Alex Forest
Ottawa,Canada
Summary
As a seasoned procurement professional, I have a proven track record in strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationship management. My expertise lies in developing procurement strategies, leading bid evaluations, and managing complex procurement projects. I have successfully navigated the challenges of public service and academic sectors - both publicly funded entities with strict policies - with a focus on sustainability and social procurement principles. My leadership skills are demonstrated in my roles as a team leader and mentor, fostering growth and success within my teams.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Supply Team Leader (complex and Major IT Projects)
Public Service and Procurement Canada
Ottawa, Canada
09.2021 - Current
- Major Procurement Projects and Contracting Authority: Major Business Transformation and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) upgrade on behalf of the Department of National Defence (multistage major project with RFIs, ITQ, RFP, with a total value of around $1B), Technical Debt Remediation Services (TBIPS, with a total value of around $100M) on behalf of Employment and Social Development Canada, sole source Artificial Intelligence Contract on behalf of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (with a total value of around $1.5M).
- Contracting Authority for multiple IT professional services contracts: Accelerator Services for Phoenix (PSPC client with a total value of around $30M), Robotic Process Automation (RPAs for PSPC client with a value of around $1.5M), and SAP Active Attention Support Services for SAP Sigma ERP (for PSPC client with a total value of around $4M).
- Contract Creation and Strategy Development: Leveraged past experiences and successful procurements to formulate strategies that not only benefit Canada, but also uphold social procurement principles such as indigenous rights, sustainability, accessibility and community benefits, thereby fostering bidder diversity.
- Statement of Work Preparation/Review: As an advisor to senior executives, I ensured the promotion of equity and fairness by making certain that the information is clear, neutral, and aligns with the organization’s values, principles, and policies.
- Solicitation Document Preparation and Review: Proposed strategies that minimize risk to Canada by eliminating criteria that could lead to biased evaluations during the preparation of solicitation documents, including Basis of Payment, and Evaluation Criteria.
- Bid Evaluation Leadership/Participation: Strived for fairness and transparency in the process by guiding and leading evaluation committees from evaluation to consensus.
- Supplier Negotiation: Identified client needs and priorities to foster a stronger partnership between the supplier and the client.
- Contract Issuance/Awarding: Prepared recommendations for senior staff approval, identified potential risks, and proposed mitigation strategies based on past lessons learned to prevent future issues.
- Contract Management: Acted as a mediator when relationships between clients and suppliers were strained, promoted collaboration that benefits all parties, made necessary amendments, and prepared the required documentation (approvals, summaries, briefings, etc.). for smooth project flow.
- Vendor Performance Management: Monitored progress against goals set by management for individual performance metrics (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)), and generated periodic management reports summarizing KPIs within the assigned area of responsibility.
- Coaching and Mentoring: Guided an intern officer and junior staff through their development program, providing them with hands-on experience and insights into the procurement process, thereby contributing to their professional growth and the overall success of our team.
- Acting role: acting manager for both teams I worked with, supporting senior management for periods of days or weeks.
Senior Procurement Officer, Operations & IT (complex and Major Projects)
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
06.2020 - 09.2021
- Projects and Contracting Authority: Procurement of Laboratory Supplies (ITQ, RFP, RFQ for an estimated total value of $50M); Security Guard Services (Multiple Contracts RFPs for an estimated total value of $6M); Shuttle Services (RFP for an estimated total value of $2.5M); Purchase of equipment for Machine Shop (multiple RFPs for various CNC machines with values below $1M); Furniture and design services contract for all University Departments (Supply Arrangement + RFPs for new buildings and laboratories for an estimated total value of $50M); CCTV overhaul, including asbestos remediation services contract (Multiple RFPs estimated total value of $1M); cabling services (RFP for an estimated total value of $1M); access control and security cameras (RFP for an estimated total value of $5M); Laboratory and Healthcare gas (RFP for an estimated total value of $5M) - this included a shortage of helium, where I had to work with the uOttawa medical school and VPs to determine the priority of delivery of the product; Protection Services Uniforms and Accessories (Standing Offer for an estimated total value under $1M); Gym Equipment and maintenance (Multiple RFPs for an estimated $1.5M); Sponsorship for the Gee Gees teams (RFP for an estimated $1.5M).
- Contracting Authority: An array of contracts in IT professional services, IT infrastructure, software licenses, parking management services, tent rentals for event planning, audio-visual equipment, catering services, scientific equipment, delivery, and mail services, etc., (each procurement had estimated values between $40k and $1M).
- Sole Source Contracting: I ensured that all sole source contracts or POs followed the University's procurement policy, including international treaties, as the University is a publicly funded institution.
- Emergency issues management: During the pandemic, many of the contracts that were in my portfolio faced a force majeure situation, all of which were dealt with proactively.
- Policy Advisory and Coaching: Led the sustainable procurement committee, providing guidance to colleagues, executives, and junior staff on best practices.
- Actively participated in the revision and update of university policies to uphold the highest standards of sustainability.
- As part of my coaching role, I mentored new and junior staff, fostering their understanding of sustainable procurement and policy development, contributing to the success of our team.
- Procurement Advisory and Specialization: Served in an advisory role to project managers, directors, vice presidents, and other executives, managing complex procurement projects from initiation to contract close-out in compliance with applicable laws, policies, guidelines, procurement standards, and ethical codes.
- Leadership in Departmental Initiatives: Spearheaded new departmental initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and innovating department processes, including project management methods and tools developed to provide better timelines and services to our clients. This included leading reviews and updates of the University’s procurement policies to ensure they remain effective, efficient, and aligned with the institution’s goals and standards. These efforts have resulted in streamlined operations, improved workflows, and enhanced policy compliance.
- Tendering (RFX): Collaborated with clients and stakeholders to identify needs, guided the selection of appropriate procurement processes, and coordinated procurement stages and timelines.
- Developed project management plans and RACI matrices for major projects.
- Evaluation Committee Coordination: Oversaw the evaluation committee process, ensuring that roles and responsibilities were clearly communicated, and evaluation criteria were adhered to, supported by rigorous documentation to minimize legal risks and protect the institution’s reputation.
- Fair Market Value (FMV) analyses were conducted, leading to successful negotiations, risk reduction for the University, and significant savings.
- Risk Management: I consulted with subject matter experts, legal services, and the risk management department throughout all procurement processes.
- Intergovernmental Collaboration and Relationship Building: Coordinated with municipalities, provincial government, collaborative universities, federal government, the House of Commons, and other organizations and government departments on collaborative procurement initiatives.
- Conflict Resolution: Monitored and resolved supplier issues until project closure, resolved billing or payment disputes, ensured complete and accurate recording of transactions in the ERP system, and performed contract close-out activities in accordance with established University of Ottawa procedures.
- Supplier and Contract Management: Identified appropriate KPIs for contracts, conducted quarterly evaluations with vendors and clients, identified and resolved issues, implemented solutions, and re-evaluated KPIs as required. This included drafting and managing contracts to ensure alignment with client needs and strategies.
Procurement Officer, Operations & IT
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Advisor and Specialist: In an advisory role to Project Managers, Directors, Vice Presidents, and other Executives, manage procurement projects (regular and complex tenders from initiation to contract management) in accordance with applicable laws, policies, guidelines, procurement standards, and codes of ethics.
- Tendering (RFX): Identify needs with clients (Project Managers, Directors, Vice Presidents, and other Executives), identify and involve stakeholders and potential suppliers, guide and select the appropriate procurement process, and present and coordinate the procurement stages and timelines.
- Evaluation Committee Process: Identify and coordinate the evaluation committee process by informing them of their roles and responsibilities, while ensuring that the evaluation criteria are respected, all supported with rigorous and adequate documentation to minimize legal risks or affect the reputation of the institution.
- Fair Market Value (FMV) Analyses: Responsible for conducting fair market value analyses, resulting in successful negotiation, risk reduction to the University, and large savings.
- Risk Management: Consult with subject matter experts, legal services, and the risk management department throughout all procurement processes.
- Intergovernmental Collaboration and Relationship-Building: Work and coordinate with municipalities, provincial government, collaborative universities, federal government, House of Commons, and other organizations and government departments on collaborative procurement files.
- Conflict resolution: monitor and resolve problems with suppliers until project closure, resolve billing or payment disputes by ensuring that transactions are complete and accurately recorded in the ERP system, and perform contract closeout activities in accordance with the established University of Ottawa procedures.
- Supplier management and contract management: identify appropriate KPIs for contracts, and conduct quarterly evaluations with the vendors and clients.
- When issues arise, identify issues with both parties, implement solutions, and re-evaluate KPIs when required.
Project Development Analyst (part Time Volunteer)
Mecka Inc.
Ottawa, Canada
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Proposal Development and Strategic Advisory: Act as a strategic advisor to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and President (CEO), identifying and applying for government funding opportunities for the ERP software development team.
- Craft comprehensive proposals for programs such as the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program.
- Training and Guidance: Provide targeted guidance and training to the ERP development teams on the preparation of project packets for funding applications.
- This includes effectively communicating the requirements of strategic funding opportunities, and collaborating with team members to develop proposals that align with program needs.
- ERP Analysis and Oversight: Collaborate with clients and programmers on the implementation, testing, maintenance, and support of the platform.
- Oversee the activities and processes related to the testing of the Mecka ERP platform to ensure alignment with client needs and expectations.
- Conduct audits to ensure the integrity of information entered into various procurement systems, evaluate error trends, and develop training to address processing gaps.
- Communication and Information Dissemination: Effectively communicate information about processes, policies, procedures, and application-related updates (system outages, new functionality, downtime for upgrades, etc.) to the sales team and end users in both official languages.
Procurement and Project Management, Research
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
08.2017 - 06.2019
- This role was part of the Project Management Office (PMO), research division at the University. The clients were professors and researchers at the hospitals and research institutions. The PMO supported researchers in their applications for large grants (ranging from $2.5 million to unlimited funds) to build new laboratories, purchase equipment, and maintain (and perform preventative maintenance on) the purchased equipment. The PMO also ensured that all grant policies were followed, including federal and provincial policies.
- Project Scoping: Collaborate with clients to identify their needs, and guide them in covering all essential elements (deliverables, goals, specifications, options, maintenance, extended warranties, certifications, deadlines, cost, budget, delivery options, etc.).
- Conduct comprehensive market research and due diligence to identify potential suppliers that meet the project requirements (e.g., RFIs, industry engagement).
- Budgeting and Risk Management: Prepare budget estimates for research grant applications, validate project costs, and conduct risk assessments during the application, finalization, and implementation phases.
- Procurement Management: Offer expert contracting and procurement services to both internal and external clients, ensuring compliance with supply chain management standards, and ethical codes, coordinate contracting, delivery and installation ensuring products were delivered on-time without issues (also conduct issues management when equipment was damaged or late).
- Ensure adherence to internal and external contracting, procurement policies, and procedures; conduct due diligence; evaluate bids; assess risks; negotiate contracts; and prepare recommendations for clients and upper management.
- Tendering Process: Assist in the preparation of tender documents, posting, question period, evaluation (and consensus), negotiations, and recommendations. Provide support to senior procurement officers in the preparation of complex tenders.
- Project Monitoring and Control: Proactively monitor the progress of work and the performance of suppliers to ensure that projects are on track, and contract deliverables are met.
- In-Kind Project Management: Work on in-kind projects, assessing fair value and in-kind contributions according to the policies and procedures, in order to minimize the financial risks for the University.
- Training and Recommendations (briefings): Proactively provide guidance and training sessions to peers and junior staff on procurement policies and processes, potential risks, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Utilize the Lean Six Sigma method to improve reporting and monitoring performance by eliminating waste. Conduct Excel and ERP training sessions, and prepare guidelines.
- Reporting and Recommendations (executive briefings): Conduct due diligence, and prepare briefings and summary reports for senior managers, directors, and vice presidents for purchase approvals.
- Support Services: Provide support to senior procurement officers, senior project managers, and directors during the application, finalization, and implementation phases.
Physical and Material Resources Officer
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
05.2016 - 08.2017
- Team Management and Coaching: Take on a leadership role in coaching and managing a team of two staff members, and several students.
- Focus on fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging professional growth, and ensuring the team’s alignment with project goals and objectives.
- This includes providing regular feedback, facilitating training sessions, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Procurement and Inventory Management: Serve as a key resource for the sector regarding procurement policies, procedures, and suppliers.
- Execute decentralized purchases of goods and services in compliance with all relevant policies.
- Manage an inventory of various supplies, track demand, and replenish stock to meet the needs of internal clients.
- Maintain regular upkeep of storage areas, and records of stored items.
- Facilities Management: Oversee the utilization of space across all facilities, including offices, meeting rooms, storage spaces, classrooms, research labs, and computing labs.
- Manage a space inventory, analyze and recommend space requirements, and assess the feasibility and impact of the recommendations.
- Financial Management: Prepare budgets for physical and material resources spending, and analyze and prepare financial reports for various faculty expenditures using the University of Ottawa’s ERP.
- Physical Resources Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections of infrastructure, furniture, and telecommunications equipment to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance with accessibility standards.
- Identify discrepancies, and initiate improvements when necessary.
- Recommend preventive repair and construction work to avoid larger-scale repairs.
- Health and Safety: Serve as a Health and Safety resource for the sector, monitoring compliance with all relevant policies to minimize risk to students and staff.
- Control security access systems, ensure proper maintenance, implement ergonomic recommendations, manage records of approved employee access, and ensure timely updates.
- Materials Resources Management: Manage material resources of the sector, ensuring the availability of equipment to meet ongoing operational needs.
- Act as a designated buyer for the sector, interact with suppliers to obtain estimates, negotiate pricing, and create service contracts in compliance with all relevant policies.
- Project Management: Manage assigned projects related to moves, renovations, repairs, and space setup for the sector.
- Develop project specifications, identify project steps, track progress, perform inspections upon project milestones, ensure effective communication among stakeholders, monitor project expenses, and resolve any budget variances.
- Reporting and communications: Prepare various moderately complex reports on the use of space, and other physical and material resources-related data for the sector, to provide recommendations to managers, and support long-term resource planning.
- Write and maintain procedure manuals for internal use on procedures, processes, and systems related to incumbent responsibilities.
Project Development Manager
DAI Inc.
Ottawa, Canada
12.2014 - 05.2016
- Strategic Project Management: Identify, evaluate, and recommend strategic funding opportunities (focused on Canadian and Ontario, e.g.)
- FIT, microFIT, ecoENERGY, etc.) To support renewable energy projects for Central American clients and Ontario First Nation communities.
- Liaise with internal units and external government agencies, and collaborate with the development team to prepare project proposals.
- Project Management: Develop project specifications and budgets, formulate SOWs, define project phases and timelines, and identify the governance structure related to the project.
- Ensure stakeholder support at the private sector level, as well as with federal and provincial agencies.
- Identify risks, and formulate strategic mitigation plans.
- Risk Management: Apply risk management skills to assess and mitigate risks for export projects, including the mediation of contract disputes.
- Take appropriate action, and develop alternative arrangements designed to transfer abnormal risks through risk-sharing between internal and external clients.
- Financial Management: Oversee the financial administration of the company, resolve billing or payment disputes, and ensure that transactions are accurately recorded in the financial system.
- Perform contract close-out activities in accordance with established procedures.
- Liaison and Communication: Establish, develop, and maintain long-term working relationships with internal departments and external partners, including a portfolio of more than 27 First Nation clients, Government of Canada officials, the Canadian Commercial Corporation, and international diplomats.
- Staff Management: Manage a team of six full-time staff members in the project development team, and multiple part-time staff members for specific, complex projects, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Sustainability Programs Coordinator (and Volunteer)
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
05.2012 - 12.2014
- Policy and Program Management: Ensured the University of Ottawa’s compliance with the Environmental Protection Act of Ontario.
- Coordinated various campus programs as part of the University’s sustainability mandate, including contract management.
- Asset and Space Management: Regularly inspected and managed spaces (warehouses, storage), with the objective of maximizing space utilization.
- Procurement and Contract Management: procured moving services and furniture installation services, and managed the recycling (including construction materials recycling) and garbage contracts on the client end (day to day). Created and updated a physical resource inventory on a regular basis.
- Project Management and Health and Safety: Coordinated necessary moves, ensuring adherence to all accessibility, health and safety, and space management principles.
- Collaborated with a team from the initiation to execution phases of new and newly renovated offices, ensuring that university policies and procedures were respected during moves, furniture disposal, or replacements.
- Recycling and Waste Management: Conducted waste, compost, and recycling audits, collecting data for gap analyses. Made recommendations to improve waste diversion on campus.
- Reporting: Authored annual reports identifying discrepancies and required improvements to increase sustainability on the university’s campuses.
- Supervision and Training: Supervised work-study students and organized training sessions for multiple volunteers (over 100 revolving volunteers) on the sustainability programs and work.
Education
Advanced Project Management Certificate -
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON01.2020
NA - Physical Geography, (Courses)
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON01-2015
B.A. Honours - Geography and Environment
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON01.2013
AEC - Accounting and Management
Cégep de l’Outaouais
Gatineau, QC01.2009
Diplôme d’Études Secondaires -
École Secondaire Mont Bleu
Gatineau, QC01.2004
Skills
- Process improvement
- Complex Problem-solving
- Change management
- Goal setting
- Client service
- Budget management
- Documentation and reporting
- Performance improvement
- Expectation setting
- Relationship building
- Problem-solving
- Complaint resolution
Publications
High-resolution stable water isotopes as tracers of thaw unconformities in permafrost: A case study from western Arctic Canada, Lacelle, D., Fontaine, M., Forest, A. P., Kokelj, S., Chemical Geology, 368, 85-96, 2014
References
Available upon request
Volunteercommittees
- Chair of the sustainable procurement committee, 01/01/19, 12/31/21
- Sit on the OSSTF (union) negotiations committee, 01/01/18, 12/31/19
- Sit on the University Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee, 01/01/16, 12/31/17
- Sit on the Facilities Manager committee, 01/01/16, 12/31/17
Othertrainingcertifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 01/01/21
- Yellow and White Belts, Lean Six Sigma, 01/01/18
- Supply Chain Management Training – Negotiations, Supply Chain Management Association of Ontario (SCMAO), 01/01/18
Timeline
Supply Team Leader (complex and Major IT Projects)
Public Service and Procurement Canada
09.2021 - Current
Senior Procurement Officer, Operations & IT (complex and Major Projects)
University of Ottawa
06.2020 - 09.2021
Procurement Officer, Operations & IT
University of Ottawa
06.2019 - 06.2020
Project Development Analyst (part Time Volunteer)
Mecka Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2020
Procurement and Project Management, Research
University of Ottawa
08.2017 - 06.2019
Physical and Material Resources Officer
University of Ottawa
05.2016 - 08.2017
Project Development Manager
DAI Inc.
12.2014 - 05.2016
Sustainability Programs Coordinator (and Volunteer)
University of Ottawa
05.2012 - 12.2014
Advanced Project Management Certificate -
University of Ottawa
NA - Physical Geography, (Courses)
University of Ottawa
B.A. Honours - Geography and Environment
University of Ottawa
AEC - Accounting and Management
Cégep de l’Outaouais
Diplôme d’Études Secondaires -
École Secondaire Mont Bleu
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