Calendar of Events - Ontario Public Buyers Association

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 after registration closes on August 25. 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. These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, September 29 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be sent the week before the session.

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: Michelle Trudel, NIGP-CPP, CPPB

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Explain the Law of Agency and the duties of the three parties involved in an agency relationship
• Describe the six essential elements to create a binding, valid contract
• Give a detailed description of when Contracts A and B are formed and their importance to Procurement Law
• Describe the duty of full disclosure and the duty of fairness and good faith
• Outline the key provisions of several significant cases, major Acts and Trade Agreements affecting 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 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 after registration closes on August 25. 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. These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, September 29 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be sent the week before the session.

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

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.

September 8 + 9, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Virtual Learning

Registration closes September 2, 2025 

DESCRIPTION

The Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) is a recognized certification designed for procurement professionals performing essential functions within the procurement cycle. Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, learners must also complete the CPPB exam as the final step in earning their CPPB certification.

Please note, any queries around exam eligibility can only be answered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) as they manage the CPPB certification. 

Preparation is important and the CPPB BoK-C (Body of Knowledge and Competencies) is your best resource. The CPPB BoK-C will guide your preparation efforts as it provides a comprehensive listing of the content that you will find on the exam, as well as the number of questions that will be presented from each of the content domains that comprise the BoK-C for CPPB. 

As a recognized training partner of the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) has developed this examination preparation course based on the BoK-C. Led by a qualified instructor, the course will cover the six (6) domain areas which comprise the BoK-C for CPPB exam. The course will help learners understand their strengths and the areas that require additional focus.  

This course has been designed to be one of the tools in a learner’s study toolbox, and participation in this class does not guarantee success on the examination.  

Instructor: Melissa Mordue, CPPO, CPPB 

DATE & TIME

Monday, September 8 at 9am - 5pm

and 

Tuesday, September 9 at 9am - 5pm

*Exact timing may change, but please expect two full days.

The Zoom meeting link and login information will be distributed before the first session in early September. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES
 
By the end of this course, participants will: 

1. Describe the structure and setup of the CPPB exam, including question types and scoring methods.
2. Evaluate personal strengths and areas for improvement through assessment exercises.
3. Identify common pitfalls and develop strategies for maximizing test performance.
4. Analyze test questions by applying public procurement principles and best practices.

PRE-WORK

This course does not have any pre-work assignments. 

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. 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.

UPPCC CERTIFICATION 

This course is to prepare for the exam that completes the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification program offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). As this certification is managed and offered by the UPPCC, any questions related to exam eligibility or program requirements can only be answered by the UPPCC team.

REGISTRATION

Space is limited: this course has a minimum of 10 learners and a maximum of 20. Register early to avoid disappointment. Registration will be open until September 2, 2025. 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. 

PAYMENT/REFUND INFORMATION 

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancelations and/or refunds. Cancellation/refund requests must be submitted in writing (by email) only, up to ten (10) business days before the event, after which we regret that we cannot refund your registration fee. Course fees are nontransferable to other courses.

REGISTRATION FEES

 
Registration closes September 2, 2025

Join Us for the OPBA 67th Annual Conference!
Conference: September 17 - 19, 2025 | Caveat Emptor Cup Golf Tournament and Pre-Conference Sessions: September 16, 2025
Where: Nottawasaga Inn Resort & Conference Centre, 6015 Highway 89, Alliston, ON, L9R 1A4

We will publish the full program as soon as it is finalized.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about procurement best practices and connect with colleagues from a variety of public sector organizations. The OPBA Annual Conference offers high-quality professional development and invaluable networking opportunities.

Our 2025 conference includes:

• Caveat Emptor Cup Golf Tournament
• Pre-conference workshops
• A Principles course
• Meetings for Co-ops, Procurement Specialists, and People Leaders
• Two full days of expert speakers
• An exclusive tradeshow
• The social highlight of the year—the Chair’s Awards Dinner and Gala

Book your hotel early. Guaranteed room rates are only available until Monday, July 7. 
 
To make your reservation, click on the link below and use the booking code:  
 
Nottawasaga Inn Resort Booking Link
Booking Code: 352549
 
Standard rooms/ 2 queen beds- $265/night
Payment for one night is required at time of booking.
A 30-day cancellation applies.

September 23 - 24, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
Virtual Learning

Registration closes Tuesday, September 16, 2025 

DESCRIPTION

This course is delivered via the Zoom delivery method, happening in two (2) three 3-hour sessions.

The Advanced Procurement for Construction course is for procurement professionals in the public sector who are called upon for their expertise in developing and administering large, sometimes complex procurement for construction.

Although the Introduction to Construction is not a pre-requisite for the Advanced Construction course, it is strongly advised that learners have experience in construction procurement. The Advanced course qualifies as one of the two additional courses required to be eligible to write the Principles exam. Learners do not have to be enrolled in the Principles Certificate program to take this course. 

Instructor: Carl Bonitto, CPPO, CPPB

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Explain many of the pre-construction activities and activities that need to be addressed during a construction project: i.e., studies, assessments and surveys
• Explore a variety of sustainability considerations; including LEED
• Identify the phases of a construction project
• Describe the types of contract methods that can be used for a construction project; including control, risk and cost considerations
• Explain the roles and responsibilities the Prime Consultant and the Construction Manager and their relationships to the Owner

DATE AND TIME

This six (6) hour Zoom virtual learning seminar has two (2) online sessions:

Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm ET

AND

Thursday, September 24th at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 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 approximately 4 business days (Sept. 17) before the first session. 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.

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 Textbook: ** Learners can purchase the updated textbooks for each construction course, which are available for purchase in the OPBA Store. 

Program Enrollment: If you plan to apply this course toward the Principles of Effective Public Procurement certificate program, you must be enrolled in the program - please click the link to enroll. 

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. 

Cancellations: In writing only, up to ten (10) business days before the event, after which we regret that we cannot refund your registration fee.

Registration Fees:

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.

Registration closes September 16, 2025​ 

September 25 - 26, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
Virtual Learning

Registration closes Thursday, September 18, 2025

DESCRIPTION

This course is delivered via the Zoom delivery method, happening in two (2) three 3-hour sessions.

The Introduction to Construction is an elective of the Principles Certificate program. The course content has been updated to ensure that learners receive current information related to construction procurement in today’s environment. This course provides a step-by-step description of the process to retain a general contractor for construction using the design/bid/build contract model and stipulated price contract.

Instructors: Michelle Rasiulis, CSCMP, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Explain how “improvement” projects carried out in the province of Ontario are subject to the Construction Act
• Describe the type of contract method most commonly used for a construction project; including control, risk and cost considerations
• Describe the types of pricing structures that can be used for a construction project
• Outline many of the important factors to consider when engaging a contractor

DATE AND TIME

This six (6) hour Zoom Virtual Learning seminar has two (2) online sessions:

Thursday, September 25th at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm ET

AND

Friday, September 26th at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 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 approximately 4 business days (Sept. 10) before the first session. 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 cancelations and/or refunds.

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 Textbook: ** Learners can purchase the updated textbooks for each construction course, which are available for purchase in the OPBA Store. 

Program Enrollment: If you plan to apply this course toward the Principles of Effective Public Procurement certificate program, you must be enrolled in the program - please click the link to enroll. 

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. 

Cancellations: In writing only, up to ten (10) business days before the event, after which we regret that we cannot refund your registration fee.

Registration Fees:

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.

Registration closes September 18, 2025​ 

Registration Fees 

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancelations and/or refunds. 

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 after registration closes on September 24. 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. These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET​. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be sent the week before the session.

This course examines the various issues with managing risk when purchasing goods and services in the public sector. Candidates are given an overview of common risk issues, including those of ownership and copyright, the right to privacy, competitive bidding irregularities, occupational health and safety, environmental responsibilities and accountability in terms of personal and corporate liability.

Instructor: Michelle Rasiulis, CSCMP, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Define risk management
• Describe eight major risk management issues of importance for public procurement professionals
• Outline three basic risk management techniques: avoiding, managing and transferring risk
• Explain the types of insurance and bonds a public agency will require or may request from a vendor
• Describe the six components to corporate risk management
• Better understand all of the roles involved in managing risk in your organization

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 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 after registration closes on September 24. 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. These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET​. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be sent the week before the session.

Instructor: Marie Kavanagh, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Define competitive bidding and its basic elements
• Describe the many procurement document formats and their use
• Explain a variety of bidder candidacy restrictions
• Outline the aspects associated with the development of a bid document
• Explain the purpose of pre-bid meetings; along with when to use them effectively and pitfalls to watch for
• Outline the alternatives to competitive bidding

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 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 after registration closes on September 24. 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. These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be sent the week before the session.

In this course the mysteries of the law and the relationship of the procurement agent to it are unraveled in a concise and easy to understand format. Candidates are given an overview of the issues and responsibilities related to entering into a legal contract as well as determining what comprises a contract. Other topics discussed are the Law of Agency, Contract Law, Laws of Competitive Bidding, comments on various Acts, bonding and alternatives to bonding.

Instructor: Carl Bonitto, CSCMP, NISCL-CSCL

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Explain the Law of Agency and the duties of the three parties involved in an agency relationship
• Describe the six essential elements to create a binding, valid contract
• Give a detailed description of when Contracts A and B are formed and their importance to Procurement Law
• Describe the duty of full disclosure and the duty of fairness and good faith
• Outline the key provisions of several significant cases, major Acts and Trade Agreements affecting 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.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Attendance Credit: Eight (8) 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. 

Cancellations: In writing only, up to ten (10) business days before the event, after which we regret that we cannot refund your registration fee.

Registration Fees:

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.

Registration closes September 24, 2025

October 7 + 8, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
Virtual Learning

Registration closes Tuesday, September 30, 2025

In this course, participants will uncover the secrets behind crafting successful Request for Proposals. The content is presented in an easily digestible format, providing an overview of RFP-related issues and responsibilities. Participants will have an in-depth look at all elements of the RFP process, including policies and procedures, RFP templates, methodology, communications with proponents, compliance, price proposals, contract assembly, and more. By the end of the training, participants will understand all facets of the RFP process, including how to provide relevant information during debriefings.
 
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define the term Request for Proposal 
• Describe the Elements of the RFP process
• Describe the RFP template, including the different types of RFP’s
• Describe the RFP structure
• Understand evaluation criteria and its purpose
• Understand the negotiation process and strategy
• Understand criteria and its purpose
• Understand the purpose and role of the evaluation committee
• Execute the RFP process
• Understand and conduct debriefs

Instructor: Sarah Denomy, CPPB

DATE AND TIME

This six (6) hour Zoom virtual learning seminar has two (2) online sessions:

Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm ET 

AND

Wednesday, October 8 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm ET 

Learners must attend both sessions to receive course credit.

The Zoom meeting link and course materials will be distributed before the first session. 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.

ATTENDANCE AND CREDIT

Learners are advised that they must attend both sessions in full to receive course credit. A learner that arrives late to a course or has been found to be away or inactive for a duration of the session may not receive their credit. The decision to not grant credit shall be at the discretion of the the facilitator to the session and the Director of Professional Development. As this course is not part of the Principles Program, it can count as two (2) of the additional meetings/courses/workshops required if you are enrolled in the Principles Certificate Program and intend to write the exam. To qualify, participants must attend and participate in the full six (6) hours.

PRE-WORK

Learners will receive a short pre-work assignment to complete approximately 4 business days before the first session.

REFUNDS & PAYMENTS 

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.