Small public works projects may look simple at a glance, but anyone who has managed them knows how many requirements must be verified, documented, and tracked from beginning to end.

This training is designed specifically for emerging procurement professionals who find themselves supporting or overseeing public works efforts outside of traditional construction. Together, we’ll walk through the full project lifecycle and highlight essential compliance checkpoints.

You’ll learn:

Our goal is simple: know what to look for, know what to document, and know when to ask for help.

Because in public procurement, a project may be small, but the responsibility isn’t.

This will be an interactive session, so bring your questions, perspectives, and real‑world scenarios.

A live Q&A will follow the presentation.

Just two weeks away!

To join us, click here to register. 2026 Emerging Professional Program Round Table Session - Events - Washington State Chapter of NIGP

Presenter Bios:

Rudy Silva III, MBA, CPPB
Rudy Silva III is the Purchasing Manager for the City of Yakima and a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) with a background spanning public procurement, grants and contracts management, and project coordination. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business.

Rudy oversees the City of Yakima’s Purchasing division, which includes two Buyer II positions and one Buyer I. In this role, he works closely with the Finance division to promote ethical spending, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. His work focuses on strategic purchasing, contract negotiation, compliance, and creating value for the community through thoughtful and transparent procurement practices.

Rudy’s career journey reflects a commitment to continuous growth and public service. Before joining the City of Yakima, he spent five years with the Yakima Health District, where he supported grants, contracts, purchasing, projects, and health initiatives that benefited the local community.

Passionate about professional development and the future of public procurement, Rudy enjoys encouraging professionals to embrace opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and remain open to learning and growth. He believes that strong public service is built on collaboration, accountability, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the communities he serves.

Susan Knotts, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CPPO
Susan Knotts serves as a Buyer II with the City of Yakima Purchasing Division and has more than 23 years of experience in public procurement. She earned her Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designation in October 2011, her Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) designation in October of 2013, and her NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification in January 2022. 

In January 2019, Susan was awarded the Platinum Level Certificate after completing 120 hours of public works contract administration training through the American Public Works Association (APWA) Washington State Chapter's Contracts Administration Education Committee (CAEC) in partnership with Municipal Research Service Center (MRSC).  In recognition of her professional achievements and contributions to the procurement profession, she was named the NIGP Washington State Chapter Buyer of the Year in 2016.

Susan's procurement experience encompasses a broad range of public purchasing activities, including project coordination, contract administration, and procurements involving Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and grant-funded projects.

Dedicated to advancing the public procurement profession, Susan has served in numerous leadership and volunteer roles within WA-NIGP. She served as the WA-NIGP Chapter Treasurer for six years (2016–2021) and currently serves on the Washington State Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Contracts Administration Education Committee (CAEC). Beyond her professional involvement, Susan is an active volunteer with several community organizations throughout the Yakima area.