Big Opportunities-Bold Partnerships Session 6:Higher Ed Procurement Process

Big Opportunities, Bold Partnerships. is a collaborative initiative between Radford University, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), designed to help small businesses better understand and access procurement opportunities in higher education. The initiative consists of a six-part virtual workshop series, running from June 2026 through October 2026 and will provide vendors with practical guidance on navigating Virginia’s eVA procurement system, connecting with buyers, uncovering contracting opportunities, marketing effectively, and responding to bids and proposals. The series will culminate in November 2026 with an in-person Meet the Buyers event (date and location TBD), where attendees will have the opportunity to network directly with purchasing professionals from Radford University, Virginia Tech, the Virginia Community College System, and other area colleges and universities.

Procurement can feel overwhelming, but this session will break it down step by step. Participants will learn the differences between Quick Quotes, Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Requests for Information (RFIs) and how to respond to each effectively. By the end of this workshop, small businesses will have a clearer understanding of the procurement vehicles used by colleges and universities and the confidence to compete.

Session Objectives:

• Provide information on how participants can distinguish between Quick Quotes, IFBs, RFPs, and RFIs.
• Assist participants in distinguishing the requirements and expectations for each solicitation type
• Discuss components of competitive responses

If you have questions about this event, please contact Kathy Deacon directly by email at kathy.deacon@sbsd.virginia.gov.