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State Buyer Training Opportunities

The Division of Purchasing offers training in the specific subjects listed below for state and public agencies. Individual agency training can also be conducted on an “as needed” basis. Small groups (8 or less) can be accommodated at the Division of Purchasing office. Larger groups need to arrange for facilities, either at the agency location or at an off-site meeting location. To arrange for an individual training session, contact Mark Little at 332-1611 or mark.little@adm.idaho.gov.

Note: Dates and titles become final when sufficient enrollment is achieved.

Seminar/Workshop Duration Description Target Audience Schedule
Local Workshops 3 hours Workshops are scheduled as a need arises for the Southwest (Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and Twin Falls) area and twice a year for Eastern (Idaho Falls and Pocatello) and Northern Idaho (Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene). Workshops are customized for each area of the state with major issues and common concerns repeated in each area. A review of Statewide Contracts is included at all workshops with opportunities for your input. You may attend workshops in other areas of the state if you desire. Reservations are not necessary as we normally have plenty of seating available. When available, workshops are open invitations and no pre-registration is necessary. Anyone who is interested in the purchasing topics presented at the local workshops
To express interest, contact Mark Little at 332-1611 or mark.little@adm.idaho.gov.
Training for Vendors varies In cooperation with SicommNET, Buy Idaho, and Idaho e-Commerce, the Idaho Division of Purchasing sponsors monthly vendor training sessions. The training covers the basics of how to do business with the State, and how to register and use the Internet purchasing system. Anyone who would like to do business with the State For a training schedule and online registration, go to idahoecommerce.com.
Introduction to Public Purchasing 3 hours This seminar presents an overview of public purchasing basics designed for the new state employee and any employee who is not familiar with how public purchasing differs from the private sector. It contains information on competitive bidding, purchasing limits, delegated authority, contracts, and purchasing ethics. Please note that registration closes 2 weeks prior to the event. New state employees, persons who supervise purchasing activities, and employees charged with purchasing for their agency regardless of their job title

Developing and Evaluating a Request for Proposal 8 hours This seminar examines RFPs, how they are used, how they are constructed, and how the evaluation process works. Attendees receive a basic outline or “model” RFP for agency use. Please note that registration closes 2 weeks prior to the event. Anyone who has a need to develop, examine, approve, or evaluate an RFP
Writing Effective Specifications 3 hours This seminar is designed to assist agencies in writing effective specifications. It includes definitions of several types of specifications, information collecting resources, and guidelines for producing a basic specification outline. Please note that registration closes 2 weeks prior to the event. Anyone who needs to develop specifications—from buyers to end-users
NIGP Professional Training Seminars in Idaho
Procurement under Grants and Federal Programs
varies The class size is limited to a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 people on a first-come, first-serve basis only (pre-registration is required). Registration fees are based on the number of students and length of the training. State agencies are inter-agency billed by the Dept of Administration. All other public entities (cities, counties, and so forth) are sent an invoice prior to the seminar date. NOTE: Seminar registration is non-cancelable and the fee is non-refundable. However, in the event that you cannot attend, another person from your agency or institution may attend in your place.

All classes are held in Boise. You are responsible for making your own travel and lodging plans. However, if you are unfamiliar with the Boise area, we can recommend convenient lodging. Refreshments for breaks are provided. All other meals are your responsibility.
all public procurement and materials management personnel including federal, state, county, municipal, public schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, commissions, authorities, and any other political subdivisions of the State Idaho NIGP opportunities are not available at this time.


Click here for other NIGP Seminar Schedules.

Other Sources for Purchasing Training

Training Materials

Below are links to materials used during previous training events.

For more information about training, email the Division of Purchasing or call 208.327.7465.