Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association
2025 Spring Conference & Reverse Vendor Tradeshow
April 1 - 2, 2025
SPRING CONFERENCE AGENDA
*Please note: the agenda will be updated as sessions are confirmed
**Schedule subject to change
April 1 - 2, 2025
7:30 am - 8:25 am Registration, Networking, & Continental Breakfast
8:00 am - 8:20 am Member Orientation Breakfast
The Board of Directors would like to welcome first timers, new members and members who need a refresher of RMGPA to attend the Breakfast. Learn the benefits of RMGPA, resources available to members, how to utilize the website, meet other procurement professionals.
8:25 am - 8:30 am Welcome, Opening Remarks
Doug Clapp, President RMGPA
8:30 am - 9:30 am Leading Through Life: My Journey to Leadership (credit = 1)
Tim Meuer, Thrive Personology
Leadership is the most important skill we can develop, yet it remains one of the most undertrained and misunderstood skill sets. Authentic leadership should not be about authority or titles; it’s about perseverance, relationships, mindset, and trust.
Through my personal journey, from a troubled childhood to learning from the best leaders in business and sports, I want to challenge you to rethink leadership. It’s not about where you start but how you grow.
By the end of this keynote, you will:
- Understand how perseverance and relationships shape your leadership path
- Learn the power of Controlled Delusion, believing in yourself beyond logic
- Shift from traditional leadership to collaborative leadership that inspires action
- Discover why Trust of Intentions is the foundation of influence and connection
This isn’t a leadership lesson from a textbook. This exemplifies how leadership can be built through struggle, failure, and resilience. I hope my story inspires you to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain V. Leadership & Influence - B. Demonstrate professional values and ethics (e.g., accountability, impartiality, transparency), D. Leverage outreach methods to strengthen and develop partnerships, F. Utilize conflict resolution techniques to address internal and external challenges
9:30 am - 9:45 am Break
9:45 am - 10:45 am Universal Design in Your Communication (credit = 1)
Danny Combs, CDLE
Danny Combs, the inaugural director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, founder of TACT, and Co-Founder of the first neurodiversity chamber of commerce in the United States, will share about disability, employment, and procurement. Danny has spoken at the White House and the Pentagon and advocated for people with disabilities on NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS, NPR and more. He's the author of the #1 Book, "Supporting Neurodivergent and Autistic People for their Transition to Adulthood: Blueprints for Education, Training and Employment.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain VI. Procurement Business Principles - A. Apply concepts of transparency and fair and open competition, C. Apply concepts of specialty programs (e.g., diversity programs, sustainability initiatives)
10:45 am - 11:00 am Break
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Procurement Technology 2.0: Advanced Strategies & Emerging Trends (credit = 1)
Mike Whalen, MBA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP
This session takes a deep dive into procuring technology for the public sector and the nuances of translating business needs into effective solicitation requirements. Learn how to craft neutral, outcome-focused requirements and develop a structured scoring rubric designed to mitigate evaluation bias. Additionally, this session will explore how procurement professionals serve as subject matter experts in guiding fair, competitive practices that drive transparent purchasing decisions. Finally, we’ll share practical tips and strategies for managing an effective technology procurement while avoiding common pitfalls and challenges.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain III. Sourcing and Solicitation -D. Recognize elements of specialized procurement (e.g., human services, professional services), F. Determine sources of services and/or supplies, I. *NEW* Recognize unique terminology, attributes, and risk of technology commodities and services, K. Differentiate and select terms and conditions for sourcing and contract documents, T. *NEW* Facilitate review of supplier samples and/or demonstrations.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch
Connect with colleagues at the networking lunch! Share tips and tricks of the trade or connect with people on a personal level. In-person networking has great value! TIP: Sit with someone you don’t know.
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Evaluation Best Practices (credit = 1)
Whitney Mugford-Smith
NIGP Area 9 Chapter Ambassador
This presentation will explore best practices for conducting effective and transparent public procurement evaluations. Participants will gain insights into selecting and structuring evaluation committees to ensure fair, balanced, and well-informed decision-making. The discussion will cover key evaluation strategies, including Best Value evaluations, objective versus subjective scoring, and approaches to providing constructive evaluation feedback which can be shared with the suppliers during a debrief. We will cover different types of evaluation templates from a standard bid tabulation to a more involved evaluation sheet including feedback to building out a template for additional phases of evaluation.
We will examine the importance of debriefs and supplier performance evaluations, equipping attendees with strategies to enhance transparency and improve future procurement outcomes. Through shared experiences and best practices, participants will leave with actionable strategies to optimize procurement evaluation processes for greater efficiency, fairness, and accountability.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain II. Procurement Life Cycle: Pre-Solicitation Planning - D. Apply standardization practices for procurement processes (e.g., commodities, services, specifications), F. Determine source selection method, sources of goods and/or services, and contract type. Domain III. Procurement Life Cycle: Sourcing & Supplier Selection - A. Utilize competitive solicitation methods (e.g., invitation for/to bid (IFB/ITB), qualification-based selection, request for proposal (RFP)), C. Assemble solicitation document(s) 1. Terms and conditions 2. Specifications and/or scope of work 3. Evaluation methodology and criteria, E. Evaluate solicitation respondents and responses (e.g., responsiveness and responsibility, cost analysis, technical analysis. Domain VI. Procurement Business Principles - A. Apply concepts of transparency and fair and open competition, I. Recognize the impact of data quality and integrity.
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Reverse Vendor Trade Show
This is the supplier’s opportunity to meet directly with procurement representatives from local public agencies including Cities, Counties, State Agencies and School Districts. Host Agencies will engage with suppliers to provide details on how to do business with their agencies.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain VI. Procurement Business Principles - J. Employ supplier engagement activities
4:30 pm Closing Remarks - Adjourn
Doug Clapp, President RMGPA
Day 2
8:00 am - 8:55 am Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:55 am - 9:00 am Welcome and Opening Remarks
Doug Clapp, President RMGPA
9:00 am - 10:00 am Equipped for Anything: Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Through Strategic Procurement (credit = 1)
Ken Moore & Manny Coya, Amazon
In times of crisis, effective procurement is critical to ensuring a swift and coordinated response. From preparedness and immediate response to long-term recovery efforts, organizations must be able to quickly source supplies, manage financial accountability, and support their communities—all while maintaining control and compliance. Whether you’re preparing for future crises, responding to urgent needs, or facilitating recovery, discover how smarter procurement strategies—already covered under an existing cooperative agreement—can help you act quickly, stay accountable, and make a lasting impact when it matters most.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain II. Pre-Solicitation Planning -E. Evaluate cooperative procurement options (e.g., aggregate requirements, government contracts), Domain III. Sourcing and Supplier Selection -B. Utilize alternative and non-competitive procurement methods (e.g., emergency, pilot programs, single source, sole source), Domain VI. Procurement Business Principles -G. Recognize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the procurement process.
10:00 am - 10:15 am Break
10:15 am - 11:15 am Disaster Resiliency from a Procurement Perspective (credit = 1)
A Panel Discussion Moderated by Diana Cantu, Northern Water
Panelists:
Valerie Scott, City of Longmont
Heather MacMillan, Larimer County
Paul Squillace, Boulder Valley School District
This session is a panel discussion focused on participants' experiences with various disasters and how pre-disaster procurement activities can enhance agency resilience for future events. Attendees will learn how cooperation and cooperatives can support disaster response. The session will also cover key procurement activities to set up before disasters occur. Additionally, the panel will address the challenges of FEMA reimbursement, emphasizing the importance of correct procurement practices from the outset and the tools needed to document purchases during and after a disaster.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain II. Pre-Solicitation Planning -E. Evaluate cooperative procurement options (e.g., aggregate requirements, government contracts), Domain III. Sourcing and Supplier Selection -B. Utilize alternative and non-competitive procurement methods (e.g., emergency, pilot programs, single source, sole source), Domain VI. Procurement Business Principles -G. Recognize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the procurement process.
11:15 am - 11:30 am New member and first-time attendee recognition
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Lunch and RMGPA Business Meeting
Doug Clapp, President RMGPA
RMGPA Board of Directors and Committees
Connect with colleagues at the networking lunch! Share tips and tricks of the trade or connect with people on a personal level. In-person networking has great value! TIP: Sit with someone you don’t know.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Key Trends Shaping the Public Procurement Future: AI & Procurement Agility (credit = 1)
Lucas Orosco, SOVRA
The landscape of public procurement is evolving rapidly. New technologies, shifting priorities, and socioeconomic events are reshaping how procurement professionals operate in 2025. This session will delve into the top trends of AI and Procurement Agility that SOVRA has seen influencing public procurement, providing insights to help you navigate these changes effectively. Join us to equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate these changes effectively.
- Advanced Technologies: AI and Data Analytics
- Leveraging AI and analytics to streamline procurement and make smarter decisions
- Procurement Agility and Flexibility
- Implementing agile processes to rapidly adapt procurement to evolving needs.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain VI. Business Principles - C. Propose and employ continuous process improvements (e.g., stakeholder satisfaction, remediation, eProcurement), G. Recognize the roles and responsibilities in the procurement process.
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm Break
1:45 pm - 2:45 pm Round Table Discussions (credit = 1)
Rosalyn Potter, RMGPA Vice President
Senior Buyer, City of Loveland Utilities
In this session, members at each table will discuss each of the following topics for 15 minutes:
- Advice for someone new to public procurement.
- Tips and techniques for tracking procurement functions, such as electronic solutions, intake forms for department requests, and collaboration tools (e.g., email, SharePoint, Google Docs).
- If money were no object, where would you travel in the world?
At the end of the discussions, members will share their insights with the group.
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm Break
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Procurement Ethics & Conflicts of Interest (credit = 1)
Ryan Yarrow, JD
Central Contracts Unit Manager
State Purchasing and Contracts Office
Join us for a session on the Colorado Procurement Code, where we will delve into the critical topics of Conflicts of Interest and Ethics in public procurement. This presentation will cover key provisions of the code, the Office of the State Controller policies, and related guidance, offering practical advice on how to identify, address, and prevent conflicts of interest in government contracts. Through real-world examples, the speaker will illustrate the challenges and ethical dilemmas that can arise, providing actionable insights for maintaining transparency, integrity, and fairness in public procurement processes.
UPPCC Body of Knowledge:
Domain I. Regulatory & Compliance - A. Apply laws, policies, and procedures to the procurement process B. Detect and report unethical and illegal behavior (e.g., collusion, corruption, fraud). Domain V. Leadership & Influence - B. Demonstrate professional values and ethics (e.g., accountability, impartiality, transparency), E. Provide guidance and training for internal and external stakeholders F. Utilize conflict resolution techniques to address internal and external challenges
4:00 pm Closing Remarks - Adjourn
Doug Clapp, President RMGPA
Need hotel accommodations?
We have secured a discounted rate of $119.00 per night
at the host hotel.
Discounted RMGPA Room Registration at the Delta Hotel
Register no later than March 17th to receive your discount.
Please note that filming and photos may be taken at this event. These images may be used for RMGPA marketing and promotional purposes - both in print and online (i.e. social media) format. By registering for this event, you are consenting to the filming and photos and their use by RMGPA.