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

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Friday, May 29 at 12:00pm - 3:30pm. 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 April 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 May 7th, May 14th, May 21st and May 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, May 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.

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: 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:
• 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 registration 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 April 24, 2026

May 25 + 26, 2026
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
Virtual Learning

Registration closes Monday, May 18, 2026

COURSE DESCRIPTION

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

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:

Monday, May 25 at 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET 

AND

Tuesday, May 26 at 12:00 pm - 3:00 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. Course fees are nontransferable 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.

This course is designed for learners to be able to engage and participate in the sessions. 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.

Learners 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. Learners must attend both sessions to receive course credit.

REGISTRATION

Space is limited: Register early to avoid disappointment. A minimum number of 8 participants is required for this course to move forward. 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 May 18, 2026

• Identify the appropriate source selection method and describe the components required to successfully meet the needs of the end user.
• Identify advantages and disadvantages of contracting for commodities.
• Assist the end user in developing and preparing effective and open specifications, pricing strategies, and terms and conditions to promote maximum competition in the marketplace.
• Evaluate offers, make awards and/or negotiate an optimal contract solution.
• Identify and describe the different types of evaluation methodologies and their associated application.
• Explain the process of receiving, opening and analyzing offers, methods for award, and award strategies.
• Identify and select the most responsive offer(s) and responsible supplier(s).
• Prepare to conduct a negotiation by engaging in market research, determining negotiating strategy and goals, and selecting the negotiating team.
• Conduct and document negotiations with each selected offeror to determine the proposal that best meets entity needs.
• Establish a performance assessment plan to ensure that all stakeholders are complying with the procurement as established in the contract.

• Entry-level public procurement and central warehouse professionals who serve as assistants, coordinators, buyers, or equivalent functions within their respective entities.   
• Non-procurement managers and supervisors who are responsible for either the procurement function or staff who provide procurement functions under delegated authority.   
• Professionals who are employed by governing entities and special authorities (such as K-12 and higher education, publicly-owned utilities, transportation providers, and other publicly-funded or created organizations) that either serve within or manage the procurement function.  
• Suppliers or representatives of suppliers seeking to understand the public procurement function from a holistic level, including the policies, standards, and procedures by which public entities must function.  

Completion Requirements
In order to successfully complete the NIGP Foundations of Sourcing & Contracting Core Certificate, learners must:

• Complete any pre-work materials provided prior to the course start date.
• Attend and participate in the entirety of the instructional event.
• Complete the post-course evaluation survey.
• Complete the final assessment examination with a 87% or higher within a 120-minute time period.

Competency Alignment
This certificate is designed as an exercise-based learning experience and is tied to NIGP’s Public Procurement Competency Framework. Upon completion of the certificate requirements, learners will have demonstrated the successful knowledge, skills, and abilities in alignment with the following competencies:

• Sourcing & Contracting Methods
• Specification Development
• Evaluation Methods
• Negotiations Strategies

Cancellation Policy: important note, this pilot course has a different refund policy than Principles/PPS courses.
Registration and payment must be received 24 hours prior to the course start date. After this time, registrations will be based on space availability. A full refund, less a $75 administrative fee will be given for cancellations made in writing 31+ days prior to the seminar date by emailing members@opba.ca. No refunds are given for cancellations received within 24 hours of the course start date. There are no refunds for no-shows. If the course is cancelled for any reason, OPBA's liability is limited to the registration fee only. Attendee substitutions within the same agency may be completed with email notification to OPBA sent more than 24 hours prior to the course start time.

Last day to register: May 20, 2026

We have rebranded the "Buyers Meeting" to "Procurement Specialists Meeting" to better reflect the broader scope and role of public procurement professionals.

Join us quarterly for a unique and inclusive gathering of procurement peers! Our Procurement Specialists Meetings offer a welcoming space for professionals in a Procurement capacity within their organization, regardless of title. These facilitated sessions use a structured yet flexible format that ensure everyone’s voice is heard and that current topics of interest are shared and discussed. Come prepared to ask questions, listen, and connect with peers in this virtual networking session.

Note: These sessions are designed for those actively involved in procurement and are not intended for people leaders who do not directly procure goods and services.

Send your burning questions or discussion topics to events@opba.ca at least one week before the meeting.

A free OPBA member exclusive opportunity! Attendees eligible for two (2) contact hours.

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

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Wednesday, June 24 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 May 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 June 7th, June 14th, June 21st and June 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Monday, June 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: Emma Sears, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CPPO

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 May 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 June 7th, June 14th, June 21st and June 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, June 25 | 5:30pm - 9:00pm 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: Carl Bonitto, CPPO, CPPB

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: 10 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 May 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 June 7th, June 14th, June 21st and June 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Wednesday, June 24 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: 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

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 May 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 June 7th, June 14th, June 21st and June 28th.

A mandatory live Zoom session will take place on Thursday, June 25 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 registration 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 June 25, 2026

Bill 194 is reshaping expectations around cybersecurity, privacy, and AI in Ontario’s public sector—bringing new considerations for procurement professionals.

Join Lise Patry (LXM Law LLP) for a practical discussion on what this means for your day-to-day procurement work. This session will highlight key impacts of the legislation and outline actionable steps to strengthen due diligence, contract terms, and vendor risk management.

Presenter: 
Lise Patry, LXM Law
Partner at LXM Law | Business Law | Public Procurement Lawyer | Transaction Contracts | Governance


Lise Patry is a business lawyer with over 25 years legal experience working in both public and private sectors advising on a wide spectrum of general business legal matters. Lise is a subject matter expert in government/public procurement and private sector tendering law with significant experience negotiating domestic and international commercial arrangements, technology/software/SaaS transactions, construction tenders and related construction contract matters, legal and procurement department management and the establishment of legal compliance programs. Lise's practice is focused on the following sectors and industries: government (all levels) and government-funded organizations, for profit or not-for-profit businesses, IT and hardware technology, data/personal information, construction, credit and financial industries, staffing agencies, professional and contracted services, security industries, online commerce and manufacturing. 

Registration Fees 

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

This session will cover:

• Why and how the program was developed
• The Supplier Selection Tool and how to use it to find the right Indigenous supplier for your needs

Presenter

Luba Medvedeva
Luba Medvedeva is a Business Development leader with 15+ years of experience advancing marketplace growth, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships across both the public and private sectors. In her current role, she actively advances ESG priorities, with a strong focus on social procurement and Indigenous engagement—helping public sector organizations build partnerships with Indigenous businesses and connect with qualified Indigenous suppliers through initiatives like OECM’s Indigenous Marketplace.

Registration Fees:

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