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 September 7th, September 14th, September 21st and September 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, September 28 at 12:00pm - 3:00pm 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: 7 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:

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

Registration closes August 25, 2026.

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 September 7th, September 14th, September 21st and September 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Tuesday, September 29 at 12:00pm - 3:30pm ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within the course.

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: Sarah Denomy, CPPB

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 registration fees are non-transferable to other courses.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Attendance Credit: 9.5 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:

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

Registration closes August 25, 2026.

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 September 7th, September 14th, September 21st and September 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, October 1 at 5:30pm - 9:00pm ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within the course.

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: Christine Wood, NIGP-CPP, CPPB

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. Important note: to ensure you receive all course communications, please ask your IT department to whitelist the server the Brightspace emails come from, being: IP address: 67.227.157.221

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: 9.5 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:

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

Registration closes August 25, 2026.

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 September 7th, September 14th, September 21st and September 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, September 28 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm 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: Jason Stober-Baboushkin, NISCL-CSCL/CSCMP, CPSM, MCIPS

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. Important note: to ensure you receive all course communications, please ask your IT department to whitelist the server the Brightspace emails come from, being: IP address: 67.227.157.221

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: 7 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:

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

Registration closes August 25, 2026

September 17 + 18, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT
Virtual Learning

Registration closes September 10, 2026 

DESCRIPTION

The Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is ideal for public procurement professionals in leadership roles seeking to validate their experience, enhance career opportunities, and demonstrate commitment to ethical and effective procurement practices. Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, learners must also complete the CPPO exam as the final step in earning their CPPO certification.

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

Preparation is important and the CPPO BoK-C (Body of Knowledge and Competencies) is your best resource. The CPPO 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 CPPO. 

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 CPPO 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

Thursday, September 17 at 9am - 5pm EDT

and 

Friday, September 18 at 9am - 5pm EDT

The Zoom meeting link and login information will be distributed after the registration deadline of September 10. 

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

1. Describe the structure and setup of the CPPO 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 Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) 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 10, 2026. 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 cancellations 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 10, 2026

October 1 + 2, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
Virtual Learning

Registration closes September 27, 2026 

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

Thursday, October 1 at 9am - 5pm ET

and 

Friday, October 2 at 9am - 5pm ET

The Zoom meeting link and login information will be distributed after the registration deadline of September 27. 

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 27, 2026. 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 cancellations 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 27, 2026

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 October 7th, October 14th, October 21st and October 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, October 29 at 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be available within the course.

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: 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 fees are nontransferable to other courses.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Attendance Credit: 9 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:

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

Registration closes September 24, 2026.

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 October 7th, October 14th, October 21st and October 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm ET​. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within your course.

This course gives a detailed examination of the tendering & request for proposal processes. It includes concepts, issues and the resolution of issues relating to preparing and issuing the procurement documents as well as the ultimate receiving, opening and checking of bids. Participants will be given an overview of the various components comprising tenders and request for proposals documents and the differences of each.

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 registraton fees are non-transferable to other courses.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Attendance Credit: 8.5 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:

Registration closes September 24, 2026

Course Access: October 1 – 31, 2026
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm ET
Registration Deadline: September 24, 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 October 7th, October 14th, October 21st and October 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm ET​. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within your course.

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

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. Important note: to ensure you receive all course communications, please ask your IT department to whitelist the server the Brightspace emails come from, being: IP address: 67.227.157.221

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.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SPECIALTY COURSE HOURS

Contact hours: 9 

REGISTRATION

Space is limited: this course requires a minimum of 10 learners to move ahead, and has a maximum of 20. 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:

REGISTRATION closes September 24, 2026

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

October 17 + 18, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Virtual Learning

Registration closes Monday, October 12, 2026

DESCRIPTION

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

The Principles Certificate exam prep course is designed to get you ready for the exam - the next exam session is November 1st - 7th. The topics covered in the course are what will be on the exam. This prep course does not count as one of the two additional workshops requirement for the Principles Exam.

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

DATE AND TIME

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

Saturday, October 17 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm ET

AND

Sunday, October 18 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm ET

The Zoom meeting link and login information will be distributed before the first session, after the registration deadline.

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. 

REFUNDS

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.Course fees are nontransferable to other courses.

Registration Fees:

Registration closes October 12, 2026

Course Access: November 1 – 30, 2026
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Monday, November 30 at 9:00am - 12:30pm ET
Registration Deadline: October 26, 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 November 7th, November 14th, November 21st and November 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, November 30 at 9:00am - 12:30pm ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within the course.

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 registration fees are non-transferable to other courses.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Attendance Credit: 9.5 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:

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

Registration closes October 26, 2026

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 November 7th, November 14th, November 21st and November 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Friday, November 27 at 12:00pm - 3:30pm ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within your course.

This course builds on the foundations of the Competitive Bidding – General course and focuses more on complex competitive bid solicitations, including both RFTs and RFPs. Candidates will discuss evaluated bid submissions, how to develop evaluation criteria, work with evaluators and evaluation groups, explore different costing calculations, as well as the two-envelope approach for the receipt of both proposals and tenders.

Instructor: Victoria Mirlocca, Q.Arb, CPPB, C.Mgr., C.I.M., NIGP-CPP, CPSD

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Explain the phases associated with the RFP process
• Describe the considerations involved in the evaluation, award and debrief of a bidding competition
• Explain the purpose and benefits of an evaluation team
• Outline the preferred approach to conducting a vendor debrief and practice for increased confidence
• Describe the differences between protests and disputes and some considerations for handling each effectively

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: 9.5 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:

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

Registration closes October 26, 2026

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 November 7th, November 14th, November 21st and November 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, November 26 at 12:00pm - 3:00pm ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within your course.

This course gives an overview of the cooperative purchasing process in the public sector, describing the types, benefits, structure, legal considerations and challenges cooperative purchasing groups face. Attendees will be shown and discuss examples of constitutions, strategic plans, business plan reports, commodity listings and standard terms and conditions for public tenders issued by cooperative groups.

Instructor: Scott Agnello, CPPO, CPPB

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

By the end of this course participants will be able to:
• Define cooperative purchasing
• Describe a variety of methods and group purchasing models associated with cooperative purchasing
• Outline the benefits and challenges associated with cooperative purchasing, along with ways to measure savings
• Explain several rules, statutes and treaties related to cooperative purchasing
• Describe the characteristics and traits of a successful cooperative
• Outline the business components of a cooperative group

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: 7 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:

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

Registration closes October 26, 2026

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 November​ 7th, November 14th, November 21st and November 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, November 30 at 12:00pm - 3:00pm 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: 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.
 

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Attendance Credit: 7 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:

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

Registration closes October 26, 2026

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 November 7th, November 14th, November 21st and November 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Tuesday, December 1 at 5:30pm - 9:00pm ET​. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be provided within the course.

The Introduction to Construction 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.

Instructor: Carl Bonitto, CPPO, CPPB

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

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: 9 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:

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

Registration closes October 26, 2026.

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 November 7th, November 14th, November 21st and November 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, November 30 at 5:30pm - 8:30pm ET. Attendance is required to complete the course and earn your certificate.

Zoom link will be available within the course.

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: Emma Sears, CPPO, 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. Important note: to ensure you receive all course communications, please ask your IT department to whitelist the server the Brightspace emails come from, being: IP address: 67.227.157.221

REFUNDS & PAYMENTS

Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds. Course fees are nontransferable to other courses.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Attendance Credit: 9 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: There is a minimum of 10 participants required and a maximum of 20. 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:

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

Registration closes October 26, 2026