This course is funded by NASPO to be FREE for everyone.

Type: self-paced, online

Description: This course is designed to clarify the characteristics of effective specifications within public procurement. The course discusses common types of specifications, steps in the development process, and guidelines for writing well-developed specifications. In this course, the term specifications is used in its broadest sense to describe the requirements for the products or services that will achieve the users’ desired outcome.

Suggested Audience: Procurement professionals relatively new to the field, or those who are looking for a better understanding of effective specifications in public procurement.

Goal(s):
To introduce procurement officials to key considerations in specifications development from the procurement office’s perspective.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

1. Define specifications in public procurement.
2. Differentiate among different types of specifications commonly used in procurement.
3. Explain how to properly plan for developing effective specifications.
4. Describe appropriate market research required for specification writing.
5. Develop effective specifications for common commodities in public procurement.

Course Technology Requirements:

• Internet connection
• Support web browsers:
  • Recommended: Chrome, Firefox, Safari (latest versions)
  • Avoid: Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge
  • If prompted, accept all cookies and allow popups
• Access to Procurement U LMS
• Ability to play and listen to audio through computer speakers or headphones

Contact Hours: This course offers 3 contact hours for continuing education credit. 

IACET CEUs: .3

Course Syllabus