SPANNERThe

Summer, 2010 Vol. 39, No. 2

SEPTEMBER 13, 20101 Day Seminar—Effective Man-agement of Construction Contracts City of Rochester Hills

SEPTEMBER 23-24, 20102010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE “GET YOUR GAME ON!” Henry Center/Candlewood SuitesMichigan State University, Lansing

OCTOBER 14-15, 20102 Day Course—Contracting for Public Sector Services Kalamazoo County Administra-tion Building

NOVEMBER 8-10, 20103 Day Course—Legal Aspects of Public ProcurementWashtenaw County Learn-ing Resource Center, Ann Arbor

Line Up for Annual Conference Can’t Miss

The Annual Conference Committee, led by Janice Schlitters of the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority, and MPPOA President Christine Miller of Ottawa County, have been busy creating an agenda for the annual conference which will be worth-while, entertaining, inexpensive (even FREE!) and pertinent to every level of MPPOA membership—from the very new professional to the very seasoned. There has never been a better reason to attend this annual event. See page 4 for the full itinerary.

Reverse Trade Fair a Huge Success—Another success for MPPOA can only be credited to its members.

Over 400 people descended on the Marriott Centerpoint in Auburn Hills/ Pontiac. Vendors reported feeling very good about the conversations they had with members on how to win contracts and do business with Michigan public entities. In addition, the American Red Cross and the Gleaners Food Bank were supported by those who contributed to either or both. There could be no better win-win situation in the state, thanks to awesome, overburdened, generous MPPOA members who spent their day talking with those eager for work and helping those in distress. See page 3 for photos, annual meeting information, and election results.

- 2 - PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Christine Miller County of Ottawa

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MIKE BLISS State of Michigan

MELISSA CASTRO State of Michigan

TAMMI HART State of Michigan

NEW MEMBERS

JANETTA MILLER City of Auburn Hills

MARIA PASSERA County of Oakland

SERGIO PANEQUE State of Michigan

We are excited as we embark on another busy year as we continue to support our membership by providing professional development classes, certification classes and testing, and increase professionalism to maximize member value to their entities.

Please welcome your 2010/2011 New Officers...Mansfield Mat-thewson (Grand Rapids Community College) as President Elect, Seleana Samuel (State of Michigan, Department of Management and Budget) as Treasurer, and new Board Members; Rebecca Nevai (State of Michigan, Department of Management and Budget) and Sherita Calloway (Wayne County Airport Authority). These brave individuals have agreed to serve our organization in these trying times. Updated information on each can be found on the MPPOA website.

Our Reverse Trade Fair (now familiarly known as the "RTF") was a great event! We missed those who couldn't attend. To everyone who worked so hard to make the RTF a success, please accept my sincere appreciation. The RTF helps support the scholarships we use during the year for professional development. More agencies mean more ven-dors. More vendors means more scholarship monies. So please plan on attending next year when we meet in March in the Lansing area.

Be sure and save the dates September 23 & 24 for our annual con-ference. We have some great speakers lined up: Michael Asner, Lee Meadows and others. Topics at the conference will include: Bullet Proof-ing RFPs, Creative Purchasing Solutions, and even techniques on reducing stress during these challenging times. Overnight accommodations are being provided by Candlewood Suites, adjacent to the conference facility. Studio suites are $65.00 per night and 1 Bedroom Suites are $104.00 per night plus applicable taxes. Please see the MPPOA web-site for complete details. Don’t let budget shortfalls prevent you from attending. There are plenty of scholarships available for those in need.

We are always looking for individuals to get involved and make MPPOA the best it can be! Each of us has different skills and resourc-es to share, so if YOU are interested in ways YOU can make a differ-ence, please contact me or any board member for more information.

I hope to see you this fall in East Lansing.

MIRIAM ELIAS-NORRIS State of Michigan

Reverse Trade Show

Argent Tape and Easel Bright Side Painting & Construction, Inc.

Cubemation, LLC Hercules & Hercules, Inc. Infinite Technologies, LLC

Oakland Tactical Supply, LLC Recreation Creations, Inc. Whitlam Label Company

- 3 -Thank you!2009-10 Officers & Board of DirectorsOnly two members are leaving the 2008-09 board. Now that her term has expired, Lisa Cummins will pursue her graduate degree in business. She was chair of the Professional Development/Recognition/Schol-arship Committee and did a great job as a liaison with NIGP for our chapter. Lisa revised scholar-ship rules, stepped up participation in educational programs, and worked hard to provide NIGP with information to get chapter recognition.

Scott Guzzy’s service to the MPPOA has come to an end after years of serving on the board, as president and past president of the organization—the latter for two years after Lynn Zatalokin’s retirement.

(2009-2010 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS: [left to right) Jon Denhof, Kent County; Desiree Quinney, Michigan State University; Seleana Samuels, State of Michigan Dept. of Management and Budget; Mansfield Matthewson, Grand Rapids Community College; Christine Miller, County of Ottawa; Lisa Cummins, City of Rochester Hills; Debbie Scully, retired-freelancing, Scott Guzzy, County of Oakland, Janice Schlitters, Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority; Stephanie Robinson, City of Lansing, Keri Bright, SMART.

Joining the Board are Rebecca Nevai, State of Michigan, Department of Man-agement and Budget; and Sherita Calloway, Metropolitan Airport Authority. Crystal Wake, Washtenaw County, returns to the board of directors, after being appointed by Christine Miller.

Moving from President-Elect to the Presidential post is Christine Miller. Stephanie Robinson takes on the duties of Immediate Past-President.

After many years on the board and having served three years as MPPOA Treasurer, Mansfield Matthewson, becomes President-Elect. Seleana Samuels was elected to the position of Treasurer and Debbie Scully has graciously agreed to continue on as Secretary for the organization.

After swearing-in ceremonies, Christine Miller (l) gives Stepha-nie Robinson the Past-President plaque.

A busy day at the RTF brought opportunity to Michigan business. The response from vendors? A big “thanks.”

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Thursday, September 23, 2010 Morning Sessions

Michael Asner—Bulletproofing your RFPsMichael Asner, an expert on public sector procure-ment and the RFP process, helps government entities improve their practices and documents and acts as an RFP Advisor or Fairness Officer on high visibility procurements. This session will focus on the Evalu-ation Process and what can go wrong. Asner will discuss critical success factors when designing an evaluation process, his favorite problems and their solutions. Each participant will receive a free CD, The Training Process, VALUED at $195

Sergio Paneque—Creative Purchasing Solutions Sergio Paneque joined Michigan’s Department of Management and Budget (DMB) in 2009 as Director of Business Services Administra-tion (BSA). In addition to statewide purchasing, BSA is responsible for print, mail and delivery services, records management, State surplus, and vehicle and travel services. As the Chief Procurement Officer for the State of Michigan, he directs a budget of over $22 billion.

Afternoon SessionsCheryl Cunningham—10 Leadership Lessons Learned on Safari Join us on safari to learn tips and techniques for building your effectiveness as a leader with a highly interactive adventure!

Work Wellness

Michael Asner—Neglected, but Important RFP Practices Make your RFPs more flexible and re-duce the risks. You will hear about using Best and Final Offers, Draft Contracts, Fairness Officers, as well as including RISK as an evaluation factor.

Our annual conference is set for September 23-24 in East Lansing at wonderful facilities near the Michigan State University campus. In this atmosphere of higher learning, members will convene to gather current information in public purchasing from knowledgeable presenters and from each other through intensive educational sessions and relaxed networking opportunities.

Full scholarships are available to cover the cost of the conference. One day conference tickets can also be purchased or awarded. In addition to the educational line up, we’ll also enjoy our Annual Banquet, where we honor the best in the profession.

Full Conference: $150 ($100 with RTF participation) 1 Day Only: $100 Banquet Only: $35

Friday, September 24, 2010Morning Sessions

Anthony DesChenes—Cooperative Purchasing: Who’s Looking Out for your Interests?DesChenes is the Director of the State of Michigan De-partment of Technology, Management & Budget. He will speak on the topic of Cooperative Purchasing.

Lee Meadows—Collaboration and the Creative Stretch This seminar will focus on strategies to use with existing and/or dwindling resources to maximize outcomes without compromising quality. The program is designed for leaders in public procurement.

Afternoon SessionsGary Ragatz—Sustainability—Going Beyond GreenGary L. Ragatz is Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management in the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at Michigan State University. He is also Co-Director of MSU’s Annual Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Executive Seminar. In addition to executive education programs, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of supply chain man-agement, procurement/sourcing strategy, and production/operations management.

Becky Beard, PhD, C.P.M.—Creating your Individual Development Plan Becky Beard, Director of Purchasing for Lansing Com-munity College, will help you analyze your career goals

and objectives and create a plan, seek feedback, and find resources to accomplish your goals. BRING WITH YOU: 1. a copy of current job description, 2. your resume, and 3. several short term and long term personal goals.

Tour of the Breslin Center (location for the 2011 RTF)

HOTEL INFOCandlewood Suites

(connected to conference center)

$65—Studio Suite$104—1 Bdrm Suite

Call 517.351.8181by August 6, 2010

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Rebecca Nevai’s position as the Buy Michigan First! Coordinator, with the State of Michigan, is housed within the Business Development Unit of the State’s Purchasing Operations. The department also recently became responsible for the MiDEAL program with which she sometimes assists. Currently, Re-becca is on loan to the Governor’s Executive Committee with the charge of researching health care plans for local units of govern-ment.

Previous to this position, Rebecca was a Buyer Specialist for the State in commodities and professional services. Before that, she was a buyer in the private sector for such companies as BioPort Corporation and Dart Container Corporation. She has a Business Administration Degree from Northwood University with a dual major in management and marketing. In MPPOA, her committee interest will be marketing. “The marketing of MPPOA will help maintain a strong orga-nization to benefit us all,” she says. “I look forward to working with the Board and the members to carry out MPPOA’s marketing message.”

A lifelong resident of Lansing, Rebecca serves as a Board Member at Large for the Lansing Area Public Purchasing Group, which covers public entities in Ingham County.

She happily joins the MPPOA board. “As public purchasers, “ she says, “we are always best served when we share information and exchange ideas. MPPOA is the key organiza-tion to assist public purchasers in this critical comparison of best practices, training, and sharing of information. ”

Member Profile

Rebecca Nevai

New Committees Designated

President Christine Miller has named the following Committee members:

Professional Development—Keri Bright, Crystal Wake, Desiree Quinney Schloarships —Janice Schlitters 2011 Conference—Mansfield Matthewson, Sherita Calloway Speakers Bureau—Janice Schlitters Marketing/Technology—Rebecca Nevai, Seleana Samuels, Jon Denhof Nomination—Stephanie Robinson

Two Familiar Faces: Who are they and why

are they smiling?

Maryellen Jansen, Business Coordinator for MPPOA (l) and Sally Hawk, Editor of the Spanner and Director of Com-munications have consulted for MPPOA for 11 years and 10 years, respectively. During this

time, Maryellen has overseen a multitude of meetings and conferences, kept the membership materials straight and helped implement new technology. Sally has taken thousands of pictures during those meetings and conferences, reported on those events in the Spanner, and, simply, has kept communica-tions going within the organization.

A 1991 graduate of Michigan State University’s Materials and Logistics Management program, Maryellen worked as a Senior Buyer for the City of Lansing. Her extensive background in purchasing makes her exclusively adept at the job. Sally has her Masters Degree in the Administration of Education and has owned her business, Marketing Support Services, for 23 years. Both have worked extensively with other associations doing similar work.

In those years with MPPOA, Maryellen and Sally have been helpful with the development and implementation of strategic plans, the development of a web presence, the launching of the Reverse Trade Fair, and a the successful awarding for MPPOA as “Midsized Chapter of the Year” in NIGP. They attend board meetings, even via Skype, when out of town, and are there to register and record events such as regional meetings and annual conferences.

Maryellen lives in Lansing, with her husband of 13 years, Craig and their three girls, Grace, Claire and Zoe. She is an avid MSU Basketball fan and when not occupied with the girl’s activities, will use any excuse to find a beach and a book. Sally’s family is grown, but you may have seen her hus-band, Bud, around during meetings. A retired Ford Motor Company execu-tive, he lends a hand when needed.

Why are they smiling? They love MPPOA, of course! They are grateful for your support of their careers and the friendships they have developed through the organization. And, they must know as much as anyone about the subject of purchasing after attending all those seminars!

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EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS 1 Day—Mon., September 13, 2010, 8AM-5PM

City of Rochester Hills 1000 Rochester Hills Dr., MIS Training Room

Rochester Hills, MI 48309

Contact hours: 8 hours UPPCC* Re-Certification points: 1

Aaron Howell, CPPO or Darin Matthews, CPPO, will key in on the areas of contract administration specific to con-struction contracting and how they can best be applied to limit risk and liability.

The course is targeted to all levels of purchasers and man-agers, including project managers, who oversee the con-struction contracting function.

Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to: • Identify the key differences between construction con-

tracting and other types of formal contracting.

• Identify the key areas that require focus for successful completion of the contract.

• Explain techniques to reduce delays and overruns.

The pros and cons of different contracting types (design-build, traditional design/hard-bid; two-step RFP, and RFP/Hard-bid), the role of the designer in the process and the critical issue of insurance and bonding will be discussed. In addition, project management, change orders, claims and contract closeouts will be points on the agenda.

To register for the course, please visit mppoa.net. Fees and cancellation fees appear on the website.

Please note: There are scholarships for continuing educa-tion classes available to all MPPOA members, up to the full value of the course. Please contact Keri Bright at SMART: 586.791.4211 or kbright@smartbus.org.

CONTRACTING FOR PUBLIC SECTOR SERVICES

2 Days—October 14 & 15, 2010, 8AM-5PM Kalamazoo Co. Administration Bldg.

201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Committee Rm A, Rm 207 Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Contact hours: 16 hours UPPCC* Re-Certification points: 2

Faced with the challenge of identifying best value, can the public procurement professional successfully engage partners to achieve efficiency, effectiveness and the social goals of the community? Call it privatization, outsourc-ing, competitive tendering, or alternative service delivery, contracting for public sector services dominates contract spending at all levels of government in countries around the world. This course examines the process beginning from the decision whether to “make- or-buy” through the special considerations of the services RFP, the contract award and contract administration..

Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to: • Use a case study to conduct a make-or-buy decision.

• Develop elements of an RFP for ease and success.

• Develop and negotiate a contract.

• Know how to develop and use selection committees.

• Describe methods to respond to protests and disputes.

• Assuming the role of contract administrator, lead the development of a contract administration plan.

See a detailed agenda and to register, visit mppoa.net. Fees and cancellation fees appear on the website.

Please note: There are scholarships for continuing educa-tion classes available to all MPPOA members, up to the full value of the course. Please contact Keri Bright at SMART: 586.791.4211 or kbright@smartbus.org.

Professional Development

Pamela Rupinski RetiresThe Detroit Public Schools loses long time employee Pamela Rupinski. Pam worked for DPS for 35 years. She has been an active member of MPPOA, and will have a Lifetime Member Award as of July 1, when the retirement date is effective. Pam says, “I plan to get reacquainted with my gym, kitchen, bicycle and golf clubs during retirement.” We wish you well, Pam. Congratulations!