JOIN US FOR OUR WEB SERIES
The Center for Procurement Excellence is pleased to announce a free 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!
19
June
The Hidden Cost of Aggressive Negotiation
Many procurement teams pride themselves on negotiating lower prices, but aggressive negotiation tactics can ultimately harm the client. When suppliers anticipate constant cost-cutting, they adjust their pricing strategies to compensate—often leading to higher overall costs and strained relationships.
17
July
How to Handle Surprises during Negotiations
Unexpected gaps in project requirements or late discoveries during negotiations can completely derail a procurement process. This session explores real-world examples of how missing critical details—whether in scope, budget, or technical specifications—can create major challenges and what procurement professionals can do to anticipate and address these issues before they become costly problems.
21
August
Using AI to Analyze Trends in Bid Data
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform the way procurement teams interpret and utilize bid data. In this session, we’ll explore how AI-driven analytics can uncover hidden patterns, predict supplier performance, and optimize decision-making.
18
September
Top 5 Excel Tricks for Procurement Professionals
Excel remains a staple for analyzing spend, comparing vendor quotes, and forecasting. Join this webinar to discover five simple yet powerful tips that will enhance productivity and data clarity in your procurement workflow.
16
October
The Power of Blind Proposals
Blind proposals reduce bias and promote a more competitive, qualifications-based selection process. This session explores how blind evaluations emphasize expertise and past performance, resulting in better procurement decisions.
20
November
Negotiating for Red Flags in Vendor Proposals
The top-evaluated vendor’s proposal can still contain red flags – such as unrealistically low bids, vague commitments, and other anomalies. This session explores how procurement professionals can identify red flags in vendor proposals, verify claims, and address common pitfalls before they derail a project
18
December
Decoding Contingencies: A Smarter Way to Manage Cost & Risk
Contingencies are often hidden within bids, leading to inflated pricing and financial uncertainty. This session explores a better approach—removing contingency costs from lump-sum bids and structuring them as clear if/then risk scenarios. Using real examples we’ll show how this approach leads to fairer pricing and better risk management.
15
January
The Power of Blind Proposals
Blind proposals reduce bias and promote a more competitive, qualifications-based selection process. This session explores how blind evaluations emphasize expertise and past performance, resulting in better procurement decisions.
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 |