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.cityofchicago.org/dpsevents

DPS Incentives & Programs: Getting The Most From Your Bids

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

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.

The ABCs of DBE and ACDBE Certification

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

This workshop provides an overview of the City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs. Come learn about the application process and benefits of certification as part of the Illinois Unified Certification process with the City of Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.

Goldman Sach's 10,000 Small Business Information Session

Wednesday, August 5, 2018 | 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.

Introduction to eProcurement

Thursday, August 19, 2018 | 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.

Propelling Your Business through Aviation Opportunities

Thursday, August 19, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

The City of Chicago’s two major airports (O’Hare and Midway International) create more than$45 billion in annual economic activity and create 540,000 jobs for the region. This workshop focuses on aviation-specific contracting opportunities in construction, work services, operations and maintenance. Learn about the Chicago Department of Aviation and how to do business with the City of Chicago at its major airports.

How to Become Certified

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

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 form. 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 of Chicago

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

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.

Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP)

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

This workshop is designed to teach business owners how to respond to a City of Chicago RFP. Using advice from seasoned professionals, you will learn specific details about what evaluators look for in a RFP and how to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of a winning bid. Attend this workshop and you will learn how to navigate RFP specifications efficiently.