|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There’s Still Time to Join Us at the OPBA Conference! |
 |
|
Join us Sept 17–19 in Alliston, Ontario, for three days of learning, networking, and inspiration with 225+ public procurement professionals from across Ontario.
• Sessions on AI, innovation, legal strategy & risk
• Dynamic tradeshow + networking opportunities
• Pre-conference workshops on Sept. 16
✅ The full agenda is live! Click here.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. |
|
|
|
|
The Power of Technology and Automation in Public Procurement
SPONSORED CONTENT |
|
|
|
Technology and digitalization are fundamentally transforming public procurement, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability while reducing costs and promoting innovation.
By embracing digital technologies, governments and public procurement organizations can streamline processes, improve data-driven decision-making, and create a more responsive and accountable public sector.
“The public procurement landscape is undergoing a significant digital transformation driven by the need for transparency, efficiency, compliance, and responsiveness to stakeholder expectations. In Ontario and across Canada, technology is becoming a central enabler in reimagining how public sector organizations plan, execute, and manage procurement,” says Khusen Shukurov, Vice President, Operations, OECM. |
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
|
OPBA’s Education and Learning Department is Now PPLL |
|
We’re excited to announce that OPBA’s education and learning department is now called the Public Procurement Learning Lab, or PPLL for short. This includes all of our Principles courses, Pro-D webinars and other learning resources.
What You Can Expect
Seamless Transition: The transition to PPLL will be smooth, and the new website will be integrated with our main OPBA site. You’ll continue to use the OPBA member portal, and all processes, including registration for courses and events, will remain familiar.
One-Stop Destination: PPLL will provide easy access to all OPBA’s learning content in one place, making it easier than ever to find and register for courses, webinars, and events.
Why PPLL?
PPLL is designed to offer a modern, user-friendly platform that supports your growth as a public procurement professional. With all of OPBA's learning resources available under one roof, PPLL will help streamline your educational experience.
Stay tuned for the official Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) website in September! |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
OPBA Mentoring Program: Round 2 Starts This October! |
 |
|
|
|
Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting your public procurement journey, OPBA's Mentoring Program offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside professionals you might not meet in your day-to-day work.
This program fosters meaningful networking, provides valuable feedback in a judgment-free environment, and supports the transfer of knowledge across generations—empowering both Mentors and Mentees to thrive in the dynamic world of public procurement. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Aligning Procurement with your Corporate Strategic Plan
By Lori Friesen, CPPB – Haldimand County |
|
|
|
With close to thirty years in public procurement, I’ve witnessed its evolution from a transactional or back-office function to a strategic partner that can deliver real value to an organization. Whether the strategic plan prioritizes being future ready (sustainability), exceptional service, economic vitality, service excellence, or good governance, aligning procurement activities ensures that every tax dollar spent contributes to efficient and effective outcomes. |
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance RFPs in the Public Sector
By Jeff McIntosh, Vice President Public Sector Aon |
|
|
|
Historically, there have been two main ways that public sector organizations procure their insurance policies; Full insurance RFPs and Insurance Broker Services RFPs. While the ultimate goal is to find the best combination of price, coverage and service, the ways in which these are accomplished by the different types of RFPs vary a great deal. In this article, we will break down the advantages and disadvantages of these procurement processes and help you decide which may be best for your organization. |
| Read More |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
On Demand: NIGP Headliner: Tariffs and the New World Order: What's a Buyer to do
Navigating the Impact of Tariffs on Government Contracts
Date: 04/16/2025 - 10/01/2025
Format: On Demand
Contact Hours: 1.5
Today’s headlines are dominated by discussions of tariffs—threats of new ones, implementation of existing ones, reciprocal tariffs, quotas, and other national-level market control measures. Whether merely proposed or actively enforced, tariffs can disrupt markets in significant ways. This session explores strategies to proactively and fairly manage these risks.
|
| Register Today |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
New Members
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new members:
• Michele Saunders, Cochrane District Services Board
• Nicole Andersen, City of Kitchener
• Carol Izzio, Sheridan College
• Grace Li, Sheridan College
• Bi Hua (Jessi) Chen, Toronto Community Housing Corporation
• Lisa Holmes, Toronto Police Service
• James Dobbin, Town of Milton
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new associates:
• Paul Iyaji, Greater Essex County District School Board |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
OPBA Ignite: Bid-Rigging Awareness Session |
 |
|
October 1, 2025 at 10:00 - 11:30 AM ET
Format: Interactive Zoom meeting
Registration closes on September 28, 2025 at 12 PM
The Competition Bureau’s bid-rigging awareness session is targeted to professionals who work in procurement and contracting departments. The presentation will provide an overview of the Bureau’s work and the bid-rigging provision of the Competition Act. In addition, the Bureau will offer warning signs on how to detect bid-rigging, including real case examples, as well as, tips to protect the integrity of your organization’s procurement activities.
Presenters:
Zachary Lacasse and Cassandra Clayman at Competition Bureau (GoC), Competition Law Officers from the Cartels Directorate
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that advocates for and protects Canadian consumers and works to foster a competitive and innovative marketplace in which Canadian businesses can prosper. The Cartels Directorate detects, investigates and deters hard core cartels, including conspiracies, agreements or arrangements among competitors and potential competitors to fix prices, rig bids, allocate markets or restrict supply.
Register Here |
|
|
|
Before you Build – Risks to Consider when Planning and Procuring a Complex Construction Project
Fall Workshop
November 19, 2025
1 PM - 3 PM ET
Registration closes November 18, 2025 at 12 PM ET
Join us for a hands-on, practical session designed to help procurement professionals navigate the complex world of insurance and risk management. Our risk specialists will support a procurement professional as she navigates the procurement process for a multi-faceted construction project.
Key topics include:
• Procurement and risk management frameworks and strategies
• Types of insurance and when to apply them (featuring a high-level insurance matrix)
• Certificate of Insurance (COI) basics and best practices
• A deeper look at COIs: what to look for, what often goes wrong, and how to protect your organization
• Practical tips and lessons learned from the field
This session will be interactive and focused on real-world application. Come with your questions and leave with tools you can use.
Register Here
|
|
|
|
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Exam Preparation 2-Day Course |
 |
|
September 8 + 9, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes September 2, 2025
The Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) is a recognized certification designed for procurement professionals performing essential functions within the procurement cycle. Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, learners must also complete the CPPB exam as the final step in earning their CPPB certification.
Please note, any queries around exam eligibility can only be answered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) as they manage the CPPB certification.
Preparation is important and the CPPB BoK-C (Body of Knowledge and Competencies) is your best resource. The CPPB BoK-C will guide your preparation efforts as it provides a comprehensive listing of the content that you will find on the exam, as well as the number of questions that will be presented from each of the content domains that comprise the BoK-C for CPPB.
Register Here |
|
|
|
Fall 2025 Course Registration Now Open!
Registration is also open for all Principles and Public Procurement Specialties courses from September to December. Our Public Procurement Learning Lab courses will launch in September and run alongside our Zoom offerings. Space is limited, so plan ahead and register early!
Click here for the link to our course calendar. |
|
|
|
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the Virtual PPLL Principles Course, please read the course description carefully to ensure you can attend the mandatory live Zoom session component. Attendance is required to earn your certificate. |
|
|
|
Principles - Procurement and the Law (Virtual - PPLL)
Course Access: September 2 – 30, 2025
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Monday, September 29, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Registration Deadline: August 25, 2025
Delivery Format: Self-paced online + mandatory live Zoom session
This course is delivered through OPBA’s Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) using the Brightspace learning platform.
This is a blended learning experience, combining self-directed online learning with a live instructor-led session. You’ll work through readings, quizzes, and assignments at your own pace throughout the month.
These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.
Register Here |
|
|
|
Principles - Introduction to Public Procurement (Virtual - PPLL)
Course Access: September 2 – 30, 2025
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Monday, September 29, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Registration Deadline: August 25, 2025
Delivery Format: Self-paced online + mandatory live Zoom session
This course is delivered through OPBA’s Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) using the Brightspace learning platform.
This is a blended learning experience, combining self-directed online learning with a live instructor-led session. You’ll work through readings, quizzes, and assignments at your own pace throughout the month.
These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.
Register Here
|
|
|
|
Principles - Risk Management (Virtual - PPLL)
Course Access: October 1 – 31, 2025
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Registration Deadline: September 24, 2025
Delivery Format: Self-paced online + mandatory live Zoom session
This course is delivered through OPBA’s Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) using the Brightspace learning platform.
This is a blended learning experience, combining self-directed online learning with a live instructor-led session. You’ll work through readings, quizzes, and assignments at your own pace throughout the month.
These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Procurement Specialist |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Procurement Category Lead – Special Projects |
|
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
