NCCCPG Summer Meeting Unpacks Important Procurement Updates and Best Practices
The Northern California Community College Purchasing Group (NCCCPG) recently held its anticipated summer meeting at San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC), bringing together procurement professionals from across the Northern California region. This well-attended gathering provided an invaluable platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and advancing professional development within the community college purchasing community.
SJDC played a pivotal role in the meeting’s success. The day began with a warm welcome from Augustine Chavez, Vice President of Administrative Services at SJDC. Following his remarks, Glenn Aguon, Assistant Director of Procurement and Contract Services at SJDC, presented compelling case studies showcasing successful projects using Foundation for California Community Colleges agreements. His presentation highlighted the significant benefits these agreements provide in terms of cost savings, operational efficiency, and streamlined purchasing processes.
Dawn Okinaka, Director of the California Community Colleges (CCC) Accessibility Center, offered an informative overview of the center’s extensive resources designed to assist purchasing professionals in understanding their crucial role in promoting accessibility and ensuring legal compliance. This was followed by an insightful session led by Johnnie Terry, focusing on value analysis as an effective approach to problem-solving and solution evaluation. Attendees gained practical methodologies to enhance decision-making and maximize value in their procurement activities.
Legal and regulatory expertise was delivered by Deidree Sakai and Reid Shannon from Dannis Woliver Kelley. They provided an in-depth discussion of the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) and related legal procedures, offering critical guidance to help participants navigate complex compliance requirements efficiently. Additionally, Jorge Burwick, Senior Program Manager, EPS, presented important updates on the CollegeBuys and Systemwide Technology Access Collaborative (STAC) programs, including a preview of the upcoming fiscal year’s Request for Proposal (RFP) roadmap.
The event concluded with a relaxed yet productive lunch and roundtable discussion session. This provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in open dialogue, discuss current challenges, share best practices, and strengthen professional relationships within the community college purchasing network.
Thank you to all who participated! The success of this meeting reinforces the vital importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving procurement excellence throughout the California Community College system. We look forward to continuing these meaningful exchanges in future meetings, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a well-connected and informed procurement community.
