JOIN US FOR OUR NEW WEB SERIES
The Center for Procurement Excellence is pleased to announce a free new interactive web series, “Ask of the RFP Doctor”. In this first-of-its-kind virtual discussion, procurement experts provide practical advice in addressing today’s purchasing, supply chain, and acquisition challenges. Here’s how it works:
• Teaching Moment (15 minutes): the RFP Doctor will kick things off with a brief presentation targeted at a specific topic
• CPE Virtual Peer Group (30 minutes): next, we will split up into small groups and give attendees an opportunity to network with each other and have a discussion on a relevant topic. Learn More
• Ask the RFP Doctor – Office Hours (15 minutes or until the questions run out!): we’ll come back together for an open Q&A session. Have a challenging RFP ahead? Have a unique situation? Bring your questions and let’s get it figured out!
Third Thursdays of every month starting at 12:00pm Central
Register For Ask The RFP Doctor Event
We will send you your personal admission credentials via email.
Upcoming Ask the RFP Doctor Events
Add them to your Calendar!
20
October
Announcing CPE’s New RFP Library
Our RFP Library contains more than 3,000 RFPs & SOWs issued in the last 15 years. We’ll showcase how to navigate the RFP Library, which is organized into 4 collections of IT, AEC, FM, and Business Services.
17
November
The Administrative Burdens of Reference Checks
There are many ways to perform reference checks on proposing firms… so how can we do this as efficiently as possible? We’ll recommend ways to streamline your procedures.
15
December
Document Deficiencies During the RFP Process
Research shows that contractors discover nearly two-thirds of document deficiencies during the proposal phase. Yet owners usually don’t learn of these until afterthe contract is signed. So what can we do in the RFP phase to encourage earlier–and more transparent–feedback from our contractors?
19
January
Can you evaluate Fee in A/E Procurements?
Architecture & engineering (A/E) professionals have traditionally been procured by QBS, yet clients are increasingly seeking to evaluate fees. Is this OK? Let’s scratch the surface of this hot-button topic!
16
February
What is Cost Worth?
Remember the joys of mathematical proofs from grade school? The RFP Doctors are whipping out their calculators to PROVE the fundamental equation of cost evaluations (Cost > 35% = LOW BID)
16
March
What are the “Best” Evaluation Criteria?
The fundamental purpose of evaluation criteria is to differentiate between competing proposals. But which criteria do this the best? We’ll breakdown a study that investigated this question across 1,850 proposals.
20
April
Highly Qualified = More Expensive?
Do highly qualified proposals automatically come with a hefty price tag? Let’s review a study which correlated cost vs. qualifications across more than 1,850 proposals.
18
May
How to Evaluate “Synergy” Among Proposing Teams
Owners often want know whether proposing teams have a healthy working relationship with each other. But how can we truly evaluate this? We’ll identify common pitfalls & recommend best practices.
15
June
Unintended Consequences of Pre-Qualifications
Step 1: Pre-Qualify; Step 2: Compete via RFP. Many market segments advocate for this approach, but are there any downsides? Yes, many! Let’s discuss!
20
July
How to Handle Late Proposals
What do we do when vendors submit their proposals late? The answer may seem obvious, but we’ll share several real scenarios that will challenge your procurement instincts!
17
August
Challenges of Minimum Qualifications
No one wants to waste their time evaluating a proposal from an unqualified firm, which is why many clients publish minimum qualifications. But min quals can be tricky to implement effectively!
21
September
Does Best-Value Cost More than Low-Bid?
When 100% complete construction docs are available, conventional wisdom suggests the Low-Bidder should be selected. Why select a more expensive bidder only to receive an equivalent scope of work? We’ll review the full cost implications of 118 Best-Value RFPs in DBB Construction.
CPE Virtual Peer Groups
CPE’s Virtual Peer Groups provide attendees an opportunity to network in one of four areas below. We’ll provide a suggested topic, and invite attendees to provide feedback and advice with each other.
| Peer Group | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership of Procurement Groups | CPOs, Procurement Leaderships, Executives |
| IT Procurement | All things IT including software, hardware, system integrator, and more |
| Capital Projects & Alternative Delivery | Strategies for large design and construction, including best practices for new alternative delivery methods (DB, PDB, CMAR/CMGC, IPD, P3) |
| Procurement Processes | Statements of Work, Evaluations, Interviews, Clarification, Partnering |