FIRST LOOK: PUBLIC SAFETY

Wednesday, September 2, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

As part of Emergency Preparedness Month, the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) invites you to participate in a virtual Procurement workshop with The City of Chicago Public Safety Agencies: The Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC), Office of Public Safety Administration(OPSA), and the Public Safety Information Technology, unit within OPSA (PSIT).

Learn what products and services the departments will need to procure in the next 12 months to assist in those efforts. As a result, vendors will be better informed about what goods and services they may be qualified to provide and pursue contract opportunities as either contractor or subcontractor.

WE ARE FAMILY! DOING BUSINESS WITH SISTER AGENCIES (CPD & CTA)

September 8, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Interested in doing business beyond the City of Chicago but not sure where to start? This workshop welcomes guest presentations that outlines the roles and responsibilities of how to do business with the City of Chicago’s six sister agencies: Chicago Public Schools (CPS), City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Public Building Commission (PBC), Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), Chicago Park District (CPD) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED

September 15, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

DPS is the certifying agency for the following certifications: Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business (VBE), Business Enterprise for People with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).This workshop will provide detailed information on who is qualified to be a Chicago certified firm. Learn out what documents are needed when submitting an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the certification process. Subject matter experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions about common certification topics.

PROCUREMENT FUNDAMENTALS: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY

September 16, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Do you have questions about how to become a successful bidder on City contracting opportunities? Unsure where to begin? This informational workshop highlights the role and responsibility of DPS in the City’s purchasing process. Come learn about different procurement methods and the laws which govern the procurement process. Once completed, you will better understand what it takes before you start the bidding process and your responsibilities after you have won a contract with the City of Chicago.

PROFESSIONAL DECLARATION OF ELIGIBILITY (PDE)

September 22, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Recommended for Attorneys and Accountants: The Professional Declaration of Eligibility is an innovative way of allowing qualified attorneys and CPAs to review, verify and attest that an applicant meets the requirements to become certified with the City of Chicago for one of the following certification programs: Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). This workshop will outline who qualifies to use the PDE program, and who is qualified to submit a PDE application.

INTRODUCTION TO ePROCUREMENT 101

September 23, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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.

HOW TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE ECONOMIC DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (EDS)

September 29, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

DPS has made it a priority to ensure that all interested businesses have the opportunity, information, and resources to compete for City contracts. This workshop will feature incentives and programs created to increase the diversity of the businesses that bid on and earn City Contracts. Come learn about comprehensive information on ways to grow your business, increase capacity, foster mutually beneficial business relationships, and be more competitive on City contracts. Learn about the Small Business Initiative, BEPD Incentive, M/WBE Mentorship Program, Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE), and many more.

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE DPS WEBSITE

September 30, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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.