DPS offers 19 free workshops presented quarterly to educate citizens and business owners about the fundamentals of procurement and the latest developments in procurement and certification.

For more information and to register for workshops go to www.chicago.gov/dpsevents

Working with Assist Agencies : US Minority Contractors Association, INC. (USMCA)

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

City of Chicago Assist Agencies are comprised of not-for-profit agencies and/or chambers of commerce that represent the interests of small, local, minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged-owned businesses within the Chicago's diverse communities. These organizations offer many resources to help business at every stage of their growth cycle as well as connect prime contractors with certified firms for subcontracting opportunities. This workshop will outline the role and responsibilities of an Assist Agency.
Please note that agencies will vary each session.

 
Visit www.chicago.gov/dpsevents for the latest schedule updates.

Compliance 101: Honoring Obligations to Chicago Taxpayers

Thursday, June 6, 2019 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

This workshop will provide an overview of vendor requirements, including information about paying correct wages, the City's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program, and Chicago Residency and Project Area Resident contracting requirements. Learn about helpful tips on how to complete bid submittal compliance documentation and also gain insight on laws, rules and regulations governing compliance.

How to Navigate the DPS Website

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 | Workshop Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

The DPS website is the best place to find a wealth of resources relating to City procurement. Recently, the City of Chicago has refreshed the look of each department website, and some things have changed. This workshop will take you through the new look and feel of the website as well as all the resources that are available and how to find them. Learn how to: locate upcoming opportunities, bid tabulations, information about awarded contracts, how to identify primes and Chicago certified subcontractors, City auctions, upcoming outreach events and how to stay informed of all the latest news and updates.

Goldman Sach's 10,000 Small Business Information Session

Thursday, June 13, 2019 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

Attend this workshop to learn more about this innovative program that can take your business to the next level. Learn what it takes to grow a business, how to increase your staff, create effective marketing strategies, and develop important business relationships. This class with teach you how to apply for this free, competitive application program sponsored by the Goldman Sachs Foundation.

Workforce Development Incentives & Programs

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

The City of Chicago has created numerous initiatives to significantly increase the number of skilled residents prepared to work in growing industries. Ensuring that disadvantaged populations have access to employment opportunities in Chicago is a high priority. This workshop will cover the Project Area Resident Ordinance and local hiring requirements, apprenticeship utilization and ex-offender bid incentives. Additionally, the Department of Family and Support Services and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership will feature programs they offer.

Introduction to eProcurement

Thursday, June 20, 2019 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

DPS is continuing on the next phase of start-to-finish purchasing modernization via the implementation of a comprehensive eProcurement system. eProcurement applies digital technology to the acquisition of goods and services. It will allow DPS to collaborate with City Departments to create solicitations and contracts online, greatly reducing the time it takes to complete procurements. Come watch a demonstration and learn about iSupplier registration, how vendors will submit bids and proposals online, and how to view contracts and payments.

The Online Schedule A Application - MBE/WBE/BEPD

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | CDOT Computer Lab, 30 N. LaSalle, 6th Floor

As of January 1, 2016, DPS no longer accepts paper applications for M/W/VBE certification. This workshop will give a hands-on experience filling out the online MBE/WBE/VBE/BEPD Schedule A application. During this training you will learn where to find the online application, what documents are needed, and how to upload the documents. Be prepared to work on your application with the assistance of a subject matter expert.

NOTE: Please bring your username and password for the Certification & Compliance System (C2) and business Tax ID number with you to class.

How to Complete an Online Economic Disclosure Statement (EDS)

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | CDOT Computer Lab, 30 N. LaSalle, 6th Floor

An Economic Disclosure Statement (EDS) is required of all bidders seeking to do business with the City of Chicago. Through the EDS, applicants make disclosures required by State law and City ordinances and certify to compliance with various laws and ordinances. This hands-on workshop will go over the proper way to fill out an EDS and how to submit via the online portal application. Please note that all vendors must bring their FEIN information in order to create an online EDS account and complete the online EDS application.

For more information and to register for workshops go to www.chicago.gov/dpsevents