Virginia Institute of Procurement April 2025 Newsletter -

Forum2025 Registration is coming next month! What's included?

Forum2025 is coming back for another unparalleled learning and networking experience with the theme, "Moving Forward in Procurement". Mark your calendars for November 16 - 19, 2025 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The Virginia Institute of Procurement (VIP) is committed to delivering the highest quality event each year. So, what’s new in 2025?

What's new for Forum2025?

Interactive Sessions - Including Salsa lessons
VITA-dedicated Educational Track - Focused on technology and procurement
Targeted Matchmaking for Suppliers – Connect directly with Buyers
Supplier-Focused Educational Sessions – Tailored learning opportunities
Closing General Session – Wrapping up with insights and inspiration

Returning Favorites from Forum2024!

Comprehensive Conference Schedule – A perfect balance of learning & networking
Top-Rated Speakers – Including Forum2023 keynote speaker, Seth Mattison and friends
Interactive Workshops – Audience-driven, hands-on learning experiences
Procurement with a Purpose – A service opportunity making an impact
Supplier Connect Expo – With new features & returning favorites
Essential Policy Updates & VRS Sessions – Stay ahead of industry changes

Registration opens May 16th:

Regular Registration (May 16 – October 3): $875
Late Registration (October 4 – October 17): $975

Stay tuned for updates on registration, schedules, and FAQs as we get closer to Forum2025. We can’t wait to see you in Virginia Beach!

We want your input! Whether you're a past Forum attendee or new to the event, we value your input! Please take this quick 2-minute survey and help shape the future of Forum!

Forum Survey

Forum2024: You can still experience Forum2024 through session recordings available via the VIP LMS now. Earn 20+ recertification hours by completing the curriculum before access closes on June 30th, 2025.

Review the Forum2024 schedule at-a-glance and session descriptions.

Get Your VCA with VIP

The Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) is the first step on your path to becoming a certified procurement professional in the Commonwealth. It is a prerequisite to obtaining the Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO). Learn more about the VCA program, then visit the VIP LMS to access the application.

There are several class sessions in 2025, but spots fill up fast! Upcoming 2025 dates are:

May 13-15
June 10-12
September 9-11

After VCA, get your VCO

If you are involved in purchases over $100,000 at your agency or entity, join us for the next VCO class on August 11-15, 2025. Review this VCO flyer to see if the VCO certification is for you. Remember, obtaining your VCO automatically will recertify your VCA or VCARM!

Claim a Seat in VCARM

If you are involved with contract administration at your agency or entity, learn more about the VCARM program to see if this certification is right for you. Remember, obtaining your VCARM automatically recertifies your VCA, VCO, or VCM! Visit the VIP LMS to access the application.

2025 Class Schedule

Cohort 2 begins: September 15

VITA IT Procurement Training Returns

VITA is offering three half-day training sessions to assist in understanding the IT procurement process. Each session will answer commonly asked IT procurement questions and inform agency personnel on VITA's processes, procedures, and role in IT oversight and governance.

Who should attend?

Agency IT resources (AITRs)
IT procurement resources
IT project managers
Information security officers (ISOs) and resources
IT subject matter experts (SMEs) and business owners

2nd Quarter IT Procurement Training

June 10 - 12

9:00 am - 12:30 pm Daily

Day One:

VITA Overview
What makes a Procurement IT?
VITA IT Procurement Reviews
ITIM Lifecycles

Day Two:

Performance Measures and Enforcement Provisions
VITA Statewide Contracts Overview
COVRamp (Formerly ECOS)

Day Three:

Technology Sourcing Process (TSP)
Contract Terms and Conditions
Cybersecurity and Risk Management

You are able to register for any or all days. There is an in-person or virtual option for each day; however, space is limited for each, so secure your spot soon! Search for the "VITA 2025 Second Quarter Procurement Training Series" course on the VIP LMS to register. Registration closes June 3.

For additional information, contact VITA Communications at vitacomms@vita.virginia.gov.

Join Us for a Virtual VAGP Lunch & Learn!

We are excited to partner with the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing (VAGP) for an upcoming Lunch & Learn session on Contract Administration. This course focuses on the critical aspects of managing contracts throughout their lifecycle, ensuring successful project execution and compliance. Participants will learn best practices for administering contracts, monitoring performance, resolving issues, and achieving successful contract outcomes.

Lunch & Learn: VIP Series Contract Administration

April 10, 2025
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
FREE for VAGP members, $10 for non-members

Register at the VAGP Website and if you have any questions, please contact Wendy Cole-Morris at colewe@staffordschools.net.

eVA V.I.L.T.

eVA Virtual Instructor-Led Sessions (V.I.L.T.) sessions are held every month. Sign up to claim your seat now on the VIP LMS.

Catalogs/Orders/Requisitions: Learn catalog shopping, punchout vs. catalog orders, filtering, & comparison tools. Understand order processing, change orders, receiving, & returns. Master the requisition process, catalog vs. non-catalog orders, & requisition copying.
NEW! Receiving: Learn the types of receiving, full order vs. partial order, and creating receipts to match the order.
Sourcing: Get insights on sourcing projects, RFx preparation, & unsealed bids.
Contracts: Learn contract basics, creation, & management.

Catalogs/P2P Orders/ P2P Requisitions:	April 8	10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
NEW! Receiving	April 9	10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Sourcing	April 10	10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Contracts	April 16	10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

*April topics have been updated and improved.

*Registration closes the day before the class is scheduled.

Looking for Certification Reinstatement?

Did your certification lapse recently? If you are within five years of your certification lapsing, you can have your certification reinstated without retaking the class!

To learn more about the VIP reinstatement process, view the Reinstatement Overview flyer.

Do you have questions for VIP that can only be answered in person? Did you miss the February Open House? Then join us for our next quarterly VIP Open House meeting on May 21!

In this open meeting, VIP staff will be on hand to answer all of your questions about certification, recertification, eVA, and more! Sign up on the VIP LMS.

Visit the VIP Learning Management System

Virginia Department of General Services https://dgs.virginia.gov

Virginia Institute of Procurement https://vip.myabsorb.com

Email: absorb@dgs.virginia.gov