As part of our Emerging Professional (EP) committee’s commitment to growth and development in public procurement, we’re thrilled to invite you to our next virtual training session to be held.
Monday, September 14, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST
Theme: Small Project, Big Responsibility (A Practical Guide to Navigating Public Works Compliance)
Presented by Rudy Silva, Susan Knotts - City of Yakima
Small public works projects can seem straightforward until you realize how many details need to be verified, documented, and managed from start to finish.
This presentation is designed for emerging procurement professionals who may find themselves supporting or managing public works projects outside of the traditional construction environment. We’ll walk through the project lifecycle and cover the key compliance requirements you need to know.
Participants will learn how to recognize when public works requirements apply, what to verify before work begins, what to monitor throughout the project, and what needs to be in the file before final payment.
The 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.
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.
We need seasoned professionals to chime in and provide input/advice to our members. To join us, click here to register. Emerging Professional Program Round Table Session - Events - Washington State Chapter of NIGP.
We look forward to your participation!!!!