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Inside the Mind of the Owner: RFQ Etiquette - What Clients Really Expect

May 07, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
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Prestonwood Country Club | 300 Prestonwood Parkway
Cary, NC 27513
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Navigating the RFQ process can feel opaque - even for experienced firms. What truly differentiates a strong submittal from the rest? How do clients evaluate teams beyond what’s written on the page? And how can firms build meaningful relationships without crossing ethical or procedural lines?
Join us for a candid, client‑led panel discussion focused on RFQ etiquette and best practices. This session brings owners and clients to the table to share their perspectives on the RFQ process - from how they develop evaluation criteria to how they assess teams, experience, and fit.
Panelists will discuss:
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What clients are really looking for in RFQ responses—and common pitfalls to avoid
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Appropriate and effective ways to get to know clients before and during a procurement
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How firms can demonstrate value, trust, and understanding without overstepping
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What differentiates shortlisted teams and helps firms ultimately win work
Attendees will leave with practical insights they can immediately apply to future pursuits, along with a clearer understanding of how clients think, evaluate, and make decisions. Whether you’re a marketer, business developer, technical professional, or firm leader, this session offers rare, unfiltered guidance straight from the client side of the table.
Meet the Panelists:

France Campbell, PE, PTOE, CM | Vice President of Civil Infrastructure, RDU Airport Authority
France Campbell joined RDUAA as the Director of Landside Engineering in May 2023. In January 2026, he was promoted to the Vice President of Facility Asset Management (Civil Infrastructure). In his position, he oversees all civil infrastructure on the RDU campus during a time of substantial growth and exciting projects. Current projects include the Runway 5L-23R Replacement Project, Runway 5R-23L Rehabilitation Project, John Brantley Boulevard Extension Project, Park Economy 3 Expansion Project, Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive Interchange, and others. Before working at RDUAA, France was the North Carolina Transportation Operations Manager for AECOM, where he worked for 10 years. France is a licensed Professional Engineer with 19 years of experience. France received his BS in Civil Engineering and MS in Civil Engineering with a focus on Transportation Systems from Clemson University. France and his wife Christina have three daughters, ages 11, 8, and 3.

John de Haro | Project Manager, Wake County Government Facilities Design & Construction
John de Haro has been a Project Manager for Wake County Facilities Design and Construction for the past 13 years. His project roles have included chairing many Request for Qualifications for the selection of design teams, base contract agreements, and contractors, as well as leading Wake County’s first Call to Artist for Public Art. Prior to working with the County, John worked for 15 years in the private sector with an architecture design firm located in RTP. His current position has allowed him to manage several of the larger, more prestigious Wake County projects, from new construction to major renovations. Bringing experience from his time in the private sector and now working with local government allows him to provide insight into the key aspects of an RFQ that are critical to making the shortlist when responding to a Wake County Government RFQ.

Greg Keel, PE | Manager – Rail Contracts Office, North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division
Greg Keel is a North Carolina native, born and raised in Pitt County. He holds an Associate's degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from Wake Technical Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from NC State University. As a licensed Professional Engineer, his career spans 40 years, with 10 years in the private sector and 30 years with NCDOT. The last 15 years includes working with the Rail Division as the Rail Division Contracts Manager but he also provides contractual guidance to the Ferry Division, Intermodal Division, and the Division of Aviation. Greg and his wife have three kids, one grandchild, one grandchild enroute, and one upcoming wedding.

Carla Daniels | HUB Program Manager, NC State University
Carla Daniels serves as the HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) Program Manager at NC State University, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting and advocating for the inclusion of small and diverse businesses within the university's Facilities Division. With a deep commitment to fostering economic opportunities, Carla works to ensure that minority-owned, women-owned, and other underrepresented businesses have access to state contracts, resources, and support to thrive within the public sector. As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Carla has been instrumental in shaping initiatives that enhance the participation of diverse suppliers in university operations and beyond. Through her leadership in the HUB program, she actively works to break down barriers, create awareness, and build partnerships that strengthen North Carolina's business ecosystem, while ensuring that diverse businesses are given equitable opportunities to succeed. Carla’s work extends beyond mere policy implementations; she is dedicated to driving systemic change, forging relationships, and empowering business owners to navigate the complexities of public procurement.

Chuck Scott, PE, CHFM, CHC | Vice President of Facilities, Wake Technical Community College
Chuck Scott is a senior leader and engineering professional with 30 years of experience in facility management, planning, design, and construction. His work experience includes 16 years in Healthcare Facility Management and Construction with UNC Hospitals, 11 years in Mechanical Engineering Design and Consulting with several engineering firms in Raleigh and Durham, and 2 years in Manufacturing Engineering with Mitsubishi Semiconductor America, Inc. In his current role at Wake Tech, Chuck provides leadership and oversight for the planning, design, construction, operation, development, care and upkeep of all college facilities and grounds. He also advises on the funding needs to maintain the facilities of the college and the allocation of resources for capital improvements, future growth and maintenance projects.

Matthew McCutchen | Project Manager, Meadows & Ohly, LLC
Matthew McCutchen brings extensive experience serving as an owner’s representative and supporting the delivery of complex healthcare projects, including critical care towers, academic research facilities, and ambulatory care centers. With a strong foundation in a Master’s in Project Management and a PMP certification, he brings a clear understanding of how owners can maintain alignment, manage risk, and support effective decision‑making throughout design and construction. His work has centered on helping clients navigate the complexity of major projects and building strong working relationships with consultants, design teams, and contractors to deliver projects that meet operational, clinical, and strategic goals. Matthew’s insight highlights the practical approaches, collaborative structures, and disciplined processes that strengthen an owner’s position and contribute to predictable project outcomes.
Meet the Moderator:

Rebecca Riina | Pursuit Manager, Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects
Rebecca Riina brings eight years of experience in the AEC industry. She specializes in developing data-driven pursuit strategies, coordinating cross-functional teams, and managing end-to-end pursuit processes to support winning high-value projects. An active member of SMPS Research Triangle since 2022, Rebecca served on the Education Committee (2023-2024), participated as a mentor with the Mentorship Program (2023-2025), and currently serves as the Director of Education (2024-present). Originally from New York City, Rebecca relocated to Raleigh in 2021 and is a proud dog mom to two dogs.
Items of Note:
- Lunch will be provided at this event.
- Space is limited - please register early. Once registration limits have been met, a waitlist will be created.
- Registration will end on Tuesday, April 28 at 5 pm.
- SMPS Research Triangle offers a discount for SMPS members who are CPSM certified. If you are a CPSM, please email [email protected] for a coupon code.
- Member of SMPS, but not the Research Triangle Chapter? Proceed through registration as a GUEST to see the discount ticket available to all members of SMPS.
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Cancellation Policy for all SMPS Triangle Events:
No refunds will be offered for any events; however, two options are available if you are unable to attend an event:- A registrant transfer of equal or lesser value can be made. Transfers include "Member to Member", "Non-Member to Non-Member", or "Non-Member to Member". If you would like to transfer from a Member to a Non-Member, additional fees will apply. Please email [email protected] to request a transfer.
- A registrant may request a credit in the amount of their cancelled ticket price toward one future SMPS Research Triangle event. Eligible events must take place between September 1, 2025-December 31, 2026. Requests for credits must be made prior to the event registration cutoff date listed on the event page. No credits will be given for no-shows or requests made after the registration cut-off date. A credit is non-transferrable. Please email [email protected] to request a credit.
- If you are an annual sponsor, event sponsor, or would like to become an event sponsor, please reach out to [email protected] for registration.
- If you have any questions about this event, please contact [email protected].
- SMPS Research Triangle reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by SMPS Research Triangle, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video.
- By registering and attending this event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree that SMPS Research Triangle is not responsible for any health-related issues regarding the event.
Tickets
$110.00 Walk-in
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