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Procurement Training

DAS Central Procurement Training
for Purchasing Agents (PA) & Agency Authorized Purchasers (AAP) 

In order to facilitate efficient and cost-effective purchasing in compliance with State of Iowa Code, Iowa Administrative Code (IAC), and DAS Policies and Procedures, DAS Central Procurement has developed a professional development plan for all State of Iowa employees designated to make purchases on behalf of the State. 

Procurement authority is limited to State of Iowa employees who have completed appropriate training for their assigned purchasing level. Per Administrative Rule 11 IAC 117.15(2), purchasing authority is granted to the employee who completes the required training, not the employing agency.

In addition to web-based modules, classroom courses are offered in partnership with Performance and Development Solutions (PDS), DAS State Accounting Enterprise (SAE), and the National Institute of Government Procurement (NIGP).

Required Training: WHO needs WHAT? 

Required classes for Purchasing Agents (PAs) & Agency Authorized Purchasers (AAPs) are based upon thresholds for purchasing authority classified as Level A, Level 1 (Basic), Level 2 (Advanced), or Level 3 (DAS PAs only). 

  • Level A Certification: Authorized purchasers at this level are required to pass the web-based training (WBT) module Buying Basics detailing State of Iowa procurement policy and procedures before making any purchases on behalf of the State. Buying Basics is strongly recommended for Pcardholders and anyone buying from existing Master Agreements (MAs), certified Targeted Small Businesses (TSBs) up to $10,000, goods up to $1,500, or services up to $5,000 (where no informal quotes or competitive bids are needed).
     
  • Level 1 (Basic) Certification: Authorized purchasers at this level must complete and pass six (6) prerequisite procurement code WBTs, and a ½-day PDS Intro to State Procurement Class. Once completed, Level 1 buyers are authorized to engage in informal quotes or competitive bids for purchases of goods from $1,500-$5,000 or services from $5,000-$50,000.  

For I/3 Users: SAE required classes include Basics of I/3 Financial (or equivalent experience) and Basics of I/3 Procurement. ​

  • Level 2 (Advanced) Certification: Authorized purchasers at this level (also known as “Advanced Procurement Authority”) must complete and pass six (6) prerequisite web-based procurement code modules, a ½-day PDS Intro to State Procurement Class, PDS Advanced Procurement Certification seminar, two (2) NIGP courses (Introduction to Public Procurement and Legal Aspects), as well as have six months procurement experience. Advanced Procurement Training is required for those obtaining quotes or competitive bids for goods purchases between $5,000 and $50,000, or service purchases above $50,000 (depending upon agency authority). Recertification must also be completed every two years to maintain advanced procurement authority status.

For I/3 Users: SAE required classes include I/3 Advanced Procurement for Level 2 buyers posting solicitations to Vendor Self Service (VSS). 

  • Level 3: The Level 3 designation applies to DAS Central Procurement PAs only. Training includes all Level 1 and Level 2 requirements and recertification, as well as additional industry education. DAS Central Procurement oversight is required for competitive agency purchases of goods above $50,000 (unless code exemption applies).  

Training Resources

Refer to the Procurement Training Guide to ensure the appropriate classes are taken. 

DAS Central Procurement

Performance Development Solutions (PDS)

DAS State Accounting Enterprise (SAE)

  • For I/3 Financial and VSS information and training calendar, see the SAE I/3 website

Professional Procurement Associations