getting access to Perkopolis – it’s free to join.
To join OPBA’s Perkopolis program, please email members@opba.ca with the e-mail address you would like associate with your Perkopolis account, and you’ll hear from us soon with next steps.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boost Your Professional Development!
There’s no better time to invest in your growth—why not book a course or two? Explore our upcoming educational sessions below and take the next step in your procurement journey. |
|
|
|
People Leaders Meeting (formerly Managers Meeting) | A Networking Event for Procurement Leaders
Friday, May 30, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual Event
Registration closes May 29, 2025
This is not a professional development session—it’s a peer networking event designed exclusively for procurement professionals who lead others within their organizations, no matter their title.
Join us for an open, collaborative space where management- and leadership-level peers come together to exchange ideas, troubleshoot common challenges, and strengthen connections across the profession.
What to Expect:
• A welcoming, judgment-free space to share experiences
• Flexible, discussion-based format—no lectures or presentations
• A chance to broaden your perspective and learn from others
• A safe and inclusive environment that values every voice
Help Shape the Conversation: Have a topic idea or burning question? Send your suggestions to events@opba.ca so we can tailor the agenda to what matters most to you.
A free OPBA member exclusive opportunity! Attendees are eligible for two (2) contact hours.
Let’s make this session meaningful—together.
Register Here |
|
|
|
Procurement Specialists Meeting
Monday, June 23, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
Virtual Event
Registration closes on June 20, 2025
Join us quarterly for an inclusive gathering of procurement peers! These meetings provide a welcoming space for professionals engaged in procurement within their organizations, regardless of title. Each session features a structured yet flexible format, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute, share insights, and discuss current topics of interest. Come ready to ask questions, listen, and connect with peers during this interactive virtual networking experience.
Note: These sessions are specifically designed for professionals actively involved in procurement and are not intended for people leaders who do not directly procure goods and services.
Have a burning question or discussion topic? Send it to events@opba.ca at least one week before the meeting.
A free, OPBA member-exclusive opportunity! Attendees can earn two (2) contact hours for participating.
Register Here |
|
|
|
Build Your Foundation with our Principles Program
Our Principles Program courses provide essential training in public sector procurement, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to excel. |
|
|
|
Principles - Introduction to Public Procurement
June 4 - 5, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes Wednesday, May 28, 2025
This course is the pre-requisite for the Principles of Effective Public Procurement certificate program, giving an introduction to policy and procedures, authority and agency, the public procurement cycle and other aspects of the function of purchasing. Candidates will be given an overview of legal considerations procurement staff need to know when developing and handling bid documents, deciding the best procurement option (tender and RFP processes), as well as discuss centralized versus decentralized procurement systems.
Register Here
|
|
|
|
Principles - Introduction to Construction
June 11 - 12, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Introduction to Construction is an elective of the Principles Certificate program. The course content has been updated to ensure that learners receive current information related to construction procurement in today’s environment. This course provides a step-by-step description of the process to retain a general contractor for construction using the design/bid/build contract model and stipulated price contract.
Register Here |
|
|
|
Public Procurement Specialties Courses
Our Public Procurement Specialties courses are designed for those ready to advance their skills. |
|
|
|
Supplier Performance
May 31, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes Friday, May 23, 2025
Contractor/Supplier/Consultant (Suppliers) Performance Program (the Program) sets out the guidelines for managing the performance of Suppliers. The program is administered in accordance with the agency’s procurement policy. The project manager is responsible for administering the program in accordance with the policy.
The purpose of this training is to provide support with supplier performance trends that will be assessed over both the short and long term to provide suppliers with feedback and to facilitate continuous improvement, where required. Feedback from the project manager to the supplier will be provided through written evaluation as described below.
Register Here
|
|
|
|
RFPs - A Step-by-Step Guide for Public Procurement Professionals
June 28 - 29, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes Friday, June 20, 2025
In this course, participants will uncover the secrets behind crafting successful Request for Proposals. The content is presented in an easily digestible format, providing an overview of RFP-related issues and responsibilities. Participants will have an in-depth look at all elements of the RFP process, including policies and procedures, RFP templates, methodology, communications with proponents, compliance, price proposals, contract assembly, and more. By the end of the training, participants will understand all facets of the RFP process, including how to provide relevant information during debriefings.
Register Here
Click here to view our course calendar and register.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
GovDeals
“Building the Bridge Between Transportation and Sustainable Practices: How Governments Selling Online Benefits the Global Economy and Constituents” highlights the critical role of online sales in liquidating government assets. Encompassing a wide array of properties, vehicles, and commercial products, online auctions not only streamline government processes but also take an important step in building better futures for surplus disposition powered by the circular economy.
Read More |
|
 |
|
Expedite and Simplify Your Projects with Job Order Contracting (JOC)
Whether it’s repairs, renovations, upgrades or straightforward construction, JOC allows you to put contractors in place immediately on a substantial number of projects with one, competitively awarded contract.
Watch Video Now |
|
|
|
|
|
Be an Exhibitor at the 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow—Win a Free 2026 Conference Registration! |
|
|
|
Calling All OPBA Member Agencies—Participate for Free!
Don’t miss your chance to participate as an exhibitor in the 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow. This event is your opportunity to:
• Showcase your agency’s procurement processes to vendors.
• Network with suppliers eager to collaborate with the public sector.
• Share insights on how businesses can work with your agency.
|
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
|
Osgoode Professional development |
|
|
|
OPBA members receive 10% off the following OsgoodePD legal education programs using code OPBA-10:
The Osgoode Certificate in Contract Management for Construction and Infrastructure Projects
May 26-30, 2025 | In-Person or Online (Live)
Signing the contract is not the end, it’s the beginning. Once you or your organization have entered into a contract and put the management building blocks in place, you need to ensure that you are properly equipped to manage its implementation and handle all of the problems that may come up during its lifecycle. This intensive, five-day certificate will give you the tips and strategies you need to address some of the most challenging and complex situations that can negatively impact your contract management process. Register today! |
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coordinator of Purchasing Operating Projects |
|
|
|
|
The Corporation of the City of Brantford |
|
|
|
|
Corporate Procurement Specialist |
|
|
|
|
|
| Read More |
|
|
|
Advertising and Sponsored Content in the Caveat Emptor enews:
The OPBA is diversifying its revenue sources so that we are not solely reliant on revenue generated through membership fees. Our goals are to strengthen the financial health of the association and continue to deliver valued member services while maintaining a reasonable cost of membership. We appreciate the support of our partner vendors and suppliers, many of whom have advertising and sponsored content in this enews. Articles provided by advertisers are solely for the purpose of raising awareness. OPBA does not endorse, promote, or advocate any products and services.. |
|
|
|
www.opba.ca | Media Kit | Archive
The Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) is a not-for-profit professional association representing public procurement professionals throughout Ontario. We promote the ethical and effective expenditure of public funds and encourage excellence in public purchasing through our continuing professional development opportunities, the encouragement of certification programs and through networking among our members. |
|
|
|
|
|
brought to you by MediaEdge Digital | http://www.mediaedge.ca |
|
MediaEdge Communications, 251 Consumers Road Suite 1020, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4R3, Canada
Click here to unsubscribe. |
|
|
