The Fine PrintThe Newsletter of the Maryland Public Purchasing Association, Inc.

July/August 2007

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE-Deborah L. Meehan, CPPB

I can’t believe it’s already mid-summer. I hope you’re enjoying good times with family and friends. Personally, I love lounging poolside, hot dogs on the grill, and watching daybreak from my deck in the morning.

As your Vice President and the Chairperson of our 1st Reverse Trade Show, many of my waking thoughts this summer are centered on making the trade show a success. I’m sure many of you remember the movie Field of Dreams. When I think about this movie, what comes to mind first is the line, “Build it and they will come.” Well, we’re building it and both exhibitors and vendors are coming. I’m pleased to tell you that currently we have sold 19 exhibitor tables, 20 sponsorships and, as of this printing, 53 companies are registered to attend. WOW, great news for MPPA. When all is said and done, the funds realized following the event will allow us to increase the number of scholarships awarded and host a first class NIGP Regional Conference next year.

As colleagues, we rely on each other for many things such as copies of bids and contracts to piggyback, problem solving discussions, opinions and the exchange of ideas, and sharing information that affects each procurement office. On behalf of MPPA, I’m hoping that I can rely on you now. If your office hasn’t registered as an exhibitor, please do so now. If your MPPA member directory profile hasn’t been updated, please do so now. If you haven’t begun to share information about the Reverse Trade Show with your vendors, please do so now. NOW IS THE TIME … we’ve built it, let’s encourage everyone to come.

Deborah L. Meehan, CPPBVice PresidentChair, Reverse Trade Show

JULY 2007 MEETING OF THE MPPA GENERAL MEMBERHSIP WHEN: Thursday, July 12, 2007                        11:30 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. (Lunch at 12:15 P.M.) WHERE: Snyder’s Willow Grove Restaurant                        841 North Hammons Ferry Road

Linthicum, Maryland                        301-668-9500  COST: $25.00  TOPIC: “Responsive/Responsible – Definitions, Examples and Cases”

SPEAKER:Lucy Light Slaich, CPPO, C.P.M                        The buffet lunch included the following: Buffet MenuFried ChickenPepper SteakHouse SaladScalloped PotatoesGreen beansDeli Ham & Turkey, CheesePasta SaladCole SlawBread, Rolls and butterDesert Beverages

FUTURE MEETINGS AS FOLLOWS: Saturday September 8, 2007 (Crab Feast) – Kurtz’s Beach – Pasadena, MD Picnic and crab feast. Visit www.kurtzsbeach.com for information.

Thursday November 8, 2007 – Comfort Inn BWI Airport (The Rose Restaurant)

R.S.V.P.: The number of attendee’s must be guaranteed a week before the meeting.  Please notify Facilities Chairperson, Brian Snyder, CPPO, by either telephone at (410) 263-7944, e-mail at BDS@annapolis.gov, or fax at (410) 263-8120 if you plan to attend. Cost of the meeting is payable by cash or check at the door, or via credit through the web site at www.mppainc.org.

MEMBERSHIPDarla H. Herbold, CPPO

MPPA warmly welcomes the following professional purchasing practitioners who were accepted into membership on June 13, 2007 at the meeting of the MPPA Executive Board:

Richard N. Rawlings, Jr., DAWIAContract SpecialistNAVFAC Washington/Public Works Dept.U.S. Naval Academy181 Wainwright RoadAnnapolis, MD 21402-5006Phone: (410) 293-1304Fax: (410) 293-4383Email: richrawlings@yahoo.comResponsible for: construction, facility support and architectural & engineering services

Anne JewellProcurement OfficerMaryland State Treasurer’s Office80 Calvert StreetAnnapolis, MD 21401Phone: (410) 260-7903Fax: (410) 974-3530Email: ajewell@treasurer.state.md.usResponsible for financial services

Kelly J. RyanAssistant Chief, Procurement and ContractsMaryland Environmental Service259 Najoles RoadMillersville, MD 21108Phone: (410) 729-8511Fax: (410) 729-8280Email: kryan@menv.comResponsible for commodities, services and construction

3 New Members Approved for Membership.

RECOGNITION REPORTPam Jones, CPPB, MBA, CPM

Announcement s Please remember, if you’d like to forward information to be published (e.g., recent certification, promotion, etc.), please contact me at pam.jones@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Get Well

Harold (Hal) Good recently had open heart surgery and is recovering well. Hal welcomes direct e-mails at hal886@comcast.net, or you may visit his Caringbridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/halgood, for updates.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Hal and his family for continued success in his recovery.

Kudos On Your Accomplishments:

1. Vern L. Shird, CPPB, formerly Procurement Supervisor with the Comptroller of MD, was recently promoted as Assistant Director at the Department of Public Safety. His new e-mail is vlshird@dpscs.state.md.us.

2. Anthony (Tony) Reed, CPPO, former Assistant Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services, was appointed by President Bush as Regional Administrator of the National Capital Region effective June 11, 2007. As the head of GSA’s largest region, Mr. Reed oversees a real estate portfolio of 93 million square feet--an inventory of over 880 government–owned and leased facilities that house nearly 300,000 federal workers. 

3. T. Suzette Moore, CPPO, CPPB, Chief Procurement Officer, Director, Office of Procurement, Maryland Aviation Administration, was recently honored with a Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) award last week; 1 of 31 women honored in Anne Arundel County.

Thirty one county women were chosen by their Anne Arundel employers and communities as honorees in the 22nd TWIN awards program sponsored by Diane Tamariz & Associates/Moran Insurance and the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. The women and their companies were honored at an awards dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis on June 7th.

TWIN, a Tribute to Women in Industry, is a program of the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. It honors women at managerial, professional or executive levels who have contributed significantly to their companies' success. TWIN honorees receive an award and are asked to take part in YWCA programs during the year. Participating companies also receive an award and are recognized for their commitment to employing and promoting women.

Photo shows:  (From left to right): Diane Tamariz, Chair, Diane Tamariz & Associates, Corporate Chair, TWIN 2007;

Paul Shank, Deputy Executive Director, Maryland Aviation Administration; T. Suzette Moore, Director, Office of Procurement, Maryland Aviation Administration and their 2007 TWIN Honoree; and Joyce Phillip, President, YWCA Board of Directors.

New Certification/RecertificationIf you have recertification information or other certification information you would like to share or recognize, please let me know.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following individuals:New CPPB/CPPO (report from NIGP)

1. Papia Jones, CPPO, CPPB, Senior Procurement Specialist, Montgomery County, Maryland (April 2007-New CPPO)

2. Brandi Naugle, CPPB, Procurement Specialist II, Washington County (April 2007-New CPPB)

Recertification News1. Paula Mandelman, CPPO, CPPB, Procurement Specialist, University of

Maryland, Procurement and Supply

Take Advantage of Educational Aide Opportunities:

Currently, there are two types of educational aid available to members, as follows:

(1)The Stanley D. Zemansky Scholarship Program and (2)The Certification Exam Reimbursement Program.

Please visit the MPPA website to view the instructions and application for each.

CRUISING WITH MPPA IN 2007

Karen R. Luther, CPPO

The arrangements were made and you responded! There are over sixty (60) people in our group cruising to Bermuda on October 28 aboard Royal Caribbean’s ship, Grandeur of the Seas. Last year’s Miss Washington County, Carrie Shank, is now using the cruise for her honeymoon as she will be getting married the day before departure—please extend best wishes to the happy couple. I would like to have a group picture taken of everyone who is traveling with us….maybe immediately following Monday evening’s Captain’s dinner while everyone is dressed in their finest. I will attempt to coordinate a place and time for the picture and advise you before the trip. Remember that final payment is due August 4. If you haven’t applied for your Passport (required for the cruise), you may want to do so “yesterday”. Please check the U. S. Department of State’s web site regarding passports for further information. Passport processing time has increased due to the high volume of applications resulting from the law change. If you haven’t cruised before, I offer a tip: On the last night, you will be required to pack your baggage and place it in the hallway for pickup, therefore you will want to retain what you need (clothing, toiletries, etc.) for departure in the morning as well as a small bag to pack the clothing and shoes that you wore the night before that you couldn’t pack since they will have already collected your luggage. October 28 will be here before you know it, so get packin’!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Barbara Herron410-732-9564

BMC ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION IN SAVINGS ON COOPERATIVE ELECTRICITY PURCHASES; WILL EXPAND STRATEGY TO PURCHASE OF NATURAL GAS

BALTIMORE (May 7, 2007) – Since deregulation in 1999, the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC), a standing committee of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) has explored ways to reduce energy costs through cooperative purchasing. Between 2001 and early 2006, BRCPC solicited bids and awarded competitive contracts wherever it identified rates that were lower than “Provider of Last Resort” (POLR)/ Standard Offer Service (SOS) rates prices offered by utility companies. By purchasing electricity through fixed rate contracts, rather than paying SOS rates, BRCPC saved several million dollars.BRCPC determined that even lower rates and greater price stability could be achieved by making direct purchases of electricity on the wholesale market. This strategy starts with the real cost of energy and works up, rather than starting at retail pricing and working down, and eliminates middleman costs. The BMC board retained South River Consulting for advice in implementing the new strategy. Baltimore County acted as the lead jurisdiction and solicited proposals from over forty suppliers licensed to sell power in the state of Maryland to establish a contract with a supplier to act as an agent to purchase power in the PJM markets. PJM is the largest regional transmission organization in the U.S. electric system. PEPCO was selected to act as the agent. South River also agreed to furnish independent advice throughout administration of the new contract.

BRCPC estimated that local governments would collectively save at least $500,000 in the first year, including both dollars saved over the cost of retail rates and savings in administrative costs. Between June of 2006, when the new purchasing strategy was implemented, and March of 2007, the savings over fixed rate pricing totaled $10 million. The savings over SOS pricing provided by BGE, the provider of last resort, is $23 million. -- more --

BMC Announces Savings page 2

“I commend Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, who during his term as BMC Chair encouraged BRCPC to explore new options for purchasing electricity, for his farsightedness and his commitment to making the best use of taxpayer dollars,” said Harford County Executive David Craig, the current BMC Chair. “Having seen BRCPC’s success in implementing wholesale purchases of electricity, the BMC Board is excited about the savings that may be realized by applying the same strategy to the purchase of natural gas.”BRCPC is currently executing a contract with Constellation New Energy-Gas Division for natural gas supply services, with an anticipated savings of $250,000 annually.

# # #

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council is an organization of the elected executives of Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. The executives are committed to identifying regional interests and developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs which will improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region.

Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

“Enhancing Purchasing Professionalism Through Education”

YOU’RE INVITED TO MPPA’S 1ST

REVERSE TRADE REVERSE TRADE SHOWSHOW

What is it?The Reverse Trade Show (RTS) is an event where governmental agencies are the exhibitors, and outside vendors such as consultants, contractor’s, suppliers, etc., small and large, wishing to do business with the government are the attendees. Vendors roam the trade show floor talking to procurement professionals about their agency and its procurement opportunities, regulations, etc. The vendor also has the opportunity to provide agencies with valuable information on their services and supplies - all in one day, at one location!

October 16, 2007 Martin’s West, Baltimore

When is it?MPPA’s 1st Reverse Trade Show will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at Martin’s West in Baltimore. The Show will run from 8:00am to 3:30pm with two informational workshops in the morning and repeated again in the afternoon. Continental breakfast, breaks, and a networking lunch are included.

“BUILDING BRIDGES”Between government and vendors

Why hold the Trade Show?MPPA provides professional training and educational scholarships to its members. The Trade Show will help raise funds to enable us to continue to provide these great opportunities to the procurement profession, as well as to provide funds for MPPA’s hosting of the Region II Conference in 2008. The more agencies that participate, the more successful the show will be.

What’s in it for my agency?By participating in the Trade Show for a nominal fee, your agency will make valuable new business contacts as well as possibly help meet its outreach goals more effectively. It also provides the business community with the vision that your agency is “accessible” to the vendor community, making a win-win situation for both.

What’s involved?One day of your agency’s time! Two (2) agency representatives, per booth, to setup and staff the booth throughout the day as well as meet with vendors. You supply a table top display, information on doing business with your agency, agency procurement opportunities, business cards, etc. MPPA will do the rest!

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT MPPA AND EXPAND YOUR RESOURCES

REGISTER TODAY! online @ www.mppainc.org

Registration deadline – October 1st

To All Maryland Public Purchasing Association Members:

As you may be aware, MPPA is hosting its First Reverse Trade Show on October 16, 2007 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM at Martin’s West in Baltimore. This all day event will provide two 1 hour training sessions - “Partnering for Success” and “Proposal Evaluation”; networking with the vendor community to bridge the gap between Maryland’s Procurement Professionals and the business community; as well as food and beverages throughout the day. Vendor attendance is expected to include companies that sell various types of services and equipment from communications, financial services, engineering services, construction, office supplies, computer hardware and software, industrial material suppliers, printing and promotional supplies, police and fire equipment, uniforms, and much, much more.

This is a great opportunity for your agency to support the Association while making valuable new business contacts and assisting in your outreach efforts. This fund raising event will help provide financial assistance for professional training and educational scholarships for our members, as well as help us fund and host a successful NIGP Regional Conference in 2008.

We need your help to make this event successful. Register your agency as an exhibitor today. There is a nominal fee of $150 per booth - this includes 1 six foot skirted table, 2 chairs, room for 2 agency representatives, as well as access to the training sessions, networking lunch and snacks.

Spread the Word! Even if you aren’t able to participate as an exhibitor, help us spread the news about the event to the vendor community. Fax, email, call – we don’t care how you do it, but please get the event information out to vendors in your community, whether they are your current vendors or a potential vendor. Vendors who attend will receive the 2007 MPPA Agency Directory. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All information is available at the MPPA website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support MPPA. Thank you.

Mark A. Pemberton Deborah L. MeehanPresident MPPA, Inc. Vice President, MPPA, Inc.

Chairperson, Reverse Trade Show

EVENT & REGISTRATION INFO ONLINE @HTTP://WWW.MPPAINC.ORG/EVENTMANAGER/INDEX.CFM?EVENTID=2

REVERSE TRADE REVERSE TRADE SHOWSHOW“BUILDING BRIDGES”

Between government and vendors

October 16, 2007 Martin’s West, Baltimore

Register today at http://www.mppainc.org/eventmanager/index.cfm?eventid=2

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

REVERSE TRADE REVERSE TRADE SHOWSHOW

Diamond Sponsorship $3000: (**Limited to 1)♦ 2007 MPPA Directory - full page

color ad inside front cover♦ 4 free trade show entries♦ Name/logo on 15’x8’ Beltway Banner

in front of show location – Martin’s West for 5 days prior to show

♦ Recognition in media releases & on signs throughout show

Platinum Sponsorship $2000: (**Limited to 2)♦ 2007 MPPA Directory – full page

color ad inside back or back cover♦ 4 free trade show entries♦ Recognition in media releases & on

signs throughout show Gold Sponsorship $1000: (Unlimited)

♦ 2007 MPPA Directory – ½ half page color ad

♦ 3 free trade show entries♦ Recognition on sponsor signs

throughout show**Limited sponsorships are on a first come, first

payment received basis**

Increase your company’s name recognition among Maryland government purchasersBecome a MPPA Reverse Trade Show Sponsor!

Sign Up Today @www.mppainc.org – August 1st DeadlineSilver Sponsorship $750: (Unlimited)

♦ 2007 MPPA Directory – ¼ page color ad

♦ 2 free trade show entries♦ Recognition on sponsor signs

throughout showBronze Sponsorship $500: (Unlimited)

♦ 2007 MPPA Directory – ¼ page black & white ad

♦ 1 free trade show entry♦ Recognition on sponsor signs

throughout showGeneral Sponsorships: (Unlimited)Level I - $250:

♦ Co-Sponsor trade show breakfast, lunch and breaks

♦ 2007 MPPA Directory - business card black & white ad

♦ Recognition on table top sign during breakfast, lunch and breaks

Level II - $100:♦ 2007 MPPA Directory - business card

black & white ad

Disclaimer: Sponsors of the Reverse Trade Show, hosted by Maryland Public Purchasing Association, Inc., will receive no special access, treatment or fiscal benefits from MPPA or any governmental entity.

“Building Bridges”Between government and vendors

Sponsorship Contacts:Rose Harrell Suzette Moore410-379-5760 410-859-7792rharrell@mfca.state.md.us smoore2@bwiairport.com

ALL sponsorship payments and ads must be received by August 1st

DATES OF FUTURE ISSUES: September, and November 2007

DEADLINE DATES FOR PUBLICATION SUBMITTALS:

Friday, August 24, 2007Friday, October 19, 2007

Please send all contributions to:

THE FINE PRINTc/o William (Bill) Davis, CPPB – Administrator (Editor)Maryland Department of General Services -General Professional Services Selection Board301 West Preston Street, Room M-6BBaltimore, MD 21201410-767-4296bill.davis@dgs.state.md.us or1badd@msn.com