Selecting Vendors and RFP Drafting

Request for Proposal (RFP) process can use additional guidance in creating a qualified vendor pool and to create and score an RFP. This program will cover creating a vendor data base and creating a qualified vendor pool for an RFP. In addition the program will cover ways to get better qualified vendors using an RFI and vendor responsibility review processes. Samples of RFP terms, technical scoring and cost evaluation will be covered as well.

• How to solicit and select qualified Vendors
  • How to create a vendor data base
  • How to create a qualified vendor pool
  • How to cast  a wide net
• How to ensure that the vendor stays compliant
  • Vendor Responsibility Reviews
  • Compliance Terms
  • Contract Management
• The RFP Process from drafting to awarding
  • Drafting the RFP & Scoring Matrix
  • Good Practices based on Examples
  • Making a Contract Award

Many Procurement Professionals and those involved in a Request for Proposal (RFP) process can use additional guidance in creating a qualified vendor pool and to create and score an RFP. This program will cover creating a vendor data base and creating a qualified vendor pool for an RFP. In addition the program will cover ways to get better qualified vendors using an RFI and vendor responsibility review processes. Samples of RFP terms, technical scoring and cost evaluation will be covered as well. Attendees who complete the program will leave with tools they can use the next time they are faced with creating a qualified vendor pool for an RFP.

• Purchasing Agents
• Contract Managers
• Contract Officers
• Finance Officers

Kenneth Jones has been working in the public and non-profit procurement field for over 30 years. He worked for the New York State Office of Taxation and Finance as a Purchasing Assistant from 1985-87 and left there to work for the University at Albany, SUNY where he served as a Purchasing Agent and in 1999 was the Assistant Director supervising and providing training for the Office of Purchasing and Contracts.

This included proving training for both State procurement and The Research Foundation for SUNY procurement rules and regulations. His previous purchasing experience included procuring commodities, services and construction for the departments on campus. A past Director of the SUNY Purchasing Association, Ken retired from the position of Assistant Director in January of 2014. However he was requested to continue to assist the office through the end of 2014.

Ken worked part time for the SUNY Center for International Development as a Procurement Specialist assisting primarily with their program in Kenya, Africa. Ken has trained many University staff on procurement rules and regulations. He established online ordering processes with vendors ranging from Office supplies to Lab chemicals and continues to provide training in his current position to procurement staff at the University at Albany, SUNY. Ken has presented on various procurement topics both in person and on the Web for over 10 years.