Upcoming Virtual Training & Webinars
Introduction to eMMA: Background to Basics | Register for this course here!
Wednesday December 4, 2024 | 2pm – 3pm
This training course for procurement staff provides a general overview of the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), including basic functionality and capability, as well as its origin and role in State procurement.
Creating a Sourcing Project in eMMA | Register for this course here!
Wednesday December 11, 2024 | 11am – 12pm
This training course for procurement staff demonstrates how to create a sourcing project using the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), including general project information, adding team members to a project, and assigning roles.
Preparing a Solicitation in eMMA | Register for this course here!
Friday December 13, 2024 | 2pm – 3pm
This training course for procurement staff demonstrates how to prepare an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for solicitation using the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA), including initial setup, pricing, and attachments.
Emergency Procurement: Policy, Procedure, and Reporting | Register for this course here!
Thursday December 19, 2024 | 10am – 11:00am
This training course for procurement staff provides an overview and understanding of emergency procurements, including necessary policies and procedures to conduct the procurement method accurately and efficiently, as well as complete submissions and reporting in accordance with State regulation.
Contract Correlation and Hierarchy in eMMA | Register for this course here!
Monday December 23, 2024 | 2pm– 3pm
This training course for procurement staff provides a general overview of the organization and structure of contracts in eMMA, including correlation, hierarchy, and identified linking components to understand the flow of downstream activity.
MDPA Certification Programs
The MDPA develops and offers certification programs for Maryland procurement professionals. Delivered by certified instructors and built from a balanced curriculum, the courses and training modules included with each certification program provide public procurement professionals with the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct effective, efficient, and transparent procurement in and for the State of Maryland.
Certified Maryland Procurement Associate (CMPA)
The CMPA program is the first tier of the MDPA’s certification series and Procurement Officer career path, designed for those starting their procurement careers or working closely with procurement. It covers the foundational aspects of State procurement, including small procurement, ethics, procurement methods, awarding, eProcurement , contract management, market research, scope of work, and the State’s Corporate Purchasing Card (CPC) program. The CMPA is also a prerequisite for the Certified Maryland Procurement Officer program. To register, (1) complete the MDPA Enrollment Form, and (2) add your information to the CMPA Program Enrollment List.
Certified Maryland Procurement Officer (CMPO)
Founded in 2020, the Certified Maryland Procurement Officer (CMPO) program is the primary credentialing path for officers and managers in the State of Maryland’s Procurement Career Group. It builds on the CMPA program, with a focus on State procurement law, competitive bidding, project management, and other key procurement competencies. Participants must be confirmed staff in the Procurement Career Group and have successfully completed the CMPA program. To register, (1) complete the MDPA Enrollment Form, and (2) add your information to the CMPO Program Enrollment List.
* List of Certified Maryland Procurement Officers.
eLearning Modules for State Staff
Maryland Procurement 101 is a self-paced interactive program for all audiences seeking to learn and understand the foundational components and principles of State procurement. Explore topics such as procurement hierarchy and authority, contracts and foundation for award, various procurement methods, and the State’s Corporate Purchasing Card program, helping to establish the basic knowledge and familiarity to comfortably pursue further procurement education. Click here to jumpstart your procurement knowledge!
Training Tools and Resources
Free web channels offer all training content for State professionals, including instructor-led sessions, webinars, and on-demand resources. These channels are regularly updated with new training materials, tutorials, and helpful videos.
For eMMA training, visit the eMMA Training Channel and the Maryland Procurement Knowledge Portal; for other State procurement topics, visit the MDPA Web Channel.
The Certification Programs Guidebook is an essential resource for State procurement professionals and MDPA training participants, outlining the policies and expectations set by the MDPA. After earning your certification, use the CLP Submission Form or GPS Continuing Education Form to track your progress and complete recertification.
We know the best ideas come from the experts – and that’s you, our Maryland workforce! The Training Request Worksheet is designed to help us better understand our State’s training needs and collaborate with you to create impactful learning experiences. Whether you’re looking to enhance a skill, address a gap, or explore new tools, this form makes it easy for you to share your insights and help us craft something great!
Frequently Asked Questions
How are training sessions held/hosted? All training sessions are conducted using GoToWebinar. For help using the GoToWebinar platform, feel free to check out this Quick Introduction, as well as this Attendee Quick Start video.
Do I need to register in order to attend? Yes, registration is required in order to attend training sessions on the days they’re held.
How can I ask questions during training sessions? Training sessions are conducted in listen-only mode, however participants are encouraged to enter their questions in a designated question area of the webinar control panel, which is explained at the beginning of instruction. Following each session, attendees receive a follow-up email that includes a compiled Q&A, presentation slides, a link to the video recording, as well as any additional handouts (if applicable).
Are training sessions recorded? Yes! All training sessions are recorded and promptly updated via the MDPA web channels dedicated to general procurement topics, as well as eMMA-specific content. You can also visit the DGS YouTube channel for eMMA instructional videos listed under the eMMA Buyer Playlist.
Are there additional training resources for eMMA-related sessions? Most eMMA training sessions are based on eMMA Quick Reference Guides, or QRGs, which are easy to use step-by-step instructions for completing tasks and processes.
Are all training sessions recorded live? Yes! Because we’re continuously updating our training sessions, programs, and support materials, the MDPA hosts all live sessions in order to keep the content fresh, relevant, and resourceful.
Do you offer training to the vendor community? Absolutely! As part of our continued effort to support State procurement, the MDPA offers training sessions specifically for the vendor community, focusing primarily on the eMMA platform and how to best utilize its full scope of features, tools, and functionality. Feel free to spread the word and direct the vendor community to our website for updated training schedules!
Where should we direct additional questions? For any and all questions related to training support and resources, please reach out to the MDPA at dgs.osp-mdpa@maryland.gov