Nicholas E. Susi, M.S., CPPO

📘 Understanding Maryland Procurement: What’s the difference between an IFB and an RFP? At the Maryland Office of State Procurement, we know public procurement can sometimes be complex — but we also believe transparency starts with understanding. Let’s break down two of the most common procurement methods: 🔹 IFB — Invitation for Bid When price is the primary factor, you’ll notice use of an IFB. These are solicitations requesting sealed bids in which the lowest responsive bid from a responsible bidder wins. Think: clear and specific requirements, no negotiation. 🔹 RFP — Request for Proposals When the need requires a more customized technical solution, you’re likely to see an RFP. Here, technical and financial factors are evaluated separately, and solutions are required to solve statements of need. Proposals are evaluated based on multiple weighted criteria. Why it matters: Choosing the right method ensures fairness, transparency, and the best value for Marylanders. It’s part of how we make procurement work smarter — and serve better. 👇

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NYSOFA has compiled new data reports for: each county in New York State; New York City and New York State; and select data for the state’s 59 local Planning and Service Areas. The data is for planning and advocacy purposes. https://lnkd.in/e5-X-Uxs

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For local planning, public outreach and reporting efforts NYSOFA has compiled new data reports for: each county in New York State; New York City and New York State; and select data for the state’s 59 local Planning and Service Areas. https://lnkd.in/e5-X-Uxs.

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One week left to register for this free webinar presented by SPLC and NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement! The Maryland Procurement Academy (MDPA) provides training and performance support resources for State of Maryland procurement professionals, as well as vendors and suppliers seeking to do business with the state. In addition to content, resources, and educational materials, the MDPA develops training aimed at enhancing efficiencies, ensuring ethical behaviors, developing quality personnel, and supporting Maryland procurement for everyone. The Green Purchasing Specialization is a voluntary training program open to all Certified Maryland Procurement Officers (CMPO) and Certified Maryland Procurement Associates (CMPA). The training is conducted annually, and covers climate literacy, the green marketplace, Maryland laws and regulations, and how to green a contract.​ Learn how these programs are benefitting Maryland’s green purchasing efforts through education and how you can leverage their work for your own organization’s learning and development needs. Presenters: Shae Cronin, Maryland Office of State Procurement Victoria Nellis, Maryland Department of General Services Carlesia Byrd-Evans, Maryland Department of General Services Register: https://lnkd.in/e65XJa4x #SustainableProcurement #SustainablePurchasing #PublicProcurement

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The Department has issued the following request for proposals: RFP-2027-DPH-02-LEADC: Outreach Strategies to Increase Lead-Safe Housing in NH. Read about the request at https://lnkd.in/eE-x7bHQ.

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The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium has announced a new round of grants supporting community-centered local news across New Jersey. This milestone brings NJCIC’s total investment in New Jersey’s civic information ecosystem to over $12 million. Read the full press release: https://lnkd.in/efCfdFAF

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There’s no single path in public procurement. Courtney B Lattimore, Chief Learning Officer, DC Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP), shares how curiosity, opportunity, and real-world experience influence their approach to learning, leadership, and impact. Courtney has 20+ years procurement experience in both the federal and local sectors. As a 3rd generation Washingtonian, she considers her ability to live in and work for the District of Columbia an honor and a privilege. In this interview, Courtney talks about what they’re discovering along the way, how representation shows up in their journey, and why access and mentorship matter. ▶️ Watch the conversation and hear their perspective: https://lnkd.in/gXPAM-nX 🗣️ Add your voice to the blueprint. What leadership value, lesson, or piece of advice has shaped your path? Send submissions to membership@naspo.org for a chance to be featured.

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The NYS Forum December ’25 IT Procurement Workgroup session brought together procurement professionals statewide for a virtual program focused on two timely topics: the new Gender-Based Violence (GBV) policy requirements for competitive bids and the annual update on the NYS Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) program. The session began with the NYS Office of General Services, Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development. Dan Daley, Compliance Specialist, delivered the 2025 SDVOB Program Overview and Annual Update, highlighting program performance, upcoming initiatives, and guidance for procurement teams and vendors as we head into 2026. We then welcomed the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Kelly Weiss, Director of Gender-Based Violence Response, and Hilary Vandenbark, Assistant Director of Housing & Economic Empowerment, provided an overview of the new Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace requirements taking effect November 5, 2025. They outlined the compliance standards under State Finance Law §139-m, explained the certification that will be required with competitive bids, and answered member questions on policy implementation and readiness. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A and meaningful discussion among Forum members about how these updates will shape procurement planning moving forward. Thank you to our speakers and all who joined us for this informative and relevant year-end session. #NYSForum #ITProcurement #StateFinanceLaw #SDVOB #GovTech #PublicSectorIT #VendorManagement #ProcurementCommunity

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There's still time to register for next week's Public Participation Task Force meeting on Planning and Funding Transportation Infrastructure Across the Region: https://lnkd.in/e3NNt4YQ

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