6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Eastern
December 2 + 3, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
Virtual Learning
Registration closes Wednesday, November 25, 2026
DESCRIPTION
This course is delivered via the Zoom delivery method, happening in two (2) three 3-hour sessions.
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: Slavi Nalbantov, 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
DATE AND TIME
This six (6) hour Zoom virtual learning seminar has two (2) online sessions:
Wednesday, December 2 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm ET
AND
Thursday, December 3 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm ET
Students must attend both sessions to receive course credit.
The Zoom meeting link and login information will be distributed before the first session.
PRE-WORK
Students will receive a short pre-work assignment to complete the day after the registration deadline. If you have not received course materials/pre-work, etc. prior to the course you are registered for, you are responsible for emailing members@opba.ca to obtain them before your course start date.
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.
FORMAT
Learn more about the Zoom platform and its system requirements here. Remember to use a wired internet connection (as opposed to wi-fi, if possible) for the best viewing experience.
OPBA Principles Program seminars are designed for student participation. In order to get the most out of the session and ensure two-way discussion, students are encouraged to fully participate by having camera and microphone on during the virtual session, or to actively participate in chat where access to a A/V equipment is not possible.
Students are also encouraged to maintain a respectful learning environment by minimizing multi-tasking distractions, and background noise. Please ensure mobile phones and computer notifications are off or muted, and place yourself on mute until you want to, or are called upon, to speak.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Attendance Credit: Six (6) contact hours. Students must attend both sessions to receive course credit.
Program Enrollment: If you plan to apply this seminar toward the Principles of Effective Public Procurement certificate program, you must enroll in the program within nine (9) months of completing this seminar.
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 | $269.73 | Until November 25, 2026 | Members Only | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 6.0000 |
| Virtual Learning - Non Member | $329.68 | Until November 25, 2026 | All Registrants | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 6.0000 |
Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.
Registration closes Wednesday, November 25, 2026
| 12/2/2026 - 12/3/2026 |    |