12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Wednesday, April 29 | 12:00pm - 2:30pm ET
Registration Deadline: March 25, 2026
Delivery Format: Self-paced online + mandatory live Zoom session
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is delivered through OPBA’s Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) using the Brightspace learning platform.
If this is your first course with PPLL, you’ll receive an email with login instructions. If you’ve already taken a course through PPLL, you’ll use your existing login credentials to access the platform.
This is a blended learning experience, combining self-directed online learning with a live instructor-led session. You’ll work through readings, quizzes, and assignments at your own pace throughout the month. The deadlines you will need to meet will fall on April 7th, April 14th, April 21st and April 28th.
A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 12:00pm - 2:30pm ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.
Zoom link will be provided within the course.
This course is the pre-requisite for the Principles of Effective Public Procurement certificate program, giving an introduction to policy and procedures, authority and agency, the public purchasing cycle and other aspects of the function of purchasing. Candidates will be given an overview of legal considerations purchasing staff need to know when developing and handling bid documents, deciding the best procurement option (tender and RFP processes), as well as discuss centralized versus decentralized procurement systems.
Instructor: Shelly Ann Henry, CSCMP
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of public procurement, and the differences from the private sector
• Explain the importance of developing clear purchasing policies and procedures
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a centralized and decentralized purchasing organization structure
• Outline the seven ’R’s of public purchasing and the steps associated with the public purchasing cycle
• Describe the legalities associated with public purchasing
COURSE LEARNING MATERIALS
You do not need any course materials in advance, everything required to support your learning with this course will be accessed in the learning platform.
REFUNDS & PAYMENTS
Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds. Course registration fees are non-transferable to other courses.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Attendance Credit: 6.25 contact hours
Program Enrollment: If you plan to apply this course toward the Principles of Effective Public Procurement certificate program, you must enroll in the program within nine (9) months of completing this course.
REGISTRATION
Space is limited: Register early to avoid disappointment. There will be a $25 late fee applied to join this course after the registration deadline. Please email members@opba.ca to request a late registration.
Registration Fees:
| Title | Fee | Valid Dates | Member Status | Points | CEUs | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Learning Member Rate | $288.10 | Until December 19, 2025 | Members Only | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 6.25 |
| Virtual Learning - Non Member | $352.10 | Until December 19, 2025 | All Registrants | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 6.25 |
Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.
Registration closes March 25, 2026.
| 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026 |    |