Workshop Welcomes In-Person
and Virtual Attendees
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CP Hosts Hybrid Member Workshop |
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Choice Partners National Co-op marked a new era on July 15, 2021 by hosting their first dual-platform member workshop. Attendees were welcomed virtually via zoom as well as in person at the co-op’s Houston office. The quarterly event is held for new and existing members to learn and/or refresh their knowledge on the co-op’s legal compliance, layout and functionality of the website and direction on use of contracts for construction and maintenance. Lunch was provided for in-person attendees as participants had an opportunity to network once again after the long absence brought on by COVID-19 restrictions.
Choice Partners also offers member workshops to members offsite at their own locations to allow for more of their staff to learn how to use all member benefits without having to make travel accommodations. To request a workshop in your area, contact senior director Jeff Drury or assistant director Joann Nichols at 1-877-696-2122 or send an email to info@choicepartners.org.
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The Audit Is Done And The Results Are In: No Findings!
Whitleypenn, an independent accounting firm, conducted an audit of Choice Partners regarding the division’s compliance in dozens of areas, focusing specifically on federal §2 CFR 200 regulations. For the audit, the firm reviewed thousands of documents including invoices, contracts, policies and procedures with an eye on systems that support quality internal financial controls and compliance with the federal procurement standards.
Whitleypenn concluded their review with a “no findings” determination, which is a true achievement for a purchasing cooperative. HCDE Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Dr. Jesus Amezcua, said he doesn’t hear of other cooperatives doing this level of work. “This means that Choice’s practices are highly compliant and adhere to federal standards in every way.” Choice Partners Assistant Director Joann Nichols added that the report shows the national cooperative uses best practices in its contracts, operations and financial dealings. “The proof is in the pudding,” she said.
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Avoid Contracting Mistakes |
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Avoiding FEMA’s Top 5 Procurement and Contracting Mistakes (Cont.)
As we continue diligent preparations to see us through Hurricane Season 2021, we remind CP Members of special considerations when seeking FEMA reimbursement for disaster recovery. We’ve been counting down the Top Five FEMA Procurement and Contracting Mistakes that lead to de-obligation of funding. If you missed #5, #4, #3, and #2, check out the May and June 2021 editions of Leaders Choice. Now for the number one procurement mistake:
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Not Making and Documenting Efforts to Take All Socioeconomic “Affirmative” Steps.
The non-state entity and state entity must take the six affirmative steps to involve small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms in the procurement process. Documentation of these ‘good faith’ efforts is key to FEMA reimbursement.
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HCDE Interlocal Agreements with new members: Barbers Hills ISD, Mont Belvieu, Texas; Cisco ISD, Cisco, Texas; Deer Park ISD, Deer Park, Texas; New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M.; and Polk County, Goodrich, Texas.
HCDE Out-of-State new members: Barrington Public Schools, Barrington, R.I.; Des Moines, Des Moines, Iowa; Dover, N.J., Dover, N.J.; Greenville Spartanburg Airport District, Greer, S.C.; Holmdel Township School District, Holmdel, N.J.; John Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital, Inc., Marshall, Mo.; John Wayne Airport, Costa Mesa, Calif.; Loveland, CO, Loveland, Colo.; Pioneer Central Schools, Yorkshire, N.Y.; Southhampton (Town of), Southampton, N.Y.; St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, Utica, N.Y.; and University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio.
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Recently Awarded Contracts for Job Order Contracting IDIQ Minor Construction; Promotional and Commemorative Items; and Energy Purchase.
Recently Renewed Contracts for JOC-IDIQ for Modular Buildings & Related Items; Communications, Creative and Marketing Services & Related Items; Pest, Lawn, Pool Chemical Supplies & Services; Frozen Dessert Products; and Award Jackets, Apparel, Screen Printing and Embroidery.
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Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2021
NIGP Forum
Virtual
Sept. 1 - 3, 2021
TAC Legislative Conf
Austin, TX
Sept. 11 - 14, 2021
NIGP Leadership Summit
Anaheim, CA
Sept. 24 - 26, 2021
TASA/TASB ’21 (Hybrid)
Dallas, TX
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Watch the website for future listings.
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Do you know a vendor who has provided exemplary service? Have a statement to make about Choice Partners service quality? Want to share with others about a Choice contract that meets your needs? Submit your review using the link below. |
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AFTER SOCIAL DISTANCING RESTRICTION IS LIFTED, we would love for our members to host a training. Trainings are a great way to network and gain exposure. If you would like to host a training, submit your information to the link below:
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Let your contacts who are quality vendors know about these opportunities. They must register in our E-Bid system to do business with us. |
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